Ovulation Kits

Reviewed by Sharon LaMothe, Infertility Specialist

The purpose of an ovulation kit is to gain a better understanding of your monthly cycle.  This can be the most vital step in trying to conceive.  The peak times for fertility are two days before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and the day after ovulation.  We’ll discuss how they work, when they work, costs, and results.

How Ovulation Kits Work

Ovulation kits are meant to test for the Luteinizing Hormone, or LH.  There is a high amount of LH in your body, also called a LH Surge, just before ovulation occurs.  To make sure you don’t miss your surge, test twice a day.  Testing once in the morning and once at night should enable you to capture the moment and capitalize. If you are trying to become pregnant, be sure to be intimate with your partner in the days surrounding the surge, since these are your most fertile days.

Now it’s important to note that pregnancy tests and ovulation tests are completely different.  They test for different hormones; pregnancy tests test for hCG since this hormone is secreted by the fertilized egg when it implants itself to the lining of the uterus.  Monthly supplies of ovulation kits usually average about $40, and Clearblue Easy and AimStick are two popular examples.

Unusual Results

If you are currently pregnant, have recently been pregnant, or have reached menopause, chances are an ovulation test will give you inadequate results. These factors can cause irregular cycles and throw off your hormonal balances.  Use of the birth control pill or patch can also cause ovulation kits to be ineffective.

If you’re tracking your ovulation cycle in order to avoid pregnancy (also known as the Rhythm Method), remember that sperm can last in a woman’s body for up to 5 days.  Time accordingly to play it safe, or use other methods such as birth control and/or condoms.