An ovulation test is a home test used by women to determine their best days for attempting conception. When conception is attempted on the days the test has determined as the most fertile days, the chances for conception are much higher, resulting in a better success rate. There are two different types of ovulation tests that can be used at home for cycle tracking purposes, but both work in different ways:
Ovulation Test Strips
Ovulation test strips are used by filling a sterile container with urine, and then dipping the strip into the container for a certain period of time, usually about 30 seconds. After the time is up, the strip is then set down for an average of five minutes. The color band on the strip will indicate whether you are ovulating or not, and the bolder the color, the closer you are to ovulation.
Midstream Ovulation Tests
Midstream ovulation tests work similarly to the way that traditional home pregnancy tests works. To use a midstream test, the test is positioned underneath of you while urinating. The test is then set down for an average of two to five minutes. The results are also displayed similar to the way a pregnancy test results show, and indicate whether or not you are ovulating.
Both types of ovulation tests work by testing the LH level in your tested urine. A surge in your LH levels indicates you are ovulating at the time the test is taken, and this means that it is the best time for you to attempt conception. Since LH is always present in the body, a faint color band does not indicate positive results; the darker the band, the closer you are to ovulation, and when the band matches or is darker than the color of the color band on the test, you know you have a positive result.
These types of ovulation tests meant to be used at home are incredibly affordable and very accurate, with a rate of 99% accuracy. Both types of ovulation tests work equally well and are about the same price, so the decision on which test is right for you is based on how you prefer to test yourself.
Used correctly, both types of ovulation tests can be a great tool in assisting you achieve conception. While testing every day, a few times a day can be burdensome, the tests can be used in conjunction with a cycle monitor that helps you determine when you are most likely to ovulate to cut down on the amount of testing you need to do.
More information: Ovulation Test Kits
