Can ovulation tests detect ovulation?
Ovulation tests are a popular way of determining when you are ovulating and finding out when the best time for conception is. In this article, I’ll explain how ovulation tests work and how you can most reliably determine when you are ovulating and when your most fertile period in your cycle is.
What are ovulation tests and how do they work?
Ovulation tests, also known as LH tests, are a tool designed to help you identify ovulation and, consequently, your most fertile days. LH stands for luteinising hormone – a hormone produced by your body to trigger ovulation. Here’s a little mnemonic to help you remember this: “LH makes you hop.”
When you buy a home ovulation test, it measures the concentration of LH in your urine. The assumption is that the concentration of LH is at its highest just before ovulation.
The importance of LH and the best time to take the test
You should carry out the test daily around the expected time of ovulation. The best time is usually between late morning and early afternoon. There are various test strips and test kits available on the market for this purpose. Prices range from 20 cents per test strip up to over €150 for a test kit.
How reliable are ovulation tests at detecting ovulation?
Although ovulation tests are very popular amongst those trying to conceive, they are unfortunately not very reliable if you want to determine the best time for conception.
Home ovulation tests cannot reliably measure LH levels. In around 23 per cent of cases, the LH surge is only detected after ovulation has taken place – which is too late to conceive.
Multiple LH surges
To complicate matters further, there is often not just a single LH surge in a cycle. Studies have shown that in around 50% of cases, two or more LH surges can occur. Sometimes, LH levels even remain consistently elevated. These variations often make interpreting the results complex.
Premature LH peaks
Even if you have regular cycles, the ovulation test may show a premature LH surge. Such premature peaks occur in just under 50% of cycles. So if you stop having sex immediately after the LH surge, you might miss your most fertile window.
The reliable alternative: monitoring cervical mucus
Fortunately, there is a much more reliable method for determining your fertile days: monitor your cervical mucus.
Cervical mucus is produced in the crypts of the cervix. As your cycle progresses, it becomes thinner and more transparent the more oestrogen is released and the closer you get to ovulation. It gives you a very clear indication of which days you’re most likely to get pregnant.
If you also measure your basal body temperature, you’ll know exactly when ovulation has actually taken place.
Take control of your family planning
So there is an affordable and reliable way to identify the most fertile period in your cycle: Get to know your cycle and become an expert yourself.
Your cycle is as unique as you are. Sperm can survive for up to 5 days during your fertile phase and wait in the womb for the egg. So just relax and make the most of the days when you notice cervical mucus.