Choose an Ovulation Predictor Kit

It can be a challenge for some women to conceive due to a variety of reasons, including age, menstrual cycle irregularity or other complications with the reproductive system. One of the easiest ways to increase your chances of becoming pregnant is to use an ovulation predictor kit. An ovulation predictor kit detects detects a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) or other indicators present when ovulation is taking place so you know when you are most likely to become pregnant. There are several different types of kits with various methods of detecting ovulation as well as accuracy rates, so it is a good idea to know what to look for in an ovulation predictor kit before you buy one.

Steps

Knowing What To Look For

1. Research the different types of ovulation predictor kits. The main types of ovulation predictor kits use either stick tests, monitors, microscopes or watches. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. You will need to determine which one will work best for what you need and what type of test you prefer.
   • Stick-based ovulation predictor kits are inexpensive, accurate and easy to read; however, they can be tricky to use for some women and can cause a mess.
   • Ovulation fertility monitors are electronic or battery-powered devices that can detect ovulation hormones either through urine or saliva. Saliva or urine is placed on the lens screen of the device to determine hormone levels. These monitors often provide more detailed information about hormonal levels throughout the month but tend to cost much more than stick test kits.
   • Ovulation microscopes test hormone levels in saliva placed on the microscope lens and examined after it dries. The presence of a "fernlike" pattern indicates that you will ovulate within 24 to 36 hours. Testing with these small, easy-to-carry devices is simple and convenient but they do cost more. Accuracy rates may not be as high as some other testing methods.
   • Ovulation predictor watches and other devices are also available. They use biosensors on the skin to measure chloride ion level surges in skin perspiration occurring about six days before ovulation. For this reason, this device can provide an ovulation estimate days earlier than estrogen or LH-based tests. It can also offer a six day window of fertility and highlight the most reliable days of ovulation.
2. Check accuracy. Ovulation predictor kits have varying levels of accuracy. Look for tests with accuracy rates as close to 100% as possible. This way you can have a high level of certainty when you will be ovulating and the greatest chance of success becoming pregnant. Many ovulation predictor kits are 98 – 99% accurate.
3. Compare prices. When considering costs, take into account the fact that some ovulation predictor kits are reusable. If you choose a kit that measures hormones by peeing on a stick, then be sure to get one that provides more tests per kit than the others do. Chances are you will be using your ovulation predictor kit for four to 10 days at least during the first month and possibly longer, especially if your cycles are irregular. While monitors and microscopes are more expensive, you can reuse them multiple times and not have to worry about running out of test sticks.
4. Look for simple readings. The less you have to interpret your kit’s test results, the better. For the most part, you want results that you can depend on with reasonable confidence. This way you can focus on increasing your chances of pregnancy at the most opportune times instead of guessing whether you’re reading the results of your ovulation predictor kit correctly.
   • Ovulation predictor kits that use test sticks often offer either a positive or negative result, so there’s no guesswork involved for you.
5. Think about convenience. Many kits require you to test around the same time each day during the week you are likely to ovulate based on menstrual cycle length. Other testing methods such as microscopes and monitors allow you to test freely throughout the month at any time of day. This can be helpful in pinpointing your hormone level changes and determining when ovulation is likely to happen in the coming months.
6. Determine which is easiest to use. Some tests use urine to measure hormones, so you have to either pee on a stick or dip the test stick into urine placed in a sterile container. Monitors use a lens screen to measure hormone levels in saliva or urine. Microscopes work similar to monitors and can detect hormones after saliva dries on a lens.
   • Some women do not like to have to deal with urine or potential messes. If this is you, then consider getting an ovulation prediction kit that does not measure hormone levels in urine.

Predicting Ovulation

1. Understand ovulation. Each month during ovulation, a mature egg is released from your ovary and travels to the end of the fallopian tube where it can be fertilized by sperm. The egg will remain there for 12 – 24 hours. If it’s not fertilized during that time, it will be shed with the uterus lining during menstruation. Your most fertile time period is during this window when your egg is available for fertilization.
   • You can get an estimate of the days you will likely ovulate by determining the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). You can also figure it out by calculating about 12 – 15 days from the day you expect to start your next menstrual cycle. Ovulation usually occurs sometime between Day 11 – 21 from the LMP.
2. Measure LH. Most ovulation kits use luteinizing hormone (LH) surges to indicate the beginning of ovulation. Estrogen levels are low when your cycle begins but rise when your egg is ready to be released. This causes LH to surge and push the egg through the ovary wall within 24 – 36 hours where it moves to the fallopian tubes to be fertilized. Measuring this hormone can be a very effective method of determining when intercourse will likely allow sperm to reach the egg.
   • The day that you ovulate can fluctuate from month to month and can occur any time during your cycle. Each woman’s cycle is unique, so keeping track of your cycle is the best way to tell when your peak fertility dates are likely to be.
   • It is possible to ovulate without having a menstrual period. You can also have a menstrual period without ovulating, which means you would not be fertile that month.
   • Sometimes you can have an LH surge that does not release an egg ready to be fertilized. It is important to remember that ovulation kits do not tell you that ovulation has actually occurred — only that it is likely to occur.
3. Determine estrogen levels. Many tests that use saliva check for an estrogen surge. This is because estrogen surges around the same time as LH when it is time for your body to ovulate. Estrogen can be measured in your saliva and creates the “fern-like” pattern that can be seen under a microscope.
   • Since a lot of estrogen tests check saliva, you shouldn’t smoke, eat, drink or brush your teeth for two hours prior to doing the test.
   • If results show up as a mixture of fern-like shapes and bubbles, then you are getting near to your ovulation date or right after it — but not quite there. Seeing just bubbles means you are not close to ovulating yet.
4. Check your chloride ion levels. There are products, such as microcomputing devices and watches, that measure chloride ions on your skin. They then calculate the days you are most likely to get pregnant using that measurement and certain algorithms. They give multiple readings throughout the day but must be worn for at least six hours while sleeping to get the best electrolyte measurements.
5. Monitor cervical fluid consistency. When you are going to ovulate, your cervical fluid will change somewhat and become wetter and more slippery, with the consistency of egg whites. Cervical fluid differences are unique to each woman and is something you will have to monitor throughout the month to get a feel for what the cervical mucus is like at different times of your cycle. The fluid may change gradually but is usually at it’s most “egg-white-like” consistency the day of and right after ovulation occurs.
6. Check basal temperature. Check your temperature throughout the month with a basal thermometer. When ovulation occurs, temperature usually rises about 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 0.2 degrees Celsius. You will want to chart your basal body temperature (BBT) every day and look for changes that indicate you have ovulated. Temperatures are usually lower during the first part of your cycle and a little higher after you have ovulated.

Seeking Advice

1. Ask your doctor. Your family medical provider, OB/GYN or fertility specialist is the best source of information regarding ovulation predictor kits. They will often have advice to give you about which products might work well for your needs and which won’t based on up-to-date research. They also often have years of patient experiences with ovulation predictor kits they can share with you.
2. Talk to your pharmacist. Your pharmacist is usually pretty well-acquainted with the products they sell at that particular location. They may have suggestions for you and can answer your questions or concerns about an ovulation predictor kit. They would also know whether some patients report better experiences with some brand names versus others.
3. Research consumer reports. Consumer Reports is a trusted product testing organization that provides consumer information on all kinds of products. They require a paid subscription, though, to access their detailed reports. You may choose to search online for product reviews of the ovulation predictor kits you are considering on sites like Amazon.
4. Contact the ovulation kit company. Most ovulation predictor kits will offer manufacturer contact information on the box. Write down some numbers as you browse what is available. Then you can contact each company and get more information about the products and have your questions and concerns addressed at that time as well.
5. Talk to friends and family. Ask around for advice on which ovulation prediction tests have worked for others. See if any particular brand seems to have worked well for friends or family members who have successfully conceived. They may also be able to offer suggestions on how best to use certain types of kits and what to expect.

Tips

• If you are not ovulating, continue testing for at least two to three months and then see a doctor. If you are ovulating but not getting pregnant, see a doctor after 12 months if you are under 35, or six months if you are over 35.
• Certain conditions may give you false positive tests on ovulation predictor kids. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), primary ovarian insufficiency, and menopause may interfere with results.
• If you don't get a positive result with one test, you may be tempted to try another test; however, this is not usually recommended. The most common causes of no positive results during the month are that you not using the test correctly or you did not ovulate that month.

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Sources and Citations

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