Ovulationstester

Ovulationstester are devices used to detect the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in urine to predict when ovulation will occur. They are commonly used by people who are trying to conceive or who wish to time intercourse. Most tests detect an LH concentration above a threshold, which typically signals that ovulation is likely within 24 to 36 hours.

Most ovulation testers work with either test strips or digital readers. A user applies urine to the test or dips a strip, and a control line or digital indicator shows a positive result. A positive reading suggests that ovulation is imminent, while a negative reading means the LH surge has not yet started or has passed.

How to use: Read the manufacturer’s directions, but common steps include collecting urine once daily, preferably at the same time each day, and reading the result within the specified window. Avoid extremely dilute urine. Some digital tests display a symbol (such as a smiley) to indicate a positive result.

Interpretation and timing: Having a positive LH test indicates a surge is occurring, usually followed by ovulation within 24 to 36 hours. The fertile window includes the day of the LH surge and the preceding few days. LH testing does not prove that ovulation has already occurred.

Limitations and considerations: LH tests may be less reliable in people with irregular cycles or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can cause raised baseline LH. Certain medications, pregnancy, or hormonal therapies can affect results. They do not replace medical advice or pregnancy tests. They are one tool among fertility awareness methods.

Variants: Some products are simple test strips; others are digital and provide a numeric or symbolic readout. Some monitoring systems track additional hormones or use multiple signals to broaden the predicted fertile window.