What to do if your ovulation test is positive. When to conceive after testing positive for ovulation? When to have sex to conceive if your ovulation test is positive

Ovulation is the main stage in the menstrual cycle. This period is the most favorable for the conception of a child. It is advisable for a woman who dreams of a baby to know exactly when ovulation occurs in her body. To determine there are tests for ovulation.

Ovulation is the exit from the ovary of a mature egg, ready for fertilization. After ovulation, a woman can become pregnant within two days. If the egg is not fertilized within 48 hours, then it will die and you will have to wait for the next month to conceive a child. If there was sexual intercourse 3 days before ovulation, then there is also a chance of getting pregnant, since the sperm cells retain their activity for exactly that long time and will be able to "wait" for the release of the egg from the ovary.

Ovulation occurs at about the 14th day of the menstrual cycle if its duration is 28 days. However, this information should not be relied upon. The onset of ovulation depends on many individual factors. You can find out the exact time of ovulation using special tests.

How the test works

Each menstrual cycle is the maturation of one follicle in the ovaries, less often - two or more. As they mature, the cells of the follicle produce female hormones called estrogens. The larger the follicle becomes, the more its cells produce estrogen.

When the level of these estrogens reaches a level that will be sufficient for ovulation, luteinizing hormone (abbreviated - LH) is released, after which, within about one to two days, the follicle ruptures (or simply ovulation) and the egg, which is ready for fertilization, rushes directly into the fallopian tube - to meet with sperm. The time of follicle development may differ slightly not only in several different women, but even in the same one - in different cycles.

So, the action of modern ovulation tests is based on determining the moment of a sudden increase in the urine level of LH.

Determining the timing of ovulation using tests

There are various methods and means by which you can determine the most favorable time for conceiving a baby. Special ovulation tests are very simple and easy to use. Each package contains instructions for an ovulation test.

Tests can detect an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Its amount increases in the body 1-2 days before ovulation. A woman who wants to get pregnant should plan sexual contact with a partner at this time. The fair sex, not ready for pregnancy, should be protected during this period.

You can buy an ovulation test at any pharmacy. Experts can offer several products of various brands, differing in sensitivity. The prices for instructional ovulation tests are quite high. Before buying, you can read reviews on the Internet about specific products or ask for advice from friends who have previously used ovulation tests.

From what day should ovulation tests be used?

The time to start testing should be determined based on the length of your cycle. The very first day of your menstrual cycle is the day your period started. Cycle length is the number of days that elapsed from the very first day of the most recent period to the very first day of the beginning of the next.

If your cycle is always regular, of the same duration, then you should start doing ovulation tests seventeen days before the start of the next menstruation, because after ovulation, the corpus luteum phase lasts 12-16 days (on average, 14). For example, if the length of your menstrual cycle is 28 days, then testing should start from about the 11th day, and if 32 - then from the 15th.

If the cycle time is not constant, you need to choose the shortest cycle in the last six months and use its duration to accurately calculate the day when you need to start testing. In the presence of long delays and lack of regularity, using tests alone without additional monitoring of follicles and ovulation is not reasonable.

With daily use (or even better twice a day - morning and evening), ovulation tests give excellent results, especially when combined with ultrasound. When using ultrasound control, you can not waste tests in vain, but wait a while until the follicle can reach a size of about 18-20 millimeters, and is able to ovulate. It is then that you can confidently start doing tests daily.

Ovulation test rules

Before using the ovulation test, you need to determine the duration of the menstrual cycle. To do this, you need to count the number of days that have passed from the first day of the previous menstruation to the first day of the next. With a regular cycle, tests can be started up to 17 days before your period starts.

For example, if the cycle duration is 30 days, then testing can start from day 13. If the cycle length is constantly changing, then you need to choose the shortest cycle that was in the last six months, and apply it to calculate the first day from which you will need to start using the tests.

To get reliable results after testing, you need to carefully read the instructions for the test before using it.

The stages of the test are as follows:

  1. collect urine in a clean and dry container;
  2. open a sealed bag with dough;
  3. place the test in urine up to the special mark for 5 seconds;
  4. put the test on a dry and flat surface;
  5. see the results in 10 minutes.

There are several requirements to be met when testing. The correctness of the subsequent result depends on them. Firstly, you do not need to use the very first morning urine for testing, since the level of the hormone is higher in the morning hours. As a consequence, the test result will be incorrect. It is advisable to conduct an ovulation test at the same time every day. The most favorable period for testing is from 10 am to 8 pm.

Second, you should refrain from urinating for at least 4 hours prior to testing. Thirdly, you should not drink a lot of liquid before the test. Because of this, the amount of LH in the urine may decrease and the test result will be unreliable. Fourthly, you need to remove the test from the sealed package before testing. Until the analysis is carried out, it must be free from dirt or moisture. In no case should you touch the reaction zone with your hands. All these requirements are specified in the instructions for Eviplan ovulation tests and for products from other brands.

Interpretation of test results

To determine the test results, compare the control strip located at the edge of the test field with the test line. Both stripes appear after analysis within a few minutes.

The result will be negative if the test line is not visible or is fainter than the control line. This will mean that the level of LH in the body has not increased, which means that ovulation has not yet occurred.

The result will be positive if the test line is darker than the control strip or the same brightness. This will indicate a sharp release of LH and the onset of ovulation within 24-48 hours. Thus, the next 2 days after the increase in LH levels are most suitable for conception. If intercourse occurs within 48 hours, then the chance of getting pregnant will be maximum.

There are times when the control strip does not appear at all. Most likely, the test was found to be defective or the testing was carried out incorrectly. That is why it is necessary to carefully read the information in the instructions for the Solo ovulation tests and other means.

Erroneous results

Unfortunately, ovulation tests may not show ovulation itself, but only a slight change in the dynamics of LH levels. A sharp rise in LH is very characteristic of ovulation, but the rise in luteinizing hormone itself cannot give one hundred percent guarantee that this event is associated with ovulation and the latter has definitely taken place.

An increase in the amount of luteinizing hormone can also occur in other situations - with ovarian depletion syndrome, hormonal dysfunction, renal failure, postmenopausal women and other disorders. Thus, for any permanent or temporary dysfunction (including immediately after the withdrawal of synthetic hormonal drugs or an abrupt switch to a raw food / vegetarian diet), tests may show false positive results. In addition, false positives are possible under the influence of other hormones that are absolutely not associated with changes in LH levels.

For example, in the presence of a pregnancy hormone, tests can give a positive result due to some similarity in molecular structure with LH (in structure, luteinizing hormone is similar to some other hormones-glycoproteins - TSH, hCG, FSH), as many pregnant women have already been able to see for themselves. women. That is, an ovulation test during pregnancy may well give a false positive result. When ovulation is stimulated after injections of hCG, tests can also show a positive result, which is absolutely not associated with an increase in the content of luteinizing hormone.

Ovulation tests after hCG injections are absolutely not informative. It is possible that fluctuations in some other hormones (TSH, FSH) and even dietary habits (phytohormones contained in plants) may somewhat affect the results of such tests.

Therefore, in the absence of menstruation or if you suspect any hormonal imbalance, you should not rely only on test results. In such cases, the timing and presence of ovulation should be determined using more reliable diagnostic methods. For example, using an ultrasound examination.

Ovulation tests are sold in many pharmacies and are presented there in a fairly wide range.

Types of tests

In modern pharmacies, tests designed to determine ovulation are presented as:

  1. Test strips... Most likely, you are already familiar with this type of pregnancy tests - a thin strip of special paper that is impregnated with a special reagent. An ovulation test is a similar strip that should be immersed in urine for a while, after which a result will appear after a while. Such ovulation tests are not very accurate and have their drawbacks.
  2. Test plates (or test cassettes). Similar tests also have analogues among pregnancy tests. The test tablet is a plastic case with a small window. This test must be placed under a stream of urine or just drip a little urine on it - and after a few minutes you can see the result in the window. The test plates are very reliable, but they also cost a little more.
  3. Inkjet tests... These are the most reliable ovulation tests available today. This ovulation test is dropped directly into a container with urine or simply placed under the stream of urine - and after a few minutes you can see the result.
  4. Reusable ovulation tests... Basically, they are a portable meter with a whole set of test strips. These strips are dipped into urine, then they are inserted into the device - and very soon you will be able to find out the result.
  5. Electronic ovulation tests... These tests do not "respond" to urine, but to the woman's saliva. A small amount of saliva should be placed under the lens, and then either look at a special sensor, or through the microscope that comes with the lens, observe the pattern on the saliva. What a specific pattern means is written in the instructions. Such tests for ovulation are quite expensive, but they definitely have no competitors in terms of reliability!

True, when you are going to do an ovulation test, you should remember that all of the above tests may not show the exact timing of ovulation, but the timing of the release of LH into the body, after which ovulation should occur. This must be taken into account when conducting such tests.

At the moment, several companies produce ovulation tests. The most famous among them are Frautest, Eviplan and Clearblue.

Frautest

The Frautest Ovulation Test is one of the most reliable ways to measure your LH surge. The package contains 5 strips in sealed bags and instructions for the Frautest ovulation test. For a woman with a constant menstrual cycle, 5 days will be enough to determine the level of LH.

The instructions note that a positive result can be seen 40 seconds after the end of testing. To confirm a negative result, you need to wait 10 minutes. It is pointless to interpret the test results later. Test sensitivity - 30 mIU / ml.

Frautest also produces special kits with ovulation and pregnancy tests. They are very economical. One package contains 5 ovulation test strips, 2 pregnancy test strips, instructions for ovulation and pregnancy tests, 7 special containers designed to collect urine.

There are also special Frautest cassettes that allow you to determine the level of LH. The package includes 7 test cassettes. This remedy is suitable for women with irregular menstrual periods. Before use, be sure to read Fraute's instructions for ovulation, since the methods of using cassettes and strips are slightly different from each other. The test is very easy to use. You don't have to collect urine in a separate bowl. The receiving part of the cassette will need to be placed under the stream of urine for a few seconds.

Eviplan

Ovulation test strips are available under the Eviplan brand. Their sensitivity is 25 mIU / ml. The instructions for the Eviplan ovulation test indicate that the result can be seen 5 minutes after testing.

Eviplan inkjet tests have the same sensitivity as the strips of this brand. One package contains 5 cassettes. They ensure hygienic testing and accurate results. In the detailed instructions you can find answers to all incomprehensible questions.

Solo

Pharmasco's Solo inkjet tests are one of the best ovulation tests available. Each package contains 5 tests. The instructions have a special table, thanks to which you can determine the specific day when you need to start testing. For most women, one bottle is enough to measure LH release.

There is a mini-format for Solo tests. It is a set of 5 test strips. The package also includes a free sensitive pregnancy test and instructions for the Solo ovulation test. After ovulation and anticipated conception, it is advisable to test for pregnancy after a few days.

Clearblue

The Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test indicates a slight increase in LH hormone levels, which usually occurs 24-36 hours before ovulation. This allows you to accurately determine the two most favorable days for conceiving a child in this cycle. Making love on these two days will give you many more chances to get pregnant than any other day.

The Clearblue Ovulation Test is the most effective home test.

The Clearblue Ovulation Test should be used for several days, at the same time, every day when an increase in luteinizing hormone concentration is expected. The test can determine the days of your cycle when the chance of conception is highest.

The Clearblue Brand Ovulation Test has the following features:

  • Determines the very peak of LH concentration with 99% accuracy
  • Quite easy to use, non-invasive and natural urine test
  • Has the original flashing test strip sign to indicate that the test is working correctly
  • Shows the result for three minutes

The cost of ovulation tests produced by this company is about 700 rubles.

Benefits of ovulation tests

Ovulation tests make it easier for a woman to plan her personal life. With the help of them, you can determine the favorable time for conception and sexual intercourse. There is no need to measure rectal temperature, draw special charts and perform complex procedures. Simply immerse the test strip in a container of urine or place the cassette under the stream of urine.

Ovulation tests are convenient to use at home. They can be used almost any time of the day. The test will not take long. It only takes a few minutes.

With the help of tests, you can find out about the level of LH in the body quickly enough. After testing, you need to wait 10 minutes. A positive result can be seen even a little earlier.

Ovulation tests give easy-to-read results. You just need to compare the two strips and determine the color intensity of the test strip in comparison with the control line. The instructions for Frautest ovulation tests and other similar products tell you how to interpret the test results.

The accuracy of the tests is quite high and is 99%... This figure is confirmed by many years of clinical trials.

Ovulation tests are freely available in Russian pharmacies. Their cost is decent, but quite affordable. One package containing 5-7 strips or cassettes will be enough for a month.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the results of ovulation tests may be unreliable. This can be due to a defective test or incorrect testing. As a result, the long-awaited moment of a favorable conception can be missed. To prevent this from happening, you can combine the use of tests with other methods to determine the time of ovulation.

I like!

Ovulation is a period of the menstrual cycle when an egg that is capable of fertilization is released into the abdominal cavity from a woman's ovaries. The frequency of ovulation occurs, depending on the length of the cycle, approximately every 21-35 days.

This frequency is regulated by special neurohumoral mechanisms, for example, ovarian follicular hormone and gonadotropic hormones of the anterior pituitary gland. Some accumulation of follicular fluid and a relative thinning of the ovarian tissue, which is located above the protruding pole of the follicle, contribute to ovulation.

For every woman, the constant rhythm of ovulation can undergo some changes: after an abortion - for about three to four months, after childbirth - within one year, and also after the onset of 40 years, when the woman's body begins to intensively prepare for the premenopausal period. Ovulation stops after the complete extinction of menstrual function and with the onset of pregnancy. Establishing the exact timing of ovulation is extremely important when choosing the best time to conceive.

Subjective signs of ovulation are short-term small pains in the lower abdomen, objective - a slight increase in vaginal discharge and a decrease in basal (rectal) temperature on the very day of ovulation with a slight increase the next day, an increase in the blood plasma concentration of progesterone and other symptoms.

Impaired ovulation is often caused by dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian system, which can sometimes be caused by dysfunction of the thyroid gland or adrenal cortex, inflammation of the genitals, systemic diseases, tumors of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, stress. The absence of the ovulation process in reproductive age is manifested by some disturbance of the menstrual rhythm of the type of oligomenorrhea (menstrual periods last only 1-2 days), dysfunctional bleeding, amenorrhea.

Anovulation is one of the causes of infertility in women. Methods for restoring the ovulation process should be determined by the cause that could cause anovulation, and require referral to a competent gynecologist and appropriate treatment.

Some women may experience the peak of sexual arousal just around the day of ovulation. But the use of only a physiological method of protection against unwanted pregnancy, which is based on complete sexual abstinence during ovulation, is very difficult for young spouses, in whom the frequency of sexual intercourse sometimes reaches a very high level. It is also worth noting that with strong excitement and stress, additional ovulation may occur (especially with irregular sexual intercourse), and then not one, but two whole eggs mature in one cycle.

For a planned pregnancy, it is very important to correctly calculate ovulation, because in order to fertilize an egg, a man's sperm must necessarily enter the woman's body at about the same time as the egg leaves the ovaries. If you correctly draw up the ovulation calendar, then the choice of a suitable time for fertilization will be more effective. The most accurate calculation of the time when fertilization can occur, you will be helped by special tests to determine the time of ovulation.

How the ovulation test works

Each menstrual cycle is the maturation of one follicle in the ovaries, less often - two or more. As they mature, the cells of the follicle produce female hormones called estrogens. The larger the follicle becomes, the more its cells produce estrogen.

When the level of these estrogens reaches a level that will be sufficient for ovulation, the release of luteinizing hormone (abbreviated - LH) is released, after which, within about one to two days, a follicle rupture (or simply - ovulation) occurs and the egg, which is ready for fertilization, rushes straight into the fallopian tube - to meet with sperm. The time of follicle development may differ slightly not only in several different women, but even in the same one - in different cycles.

So, the effect of modern tests on ovulation is based on determining the moment of a sudden increase in the urine level of LH.

What day should you start using ovulation tests on?

The time to start testing should be determined based on the length of your cycle. The very first day of your menstrual cycle is the day your period started. Cycle length is the number of days that elapsed from the very first day of the most recent period to the very first day of the beginning of the next.

If your cycle is always regular, of the same duration, then you should start doing ovulation tests seventeen days before the start of the next menstruation, because after ovulation, the corpus luteum phase lasts 12-16 days (on average, 14). For example, if the length of your menstrual cycle is 28 days, then testing should start from about the 11th day, and if 32 - then from the 15th.

If the cycle time is not constant, you need to choose the shortest cycle in the last six months and use its duration to accurately calculate the day when you need to start testing. In the presence of long delays and lack of regularity, using tests alone without additional monitoring of follicles and ovulation is not reasonable.

With daily use (or even better twice a day - morning and evening), ovulation tests give excellent results, especially when combined with ultrasound. When using ultrasound control, you can not waste tests in vain, but wait a while until the follicle can reach a size of about 18-20 millimeters, and is able to ovulate. It is then that you can confidently start doing tests daily.

Test application

Tests can be done at almost any time of the day, but it is still highly desirable to stick to the same test use times. At the same time, in order for the concentration of the hormone in the urine to be the highest, it is better to refrain from urinating for at least four hours, and also to avoid excessive drinking before testing, since this may well lead to a slight decrease in the concentration of LH in the urine and somewhat lower the reliability result. The best time to take the test is in the morning.

Assessment of results

Compare the result line with the reference line. The control line, if the test was carried out correctly, always appears in a special window. If your result line is paler than the control line, it means that LH surge has not yet occurred, and testing should continue. If the result line is exactly the same or somewhat darker than the control line, then the hormone has already been released, and within 1-1.5 days you will ovulate.

The couple of days that are most suitable for conception begin from the moment when you were able to determine that the release of luteinizing hormone has already occurred. If intercourse occurs in the next couple of days, the likelihood of getting pregnant will be maximum. Once it has been determined that a LH surge has already occurred, there is no need to continue testing further.

Planning the sex of the unborn child

It is impossible to plan the birth of a child of a particular gender in advance, but there is a theory according to which in the days closest to ovulation, the possibility of conceiving a boy increases slightly, and in the most remote - girls. Therefore, in order to increase the likelihood of a boy being born, it is necessary to refrain from sexual intercourse until the test shows a negative result.

To increase the likelihood of a girl being born, on the contrary, you need to stop having sex immediately after an ovulation test shows a positive result. True, this method cannot provide one hundred percent reliability of the result.

Erroneous results

Unfortunately, ovulation tests may not show ovulation itself, but only a slight change in the dynamics of LH levels. A sharp rise in LH is very characteristic of ovulation, but the rise in luteinizing hormone itself cannot give one hundred percent guarantee that this event is associated with ovulation and the latter has definitely taken place.

An increase in the amount of luteinizing hormone can also occur in other situations - with ovarian depletion syndrome, hormonal dysfunction, renal failure, postmenopausal women and other disorders. Thus, for any permanent or temporary dysfunction (including immediately after the withdrawal of synthetic hormonal drugs or an abrupt switch to a raw food / vegetarian diet), tests may show false positive results. In addition, false positives are possible under the influence of other hormones that are absolutely not associated with changes in LH levels.

For example, in the presence of a pregnancy hormone, tests can give a positive result due to some similarity in molecular structure with LH (in structure, luteinizing hormone is similar to some other hormones-glycoproteins - TSH, hCG, FSH), as many pregnant women have already been able to see for themselves. women. That is, an ovulation test during pregnancy may well give a false positive result. When ovulation is stimulated after injections of hCG, tests can also show a positive result, which is absolutely not associated with an increase in the content of luteinizing hormone.

Ovulation tests after hCG injections are absolutely not informative. It is possible that fluctuations in some other hormones (TSH, FSH) and even dietary habits (phytohormones contained in plants) may somewhat affect the results of such tests.

Therefore, in the absence of menstruation or if you suspect any hormonal imbalance, you should not rely only on test results. In such cases, the timing and presence of ovulation should be determined using more reliable diagnostic methods. For example, using an ultrasound examination.

Ovulation tests are sold in many pharmacies and are presented there in a fairly wide range.

Types of ovulation tests

  1. Test strips... Most likely, you are already familiar with this type of pregnancy tests - a thin strip of special paper that is impregnated with a special reagent. An ovulation test is a similar strip that should be immersed in urine for a while, after which a result will appear after a while. Such ovulation tests are not very accurate and have their drawbacks.
  2. Test plates (or test cassettes). Similar tests also have analogues among pregnancy tests. The test tablet is a plastic case with a small window. This test must be placed under a stream of urine or just drip a little urine on it - and after a few minutes you can see the result in the window. The test plates are very reliable, but they also cost a little more.
  3. Inkjet tests... These are the most reliable ovulation tests currently in existence. This ovulation test is dropped directly into a container with urine or simply placed under the stream of urine - and after a few minutes you can see the result.
  4. Reusable ovulation tests... Basically, they are a portable meter with a whole set of test strips. These strips are dipped into urine, then they are inserted into the device - and very soon you will be able to find out the result.
  5. Electronic ovulation tests... These tests do not "respond" to urine, but to the woman's saliva. A small amount of saliva should be placed under the lens, and then either look at a special sensor, or through the microscope that comes with the lens, observe the pattern on the saliva. What a specific pattern means is written in the instructions. Such tests for ovulation are quite expensive, but they definitely have no competitors in terms of reliability!

True, when you are going to do an ovulation test, you should remember that all of the above tests may not show the exact timing of ovulation, but the timing of the release of LH into the body, after which ovulation should occur. This must be taken into account when conducting such tests.

At the moment, several companies produce ovulation tests. The most famous among them are Frautest, Eviplan and Clearblue.

Frautest

These ovulation tests are performed in Germany. Divided into three categories:

  1. Ovulating. This product contains 5 strips, since this is exactly the number of days a woman needs with a regular cycle to determine the time for an increase in the content of luteinizing hormone. The sensitivity of this test is from 30 mIU / ml.
  2. Frautest for ovulation Planning. This kit includes 5 ovulation tests and 2 pregnancy tests, as well as several urine collection containers.
  3. Ovulating (in cassette with cap). This kit contains 7 tests and is suitable for women with irregular cycles. Each test is very convenient and hygienic: no need to collect urine, you can test almost anywhere. The small cap that closes well does not interfere with the well-thought-out test method. The sensitivity of this test is from 30 mIU / ml. The accuracy is over 99%.

How much does this ovulation test cost? The price of the Frautest ovulation test is about 350 rubles.

Eviplan

The Eviplan one-step ovulation test is designed to accurately measure LH surge. This biological substance is a fertility hormone, the total amount of which increases sharply around the middle of the cycle. An increase in the concentration of luteinizing hormone can trigger the ovulation process, as a result of which an egg is released from the ovaries.

Ovulation is the period when an egg is released that is completely ready for fertilization. The accuracy of this test is approximately 99%, and the result can be seen within five minutes.

Application:

  1. You need to open the package, take out the strip and lower it into a previously prepared container with urine.
  2. The test strip must be lowered for 5 seconds to the indicated “Max” mark. Next, the test strip should be placed on a flat surface.
  3. The result should be assessed at room temperature after 5 minutes, but no later than 10 minutes after the start of the procedure.
  4. The test strip is for single use only.
  5. To determine an accurate result, compare the color intensity (lighter or darker) of the test strip with the control strip. The control strip is at the end of the test field.
  6. A positive result (an increase in the amount of luteinizing hormone) is considered a strip with a color intensity, as in the control strip or somewhat darker. This result shows that there has been an increase in the concentration of luteinizing hormone. Basically, the process of ovulation occurs within 1-2 days after the increase in the amount of luteinizing hormone. This period of time is considered the best for conception.
  7. A negative result (no increase in the amount of luteinizing hormone) is considered to be a strip with a color intensity lighter than on the control strip. This result shows that the increase in luteinizing hormone did not occur.

The result is considered invalid if the control strip does not appear within 10 minutes.

Special instructions when using the Eviplan ovulation test:

  • Before starting the test, the actual cycle time must be determined. In case of any violation of the duration of the cycle, you need to contact a specialist (when the cycle is less than 21 days or more than 38 days).
  • Before starting the procedure, you should carefully read the instructions for use.
  • False results can be caused by incorrect test execution or incorrect timing.
  • The very first urine in the morning is not suitable for testing.
  • Luteinizing hormone synthesis usually occurs in the early morning hours, and the substance itself is detected throughout the day. Thus, the most optimal time for testing is from 10 am to 10 pm.
  • Testing must be done at the same time.
  • Before testing, you should refrain from excreting urine for 2-3 hours, it is necessary to reduce the amount of fluid consumed.

The cost of ovulation tests produced by this company is about 350 rubles.

Clearblue

The Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test indicates a slight increase in LH hormone levels, which usually occurs 24-36 hours before ovulation. This allows you to accurately determine the two most favorable days for conceiving a child in this cycle. Making love on these two days will give you many more chances to get pregnant than any other day.

Clearblue's Digital Ovulation Test is the most effective home test.

The Clearblue Ovulation Test should be used for several days, at the same time, every day when an increase in luteinizing hormone concentration is expected. The test can determine the days of your cycle when the chance of conception is highest.

The Clearblue Brand Ovulation Test has the following features:

  • Determines the very peak of LH concentration with 99% accuracy
  • Quite easy to use, non-invasive and natural urine test
  • Has the original flashing test strip sign to indicate that the test is working correctly
  • Shows the result for three minutes

The cost of ovulation tests produced by this company is about 700 rubles.

Which ovulation test is better - it's up to you! It must be remembered that conceiving a child is a responsible business. But soon all your efforts will be rewarded with the greatest miracle in this world - the most wonderful and beloved baby.

If a woman wants to calculate the most favorable time for conception, she can resort to the most convenient and reliable way - to do an ovulation test. During ovulation, a follicle ruptures in one of the ovaries and a mature and ready-to-fertilize egg enters the abdominal cavity.

At this time, a number of changes take place in the woman's body, preparing it for a possible pregnancy. Including 24-36 hours before ovulation in urine, the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) sharply increases. By determining the amount of this hormone in the urine using a test, you can calculate the time of ovulation. An ovulation test, like a pregnancy test, is done on the basis of freshly collected urine. For example, Frautest is one of the most effective tests on the market, has a sensitivity of 15 mIU / ml and is available in several versions to improve the accuracy of the test. The effectiveness of this method depends on how regular the woman's menstrual cycle is.

With a regular cycle, ovulation occurs around the middle of the cycle (See Signs of Ovulation in Women). How to calculate the days of ovulation with an irregular cycle can be found in the article "Favorable days for conceiving a child."

When to do the test?

The high level of luteinizing hormone required for a positive ovulation test result lasts for about a day, so it is recommended to do the test twice a day... After all, it may happen that the level of the hormone reaches its peak in the morning, and the test will be done only in the evening - by this time the level of the hormone may already decrease.

The approximate time when you should start doing an ovulation test can be determined by the formula:

  • cycle time minus 17.

That is, if the duration of a woman's menstrual cycle is constant, the test can be started 17 days before the start of her period. Therefore, with a cycle of 28 days, the test should be performed on the 11th day, with a cycle of 35 days, on the 18th.

How to do an ovulation test correctly?

When conducting a test, you must follow some rules:

  • do not take medications containing luteinizing hormone;
  • do not use the first morning urine for testing;
  • limit fluid intake 1 to 4 hours before the test;
  • the test must be carried out at any time from 10 am to 8 pm;
  • the test should be carried out every day at the same time;
  • do two tests a day in the morning and in the evening;
  • do not throw out the tests from the past days, comparing the tests (the brightness of the second strip), you can determine at what specific moment there was ovulation (the test with the brightest strip).

How to "read" test results?

Ovulation tests, like pregnancy tests, have two zones. One shows the suitability of the test for use, the second is a control line, on which a chemical reagent sensitive to luteinizing hormone is applied. A positive result can be determined by the second line, the brightness of which in this case will correspond to or be darker than the control one (if the second strip is pale, then continue to do ovulation tests). This suggests that in the next 24-36 hours the egg will leave the ovary and will be ready for fertilization.

How to choose a test?

Tests can be in the form of test strips that are immersed in a container of urine, or as jet systems that are placed under the stream of urine (or also immersed in a container). The time after which the test results can be observed depends on its brand. It can range from three minutes to half an hour.

The brand is very popular in determining the time of ovulation. Frautest... These tests are available as test strips and inkjet tests and are 99% accurate. The set contains 5-7 tests. This is how much it may take to determine the moment of ovulation. Jet tests are also highly reliable. ClearPlan... The same company produces similar electronic tests. Inkjet tests and test strips, which can be bought both in a set of 5-7 pieces, or one at a time, are produced by the company OVUPLAN... The disadvantage of tests is their price, because for reliability, testing needs to be carried out more than one day, and often even a week.

Remember about anovulatory cycles

If it was not possible to determine the time of ovulation in one menstrual cycle, do not be upset. It often happens that even healthy women with a regular cycle do not ovulate in any month. This cycle is called "anovulatory". It usually happens once or twice a year (but not in a row). If ovulation is not determined for two or three months in a row, this is a reason to consult a gynecologist.

Ovulation is the main stage of the menstrual cycle. At this time, the egg, ready for conception, leaves the follicle. This is the most suitable period for fertilization: within two days, a woman is able to become pregnant.

The process begins in the middle of the cycle: about 14 days. However, in girls, oocyte maturation occurs at different times and depends on the individual characteristics of the organism.

A family planning a child should definitely know the date of the ovulatory phase. Parents-to-be can purchase a special test at the pharmacy that will indicate the most favorable day for fertilization.

How the ovulation test works

During the growth and maturation of the follicle, female sex hormones, estrogens, are produced. The larger the follicle, the higher the concentration of the substance. 1–2 days before the ovulatory phase, estrogens are replaced by luteinizing hormone (LH). Under its action, the dominant follicle breaks and a mature egg comes out.

The principle of ovulation tests is to detect the maximum concentration of LH in the urine. The hormone has high values \u200b\u200bfor a short period - only 12–36 hours. If testing is carried out at this time, the device should show two stripes, a smiley or other signs.

Why is it needed

Not all women can boast of a regular monthly cycle. Often the violation occurs in hormonal disorders and gynecological diseases. Due to the instability of the cycle, a married couple has problems with conception.

By buying a test at a pharmacy, a woman hopes to accurately determine the day of ovulation. This is the most favorable time for pregnancy.

What the devices are used for:

  1. If a couple is planning a pregnancy for more than 1 year, but conception has not yet occurred.
  2. When a family wants to have a child, but there are reasons why partners cannot have sex during the entire monthly cycle. Then they choose the appropriate date for the intimacy to occur.
  3. The girl has an irregular menstrual cycle.
  4. The expectant mother was diagnosed with concomitant pathology - polycystic ovary disease, thyroid disease, hormonal disorder. They disrupt the cycle time.

Can the gender of the baby be planned? Based on unproven pseudo-scientific methods, the couple determines the expected date of ovulation for conceiving a boy or girl.

The principle of the method is based on the different mobility of the X and Y chromosomes. The first moves slowly, but is considered more resilient. The Y chromosome is much more mobile, but its life span is shorter.

If the proximity was a few days before ovulation, the sperm containing the X-structure will wait for the oocyte. The future parents will have a girl. When sexual intercourse occurs on the “cherished” day, the fast Y chromosomes reach the egg and fertilize it. The woman becomes pregnant with a boy.

What are the types of tests

The pharmacy sells appliances of various brands. How to select the appropriate analysis depends on the parameters of the devices.

It is rather difficult for a beginner to choose a test. When buying, consider the accuracy of the study, the comfort of use. Determine for yourself how much you are willing to spend on analysis.

Test strip

One-time test. It is a strip of special paper impregnated with a reagent. Such a test requires a container for urine in which it will submerge. The device is not highly sensitive. The risk of error is quite high.

The advantage of the test strip is considered a low cost. This is the cheapest device for determining the date of oocyte maturation.

The package contains 5 strips, since it is difficult to calculate the exact day of ovulation the first time. Repeated attempts determine the correct date.

The most popular test is Eviplan. It includes 5 strips for determining LH, 1 strip for diagnosing pregnancy. Each Eviplan test is packed in a separate bag. Other notable test strips are Femiplan, I was Born, Frautest, Answer, OvuPlan.

Reusable

Such devices for detecting LH have been widely used since 2012. Some of them determine the hormone in urine, while others - in saliva. The most famous of the reusable tests is Ovukontrol.

Such devices are considered to be more accurate than disposable strips. Their work is not limited to one-time use. However, their price is much higher.

Reusable devices:

  • tablet;
  • electronic;
  • microscopic tests.

Jet

The device has an elongated shape and a receiving end for urine. There are many microscopic tubules on the test. Through them, the biological fluid enters the reagent cassette.

No urine container required during use. While doing the research, the woman puts the device under the urine stream. You need to hold for about 3-5 seconds, and after 5 minutes the device shows the result. The accuracy is an order of magnitude higher compared to strips. However, sometimes they are also wrong. Wrong reactions happen due to violation of testing rules.

Premium Diagnostics is considered the best fluid analysis for determining LH. It is a super sensitive ovulation detection device. If the oocyte leaves the follicle the day before, Premium Diagnostic shows two lines of the same color.

Other popular inkjet tests are Solo Mini, IHA LH factor.

Digital

These are modern highly sensitive devices. They more accurately detect luteinizing hormone compared to other pharmacy tests. The device has a display on which the test result is displayed. The kit includes several diagnostic strips.

To test, the woman will dip the tip into the urine and leave it on for 3-5 seconds. Then he places the plastic case on a flat, horizontal surface. After 3-5 minutes, the expectant mother evaluates the result that appears on the screen.

The cost of a digital device is significantly higher than other tests for diagnosing ovulation. ClearBlue Digital is considered the best electronic device for determining ovulation.

Tablet

The test looks like a flat plastic box with small windows. One of them is filled with urine. Luteinizing hormone reacts with the reagent. After 5 minutes, another window will show the research result.

The most popular analysis is Frautest. The package contains the device itself, a container for collecting urine and a pipette with which a woman introduces biological fluid.

Other notable tablet tests are Femitest, Evitest.

In this video, the doctor talks in detail about tests to determine ovulation:

How to use the ovulation test correctly - detailed instructions

Read the rules for using the analysis carefully. The instructions must be included in the packaging. Proper testing improves the accuracy of the method.

Find out after how many minutes to evaluate the analysis. You cannot watch the result earlier or later than the due time. There is a great risk of getting an incorrect response from the device.

To improve test reliability, follow these guidelines:

  1. Do not drink water or other liquids for 4 hours before the study.
  2. Do not urinate 2 hours before your procedure.
  3. Do not use your morning urine sample. The optimal time for collecting urine is from 10 to 20 hours.
  4. Try to test every day at the same time of day.
  5. Do not expose the device to water or dirt to avoid distorting the result.

Take the test out of the package. Look for visible damage. Place the device in a container with collected urine, or put it under the stream of urine while urinating. Dry and save the assay.

Repeat the same steps for the next test. Continue examining until you get a clear second line on the instrument.

For the device to show an accurate result, you need to use the test in the morning and evening. So you will not miss the moment when the concentration of luteinizing hormone reaches its maximum values.

Decoding the results

A few days before the onset of the ovulatory phase, the concentration of LH reaches its highest value. At this time, the egg is ready for fertilization.

After testing, you should receive one or two strips. The first line is a control: it always appears. The strip is needed to check the suitability of the device and the correctness of the procedure.

The second line is test. It is her appearance that you are waiting for during your research.

Decoding the results

Result What does Next steps
Only the control strip appeared You are not ready for fertilization. Oocyte maturation will not happen soon Repeat the procedure after 1-2 days
Both dashes appear, but the test is pale and weak compared to the control Negative result. Ovulation is not expected anytime soon Do your research the next day
2 stripes of the same color appeared Positive result. The release of the egg from the follicle will occur within 24-36 hours This is the right time for intercourse.
Both stripes are missing This reaction makes it clear that the ovulation device is defective. Repeat the study with a new test

When is the best time to do

So you bought your device. What time is the procedure? Testing is performed on the day of expected ovulation.

The date depends on the regularity and length of the cycle. If it is stable, subtract 17 from the duration. You will get the day on which to conduct the study. With a standard cycle, a study can be done from the 11th day after the start of menstruation: 28 - 17 \u003d 11.

Let's say your menstrual cycle is 30 days. 30 - 17 \u003d 13. This means that from the 13th day after the start of your period, you need to test.

If your period is irregular, choose the shortest cycle in the last six months. Subtract 17 from the value.

For example, it is equal to 23 days. 24 - 17 \u003d 7. From now on, start the procedure.

Note that anovulatory cycles are sometimes encountered. They pass without the maturation of the egg, so it will take a longer period of time to conceive a child.

Are there any contraindications for use

There are times when using tests is impractical. The study is not performed during pregnancy or after menopause.

If you have long delays, it is impossible to determine the days of likely ovulation. You will have to do the research every day for weeks or even months. Be sure to visit your gynecologist to identify the cause of the disorder.

You do not need to be tested if you are taking combined oral contraceptives for gynecological conditions - polycystic ovary disease, dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Medicines distort the result of the procedure and have a contraceptive effect, with which pregnancy is impossible.

Many women worry that taking progestogens will result in an erroneous result. Rest assured: Duphaston has no effect on research.

Do not use the test to calculate "dangerous" days. Why? The calendar method of contraception is not reliable. He will not be able to protect you from unwanted pregnancy.

Conclusion

With the advent of pharmacy devices for determining ovulation, girls are successfully conducting studies on readiness to conceive at home. All tests work on the same principle - they detect luteinizing hormone in urine or saliva.

Trademarks release tests that differ in their device. They have different sensitivities. The devices are safe to use and highly effective in detecting the day of a mature oocyte leaves the ovary.

Choose the type of analysis that suits you best and test it. The method allows you to conceive a child at the most favorable time.

If you decide to try an ovulation test, then we advise you to follow these rules.

  • So, you should test every day and, if possible, exactly at the same time.
  • The best time for testing is from 10 am to 8 pm.
  • Also, for a more accurate result, reduce your fluid intake several hours before testing. This will make your urine more concentrated.
  • When using ovulation tests, no medications should be used, they may cause an incorrect result.
  • Follow the manufacturer's test instructions carefully. Test results must be assessed no later than 15-20 minutes after testing.

Test results

We are talking about three outcomes:

  • negative result - only one control line is visible on the test, or the test line is much lighter than the control line;
  • positive result - the test line is as bright as the control line or even darker than it;
  • erroneous result - there is no control line on the test.

Look in the result window and compare the result line on the left side of the arrow on the line body with the control line on the right. The line that is closer to the arrow on the body is the main result line that can show the level of LH in the urine.

Further to the right of the arrow on the base of the stick will be the control line. It is needed for comparison with the result bar. A control line will appear whenever a test has been performed correctly.

False negative result

Now let's look at the reasons why ovulation tests can show false negative results.

  • different ovulation tests have different sensitivity;
  • a different amount of LH can be produced in the body of each woman;
  • depending on the amount of fluid consumed, a different concentration of urine is observed in the woman's body;
  • different testing times.

Because of these features, test lines may be weaker than control lines throughout the entire cycle. Or vice versa - much brighter than the control line for several days in a row. Experts state that in order to accurately determine fertile days, it is necessary to adapt to ovulation tests.

In some controversial cases, it is also worth considering the body and the nature of the discharge of cervical fluid.

Disadvantages of Ovulation Tests

The first and main drawback of ovulation tests is their cost. Indeed, testing requires not one or two, but a fairly large number of tests. And this requires investment of certain funds. Especially have to spend money for women who have an irregular cycle. In addition, you need to get used to the test procedure itself - to do them at the same time, strictly following the instructions.

Plan baby gender

Unfortunately, there are no precise methods for planning the sex of the child in advance. But, nevertheless, doctors have developed a theory according to which in the closest days to ovulation, the likelihood of conceiving a son may increase, and in the most remote - daughters. Thus, experts say, to increase the likelihood of having a boy, expectant parents should refrain from sex while ovulation tests show a negative result.

And in order to become the parents of a girl, spouses, on the contrary, must stop having sex as soon as the tests show positive results. However, remember: this method is not 100% reliable.