Ovulation Test FAQs

Ovulation Predictors >> Ovulation Test FAQs

Luteinizing hormone in elevated quantities causes ovulation. During most of your menstrual cycle, only a small amount of LH is made. But in the middle of the cycle, LH briefly and dramatically surges to facilitate the release of the ovum from the ovary. This increase is called the "LH surge" and precedes ovulation. Conception is most likely to occur within thirty-six hours following the LH surge. If you are trying to conceive, then knowing when the surge of lh takes place will help you pinpoint when you have the highest chances of getting pregnant.

Q: How do I interpret OPK results? Are lh tests the same as hCG pregnancy tests?

Ovulation tests function differently than hCG tests. A positive result on an ovulation test (indicating an LH Surge) is indicated by a test band that is of equal or greater intensity (equal or darker) than the control band. A negative result for the LH Surge is indicated when the test band is of lesser intensity (lighter) than the control band or cannot be seen. With a pregnancy test, you are simply looking for the presence of a test line (not faintness or degree of intensity).

Q: What is the best time of day to take the ovulation test?

Unlike the pregnancy test kit, morning (first morning urine) is not the best time to collect samples for ovulation tests, as LH is synthesized in your body in the morning and will not appear in your urine until the afternoon. The ideal time to collect a urine sample is in the afternoon, though testing may safely take place from 10am to early evening.

Q: Should I take the test the same time every day?

Yes: To optimize accuracy of results, test at the same time each day. Reduce your liquid intake around 2 hours before testing as a diluted liquid sample can hinder detection of the lh surge.

Q: How long after my LH surge will ovulation take place?

Generally, ovulation will take place 12-48 hours after the LH surge is first detected (using afternoon urine samples), though 36 hours is considered to be the average length of time following the LH surge. Once you get a positive, you know you are at peak fertility. Timing intercourse will increase your odds of conception.

Q: When I get a positive result, when is the best time to have sex?

To increase the chance of conceiving, it is recommended to time intercourse the day of the LH surge as well as following three days after.

Q: Does the appearance of faint 'test band' indicate an LH surge?

A faint test line does not indicate a positive result for an LH surge. While the presence of a faint line on a pregnancy test may indicate a positive result, a faint line on an ovulation test, it is always negative.

Q: Does taking my basal body temperature tell me the same thing as an OPK?

Basal Body Temperature only tells of your LH surge after it is over. That is why the BBT method cannot predict the LH surge. Ovulation tests will tell you - with pinpoint accuracy - when your chances for conception are greatest.

Q: Can OPKs be used as contraception devices?

Ovulation tests are designed to help facilitate pregnancy. They are not recommended for contraception.

Q: Can clomid interfere with test results or cause false positives?

Clomid may cause a false positive result if you begin testing for ovulation too early in your menstrual cycle. Please consult with your doctor about how to use OPKs in conjunction with Clomid - or other fertility and prescription medications.

Q: Does a light test line and a dark control line indicate a positive result?

Ovulation tests are not the same as pregnancy tests - especially when it comes to interpreting results. The results are only positive if the test line is equal to or darker than the control line. Do not try to second guess an ovulation test. While a faint test line may indicate that the lh surge has started, it may also simply be the result of naturally low levels of LH that may be in your system normally throughout your cycle.

Q: I had a positive result yesterday and today. Does that mean there is something wrong?

Some women experience 2 and more rarely 3 days of an lh surge. Such results may indicate that your the tests detected the LH Surge on the way up (lh increase) and again on the way down again (lh surge decrease).

Q: What if I experience a BBT thermal shift but the ovulation tests failed to detect my LH Surge?

It is possible to miss the surge. If you have a test line that is fairly dark one day then very light the next, you may have missed the actual surge. If your thermal shift occurs, you probably ovulated. It may be a good idea to test twice a day when you feel that you are close to ovulating. Another possibility is that you didn't hold your urine long enough (resulting in a diluted sample).

Other Notes from the Manufacturer

1) Should I restrict my diet before taking the test?
No, diet will not affect the test results.

2) Does alcohol, aspirin, or any other common drug affect the test?
No, but some hormonal medications can interfere with test results. If such medications are being taken or are suspected, seek professional advice from a physician to confirm the test results.

3) Should the test be used for contraception?
No, the test is not designed to prevent or help prevent conception and should not be used to do so.

4) Why is first morning urine not a good sample?
If first morning urine is used with the test, the first day of the LH surge may not be detected. The best time to collect the urine is between 10:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M.. Always try to collect it at about the same time each day.

5) Today's control band is a different shade of red than yesterday's control band. Is this a concern?
No. Variations in the color of the control band will not affect the test result. Always compare the color of the test band to that of the control band of the same device on the day the test is performed. Do not compare bands from different devices.

6) Can test results be interpreted after ten minutes?
No. Test results must be read at 10 minutes. Though a positive result should not change for several days, a negative result may change to a false positive within minutes after the end of the testing period, which would not be an accurate reading. It is always best to read the results at the 10 minute testing period and then discard the test to avoid confusion.

7) A pink background color and vertical streaking appeared in the result area during the testing period. Is this a concern?
No. Each urine sample will vary in its chemical makeup, as will the humidity of the air in testing chamber (room). Such variations in physical conditions can cause the vertical streaking and/or the pink-rose background color but will not affect the test results. As long as the control band appears within five minutes, the test is working properly.

Other Resources
Fertility Blend and FertilAid Fertility Supplements
Clomid, Pre-Seed, and Fertility Charting
Cervical Mucus and Evening Primrose Oil
Herbal Fertility Support: Vitex
Fertility Pills: from Clomid to FertilityBlend

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• Ovulation and Pregnancy Test FAQ
• Ovulation Test FAQs
• Fertility & Ovulation Predictor Tests
• How do Ovulation Tests predict fertility?
• How do I interpret ovulation test results?
• How do I determine when to begin testing for ovulation?
• Help using ovulation tests
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• Ovulation Microscopes: Instructions & FAQ
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• Predicting Ovulation with the ClearBlue Fertility Monitor
• Fertility Charting with a Saliva Ovulation Microscope
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• A Game Plan for Getting Pregnant with an Irregular Cycle!