What hormone do ovulation tests work on. Tests to determine ovulation - a modern approach to the problem of conception. How ovulation tests work

Diagnosing the onset of ovulation using a test is well known to those who have responsibly approached pregnancy planning. Modern rapid tests allow you to calculate ovulation without material and time costs at home. The tests operate on the principle of detecting changes in a woman's hormonal background in body fluids.

The range of ovulation tests is very wide and makes it possible to choose the perfect option for every woman. Modern technologies allow you to leave in the past conception at random. Ovulation tests are suitable for everyone who wants to get pregnant: they have no contraindications, they are easy to use home use do not require constant medical supervision.

The concept of ovulation

Ovulation is the process of release of a mature egg from a ruptured follicle into the fallopian tubes, where fertilization becomes possible. Predicting ovulation is an important period for intentional conception, and the use of tests to determine ovulation occurs according to a specific instruction.

Ovulation itself occurs in the middle of the cycle in most women, therefore, for the reliability of testing, it is necessary to monitor continuously for five days. The use of tests allows you to accurately determine the moment of ovulation - the day of the cycle suitable for conception.

Why you need an ovulation test

Ovulation tests respond to an increase in the level of luteinizing hormone (in blood, urine, saliva). This hormone is responsible for the onset of ovulation. Determining the value during the ovulatory peak allows future parents to plan sexual intercourse with the highest probability of successful conception. The viability of an ovum ready for fertilization is limited to days, so ovulation tests are applied twice a day to obtain accurate data, covering a period of several days before and after the expected ovulation.

What does it look like

An ovulation test is outwardly similar to a pregnancy test - a strip with indicators designed for one-time use.

The control strip of the test system acts as a color standard, and the second strip, appearing or not as a result of a urine test, is a confirmation of ovulation if the color shades match. Thus, ovulation tests are carried out when analyzing the collected urine or jet and give the result with the described symbolism.

How it works: instructions for use

The time of application of the test can be calculated independently or by contacting a doctor for help. Estimated ovulation occurs in the middle of the cycle, so you need to use tests 2-3 days before it starts to track body changes. If a woman's cycle is not stable, then predicting ovulation takes several months to identify individual patterns.

Types of ovulation tests:

• Strip test (strip).
• Tablet.
• Jet test.
• Reusable test system (reader).
• Digital test (for saliva sampling).

In accordance with the instructions for a specific test system, it is necessary to lower the reagent strip into a container with freshly collected urine and hold for the specified time, then wait for the result to appear - a strip or an icon stated in the description. There are also ovulation tests that do not require urine collection: one drop or substitution under the stream is enough to use them.

During normal menses

The standard menstrual cycle is considered a period of 28 days. If a woman's cycle is stable for a long time (according to her observations), does not change from month to month, proceeds without disturbances, then you can calculate the day of ovulation by calculating the middle of the cycle from the first day of menstruation. For example, in a 28-day cycle, ovulation occurs on day 14. Therefore, to confirm such calculations, you should start using an ovulation test from the 11th day of the cycle, that is, three days before the expected rupture of the follicle and the release of the egg.

With an irregular cycle

Even a stable cycle can undergo changes under the influence of these factors. If the menstrual cycle is not regular, then its stabilization should take place under medical supervision. With an irregular cycle, it is possible to calculate the exact time of ovulation, provided that the hormonal background is normal. Otherwise, the test results will not be reliable, despite a longer period of their use.

Ovulation is associated not only with the characteristics of the female body, but also with external influences. Its timing is influenced by stress, heavy loads, the use of aggressive medications, and climate change.

How to do research

The packaging of ovulation tests usually contains five tests and detailed instructions for use. The system of each company has differences, which is reflected in the instructions. On the preparatory stage it is necessary to allocate time for the analysis in accordance with the instructions on the package, purchase containers for analysis in advance.

How to use

As with any other analysis, urine for determining the release of an egg using a test system is taken fresh, not stagnant, collected in the middle of the urination process. Each test has a surface with a reagent that will turn the color of the control band when the level of luteinizing hormone is elevated.

If the shade of the second strip that appears is paler than the control, this means only the beginning of the body's preparation for ovulation. Within a day or two, the second strip of the test will reach the color of the control, which will be evidence of impending ovulation in the next few hours.

How many times a day to do

Accurate tracking of ovulation involves testing twice a day: in the morning, about an hour after waking up, and in the evening before bedtime. This method allows you to capture the smallest changes in the test data, which makes it possible to select optimal time conception. However, testing twice a day is more expensive financially, so many couples stop at testing once a day.

Biomaterials for determining ovulation

Determination of the preparation of the female body for possible pregnancy possible by analysis of the following biomaterials:

1. blood;
2. urine;
3. saliva.

In the first case, the study is possible only by a qualified specialist. Blood sampling for biochemical analysis happening in medical institution. As a result, data of various indicators appear, including the level of hormones. This method is the least convenient of all, since it does not involve careful tracking of ovulation and serves to check the general hormonal background of a woman.

In the second case, an express test for ovulation can be carried out independently. Urinalysis test systems are inexpensive, easy to use, and allow you to track any changes.

The third option for determining ovulation, when a saliva sample is analyzed, is the most expensive. The reusable system is a powerful, but compact microscope and a glass slide, on which you need to drip saliva (in the morning, on an empty stomach). During ovulation, a pattern resembling fern leaves will be clearly visible in saliva. At any other time of the cycle, such "frost" on the glass is not detected.

When and at what time of the day is it better to do it: in the morning or in the evening

To take into account the smallest changes in the test result, measurements can be taken both in the morning and in the evening. However, to detect an increase in the level of luteinizing hormone, a daily analysis is sufficient with maintaining a daily frequency. In this case, you should stop at the morning test, when the urine has not yet been affected by the fluids consumed during the day.

From what day of the menstrual cycle to do the study

Specific days of diagnosis are purely individual, directly dependent on the duration of the cycle.

The beginning of the tests is counted from the first day of menstruation, focusing on the middle of the cycle.

So, with the most common cycle of 28 days, ovulation tests should begin on the 11th day from the start of menstruation. With a cycle of a different duration, the above diagram will serve as a starting point: for a shorter one, the difference in days must be subtracted, for a longer one, add.

How to determine the result yourself

The determination of the result occurs within a maximum of 10-15 minutes, depending on the selected test system. Possible options indications are described in detail in the instructions for a specific test, they can be:

• the second strip, which must be compared with the first, control;
• reagent window that changes color;
• digital symbols (plus sign, smiley, etc.).

How will a negative answer show

If the concentration of luteinizing hormone is still insufficient, then the test indicator will either not appear at all, or will be pale, barely noticeable.

If, after the analysis, the test has not changed in any way, then this may be an indicator of both a negative result and a poor-quality test system. Therefore, when choosing an ovulation test in a pharmacy, you should pay attention to the expiration date and the integrity of the package in order to exclude a false negative result.

Positive

A positive result is a line bright color, electronic icon or a specific pattern on the microscope slide (depending on the type of test). If the result of the ovulation test looks positive, this means that the release of the egg from the follicle will occur in the near future. Cases are recorded when the ovulation indicator even exceeds the color norm described for confirmation, which indicates that the egg is ready for fertilization within a few hours.

weakly positive

Also, the indicator may show an ambiguous result - a strip that is visually distinguishable, but does not correspond to the color intensity of the control.

This can be both the result of an incorrectly performed procedure, and an indicator of the very beginning of the production of luteinizing hormone.

In this case, it is necessary to continue testing according to the selected scheme.

False positive: causes

Testing that shows ovulation in the absence of it is called a false positive. Its causes may be hormonal imbalances, increased production of luteinizing hormone due to drug therapy, and an incorrect analysis. A false-positive result is obtained when testing stagnant urine, so for reliable data you need to use not the first urine after a night's sleep.

Types of tests for determining ovulation: which one to choose

The main criteria for choosing a test are the cost of the system, the reliability of the results, and the speed of their detection. Ease of use is also an important feature. In addition, it is worth considering the factor of the possibility of reusable use.

stripes

The strip test (strip) is a thin paper strip with a zone sensitive to luteinizing hormone and a control label.

It must be lowered into a container with urine for 10 seconds and wait for the result to appear within 10 minutes. Such a test system is distinguished by a low price.

Tablets

The test tablet is a plastic case with two windows, one of which you need to drop urine, while the other will display an ovulation indicator after 3 minutes. This method is rated as more reliable than strip tests, but is more expensive.

Inkjet

They look identical to strip strips, but work according to a different method: a strip of paper with a reagent is substituted under a stream of urine and a result is obtained on the indicator after 5 minutes.

Reusable high sensitive

They consist of an electronic device that gives information about the result in words on the screen, and a set of strips for immersion in urine. The advantage of such a system is the ease of evaluating the results and the possibility of multiple use.

Electronic reusable

Outwardly, they resemble a lipstick case, but the device itself is a microscope that analyzes a saliva sample and reveals in it a specific “frost on glass” pattern characteristic of luteinizing hormone. An electronic (digital) test excludes an error in the interpretation of the result.

What determines the accuracy of the results

The accuracy of the results is important to consider in any research.

In ovulation, it is worth considering the following points that can affect the results:

• concentration of luteinizing hormone;
• the correctness of the procedure;
• using fresh samples of body fluids.

Advantages

The use of an ovulation test of any type is, first of all, a confirmation of the confidence of future parents in the desire to conceive a child.

Accurate determination of the period suitable for conception allows you to achieve the desired pregnancy in as soon as possible. In addition, this method of pregnancy planning has no contraindications and is highly reliable results.

Flaws

The disadvantage of testing using blood sampling is the inability to track periodic changes, since the test is one-stage and may simply not catch the right period.

One of the possible ways to diagnose ovulation is ultrasound, but this method has a number of limitations: it is carried out only in the clinic, it completely depends on the experience of the ultrasound doctor, and it costs a lot of money.

Modern ovulation tests are diverse and provide a choice based on various characteristics:

• prices;
• method of application;
• the declared reliability of the results;
• preferences of the woman using them.

Express systems have practically no drawbacks. The only negative is the inevitability of material costs for the purchase Supplies. A financially free method for calculating ovulation is to measure basal temperature and plot graphs based on daily procedures, but this method requires a preparatory period of at least three months to identify patterns in temperature changes.

Useful video on the topic

In contact with

An interesting fact is that with the progress in medicine, a woman can find out at home what period ovulation occurs. Most of all, everyone is accustomed to the fact that you can find out with the help of a pregnancy test. The ovulation test allows you to determine the days for conception. Such tests are indispensable assistant women planning a pregnancy. It usually indicates the presence high level luteinizing hormone. An increased concentration is observed a few hours before the release of the egg. And now, the result is positive. What's next?

When to have sex to conceive if the ovulation test is positive?

To begin with, the procedure itself must be done correctly so that it shows the exact result. The basis of this test is to check for the presence of the LH hormone. The test itself, unlike a pregnancy test, should be carried out in the afternoon or evening. Immerse the indicator in urine and wait until the result appears. If you see two stripes, then there is maturation of the egg. If one - continue to conduct research further for several days. Approximately the time of the study should be calculated as follows: subtract the number 17 from the number of days of the cycle. Get the day of the cycle on which the test should be carried out.

Seeing the bright two stripes, know that you can start sexual intercourse. After a positive result, the egg must be fertilized within 1-2 days. In this case, the principle applies: the sooner the better.

How to calculate the time for conception with a positive ovulation test?

So, within two days after the start of ovulation, you are likely to become pregnant. The accuracy of these tests is almost 99%. Interestingly, if fertilization has occurred, then after 10 days with the help of express indicators you will know about it.

Some believe that the more intercourse occurs during this corridor of time, the greater the likelihood of conception. But this is not so, because every time the male sperm loses its ability. Better once a day qualitatively. And even better a couple of days before the test shows an affirmative result.

So, let's put everything on the shelves. The following are tips that allow you to calculate the time for intercourse:

• A positive result indicates that within a few hours the egg will be released from the ovary.
• She lives only 24 hours.
• Immediately after the release of the egg, you should not start sexual contact. Wait 5 to 10 hours and then proceed. But remember that you only have a day. Do not delay the last hours of the life of the egg, because in this way you may simply not be in time.

Why doesn't conception occur with positive ovulation tests?

Of course, there are many reasons for this phenomenon. How is it happening in practice? Here, the long-awaited ovulation is approaching. The woman takes a test and sees that it is positive. In this case, the couple proceeds to conception. Of course, manufacturers give an almost one hundred percent guarantee that it shows accurate results. At least 10 days pass, the girl does a pregnancy test and, oh no, it's negative. Waiting for more, then more, but fertilization never happened. What's the matter? Are manufacturers lying? Let's look at a number of reasons why false results can occur.

There is another option for a false positive ovulation test result - this is when it is positive, but it is not there and it is not visible on ultrasound. There are several explanations for this.

• There really is no maturation of the egg, and a positive result is a consequence of taking hormonal drugs.
• If the strip is pale pink, then this is not considered an affirmative result.

The ovulation test is an invention that really makes life easier for couples who want children.

Increasingly, couples are coming to the conclusion that the birth of a child is a responsible step, to which, preferably,. Firstly, parents have time to improve their body, psychologically and financially tune in to important changes, and secondly, the risk of disorders in the baby's body decreases. In the future, a woman needs to learn how to determine the days of ovulation necessary for conception, and for this she needs to know how to do an ovulation test correctly.

The process of ovulation is important point when the female egg matures and leaves the follicle, starting to move towards the abdominal cavity. In the female ovaries, there can be a huge number of such cells in their infancy, but not everyone has a chance to mature - many die in a barely formed state. When a girl is at the stage of puberty, she has about 400 cells in stock, and any of them can be the beginning of a new life.

Depending on the functioning of the hormonal system, every 30 days several eggs are awakened and begin to develop. The whole process takes over a week. Usually the largest follicle bursts, and the female germ cell begins to move along fallopian tubes. After ovulation, it can be fertilized for another day if it meets with a male sperm. In this case, two cells form a single organism that attaches to the walls of the uterus and develops to the size of a fetus ready for birth.
When pregnancy is planned in advance, a woman needs to know exactly the onset of ovulation. For these purposes, it can use several methods:

1. Determining a favorable moment based on the number of days monthly cycle, but for this menstruation must be regular;
2. An individual schedule compiled with a daily measurement of basal temperature;
3. Recognition of the maturation of the egg by common symptoms - discharge, state of mind, temperature, pain, and even sexual desire, which increases during the period of ovulation;
4. With the help of special tests that can be purchased at the pharmacy chain.

It should be understood that before carrying out the procedure, you need to read the instructions, because depending on the type of test, the actions differ. For example, in the video below you can see how to use a digital ovulation test:

The simplest, most accessible and accurate is the testing method.

When to start taking an ovulation test

The principle of testing is to determine the luteinizing hormone, which begins to be released when the female germ cell is ready for fertilization. Women often wonder when to do an ovulation test.

Since the level of the peptide produced by the gonadotropic cells of the pituitary gland will be extremely high all 24 hours while the life of the egg continues, doctors recommend testing twice a day when ovulation is possible.

The convenience of testing is that it can be done at home. It will take urine or saliva of a woman, and the result will come, in fact, in a few minutes.

There are several types of testing, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

• A test in the form of a strip of paper, which, when immersed in urine, gives a result, by the way, not very accurate;
• Jet method, when the device is placed under the stream of urine;
• Cassette method - there is a special recess in the device where urine should be dripped, and you can see the result in the window;
• Strip tests inserted into devices after exposure to urine, reusable.

You can use expensive electronics designed to determine ovulation by saliva. After placing a small amount of secretion on the lens, the sensor indicates the favorable moment or its absence. The device gives the most truthful information, but not everyone is affordable.
So a woman always has plenty to choose from to accurately identify the most successful days. The question remains how to do an ovulation test correctly and what time to choose for this.

When and how exactly to do an ovulation test

Not everyone knows that it is necessary to carry out the procedure according to the instructions, strictly following the established recommendations. Otherwise, it is easy to make mistakes and nullify important efforts.
The time for testing must be chosen correctly - for this, home methods for recognizing egg maturation will be needed. As already mentioned, you can do this:

• with regular menstruation;
• By measuring basal temperature;
• According to the symptoms accompanying ovulation.

It is easy to determine the days that are successful for fertilization according to the usual calendar, but a stable monthly cycle is an indispensable condition. For example, if a woman has a cycle of 30 days all the time, 17 is subtracted from the total number. As a result, we get the thirteenth day from the onset of menstruation, when the probability of conception is highest. It is from this day that tests can be carried out.
Another method is daily temperature measurement immediately after sleep for at least 2-3 months, entering information into a personal schedule. During the release of the female germ cell, the woman's body temperature changes, rising to 37 degrees and yours. A sharp jump, combined with other signs, means ovulation.
It is important to follow the doctor's recommendations - take measurements without getting out of bed, use one thermometer, take into account factors such as stress, malaise with colds and other factors that can affect hormonal background. The maturation of the egg follicle depends on it.
The onset of a favorable moment can also be determined by some typical signs:

• Pain in the lower abdomen, having aching and pulling character;
• Hardening and soreness of the mammary glands;
• Increased irritability, mood changes;
• Abundant discharge, sometimes with an admixture of blood;
• strong sex drive.

Knowing when to use the test, you need to understand how to do it competently.

Basic rules for testing

The rules for this procedure are written so that the information received is, as much as possible, reliable.
Medical advice:

• When conducting a test, you should refuse to take potent drugs, as they can affect the balance of hormones and can distort the result;
• You can not drink a lot, even plain water 2-3 hours before the analysis;
• Morning urine is not suitable for an ovulation test;
• If the procedure is carried out regularly, it is better to do it at the same time;
• It is optimal to conduct testing in the morning and evening;
• Tests should not be used early morning and after 20.00.
• A couple of hours before the event, it is advisable not to empty the bladder.

The testing process itself is not difficult, but you need to keep in mind that there is no ideal device for accurate diagnosis, and these devices can also sometimes make mistakes. Therefore, it is proposed to carry out the procedure twice a day. The most accurate are digital devices using salivary secretion and urine.

For more information about ovulation tests and how they work, watch the video below:

Having an idea of ​​​​how to do an ovulation test correctly, it is possible to optimally identify the peak of the monthly cycle, that is, the best time. When planning a pregnancy, this is an excellent chance for a full conception and the birth of a healthy baby.

A child makes a family more complete and happy, modern couples try to prepare in advance for such an event. This applies to both the financial situation and the state of health. This is the correct approach to major changes. When future parents are physically and mentally ready, they want to know exactly at what point they can conceive a baby with a 100% guarantee. A modern diagnostic tool can help with this - an ovulation test, how to do it correctly, can be read in the attached instructions or asked a doctor.

Special medical devices for determining the moment of ovulation are commercially available, so if you wish, you can purchase any of the devices. They are similar to those used to detect pregnancy. Whichever device is chosen during the diagnosis, a woman's urine or saliva will be required.

There are several types of such products:

• Strip test - an ordinary strip of reagent, which must be lowered into a container of urine. If the content of luteinizing hormone is increased, a second line will appear - it should be quite well expressed in color. If the strip has a pale tone, you should continue to try further. Literally in a day or a little more, the egg will mature and come out of the follicle.
• The inkjet test (express) is the most convenient, since for diagnosis you can simply substitute it under the stream of urine. With a favorable diagnosis, two lines become bright, you can see the result after 5 minutes.
• The test cassette is considered over reliable method than a simple test strip. This is a small plastic “pencil case” that has a screen on which urine should be dripped, and after a couple of minutes the result will be displayed in another window, that is, two colored stripes.
• An electronic diagnostic device is reusable and provides more accurate information. But it also surpasses the previous options in cost.
• The most highly informative is a digital device that determines the convenient time for conception by female saliva. The device is shaped like lipstick, and its internal structure is, in fact, a microscope. According to a certain specific pattern, which gives the biomaterial, the identification of the desired hormone, which is evidence of ovulation, is recognized.

Comparing different tests, we can say that they all have some pros and cons. The simplicity of the urine test strips gives a quick result, without the need to test samples of cervical fluid from the cervix during menstruation. At the same time, the information is quite accurate, especially when it comes to electronic reusable devices. However, if there is a need to do such tests every month, the method is inexpedient in terms of monetary costs, moreover, diagnostic errors can occur if there are abnormalities in the functioning of the genitourinary organs.

If we take the digital method for the study of saliva crystallization, then it is highly accurate and less costly for the family.

Women should be aware that any diagnostic tool only shows the level of a hormone that signals the release of a mature female cell. In order to identify the peak of the presence of LH, testing is required at least twice a day so as not to miss it.

When to do an ovulation test

It is important to know when to do an ovulation test. The body of a woman is quite complicated, and in order for a full-fledged conception to occur, the female reproductive cell must mature, exit the follicular membrane and make its way to its destination through the fallopian tubes. Each woman has her own individual menstrual cycle, and based on it, ovulation can occur at different intervals.

With a stable cycle, the most convenient moment for fertilization can be determined quite simply. It is enough to subtract the number 17 from the number of days. For example, if it is 30 days, then we get 13, that is, on the 13th day, you can start doing home testing. Ovulation itself lasts no more than a day and a half and it is important to determine it at the right time, otherwise conception may not occur.

Additionally, you should pay attention to the signs of ovulation, which can be clearly expressed:

• In a woman, during the maturation of the egg, the vaginal secretion becomes especially abundant and has a transparent or milky white color;
• A couple of days before the release of the female cell, an irresistible sexual desire appears, doctors consider this moment the most convenient for fertilization;
• The woman's breasts swell, the nipples become especially painful and sensitive;
• In the lower abdomen, pulling pain and cramps can be felt, similar to the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

If a woman additionally draws up a graph of changes in basal temperature, then she should know that during the ovulation period the temperature rises and continues to hold for some time after it has passed.

Many women planning a pregnancy are concerned about everything related to such a subject as an ovulation test, when to start doing it is the most important question. Diagnostics can be started 4-5 days before the expected maturation and release of the egg and continue for a couple more days after this process.

Ovulation test: how to do it right

So, an ovulation test - how to do this procedure correctly, a specialist can tell, but it is advisable to find out as soon as possible. To get a reliable result, a woman must take into account factors that can distort the test data. Therefore, she will have to fulfill some requirements:

1. The test does not use urine taken immediately after a night's sleep;
2. You can not drink a lot of liquid 3-4 hours before testing;
3. It is advisable to carry out the procedure not earlier than 10 am and 8 pm;
4. To accurately find out the result, it is better to use the test twice a day - in the morning and evening;
5. Since testing can last 2-3 days in a row, it is better to do it at the same time, both in the morning and in the evening;
6. During the procedure, you can not take potent drugs, including those containing LH - luteinizing hormone.
7. You should not get rid of the tests already used - by the brightness of the second strip, you can judge the specific moments of the favorable period.

In order to correctly determine the state of the body, it is necessary to look at the second line, where a special substance is applied, since the first line is an indicator of the suitability of the device.

Women need to keep in mind that any emotional outburst, whether positive or negative, can change the outcome of the diagnosis. Therefore, it is necessary to exclude stressful situations. If a woman has a disease thyroid gland and functional failures endocrine system, she must understand that the result may be erroneous.

Ovulation test: how they work and how accurate: video

Negative and positive ovulation test results

Sometimes the diagnosis shows a negative result and, in connection with this, many questions arise. In fact, the absence of luteinizing hormone may mean that there is still a lot of time before the favorable moment, or the necessary period has already ended. On the other hand, perhaps the test itself is corrupted and does not give the correct answer. In rare cases, ovulation may not occur due to pathologies present in the body, and then you will need to undergo a medical examination to identify the causes that caused them.

With a positive diagnosis, you should also behave correctly. It is quite natural to ask a doctor about this, there is nothing to be ashamed of, because we are talking about an absolutely normal phenomenon for a woman - the desire to conceive has as its goal the birth of a child.

Such information is very important and therefore women should be aware that it is not necessary to immediately start the process of fertilization. When the test is positive, it confirms that the egg only needs to come out of the ovary, and it will only be ready for fertilization after 8-10 hours. It is at this time that sexual intercourse should be carried out.

Sometimes some spouses use an ovulation test for the exact opposite purpose - to avoid an unwanted pregnancy, but this approach cannot give a full guarantee and, moreover, is quite expensive.

The most convenient, and to a certain extent accurate, is an ovulation test, how to do it correctly and when, you need to know before purchasing this device. After all, illiterate actions can negate the result, which is so important for a married couple.

Many women feel when they are ovulating. At this time, the viscosity of vaginal discharge increases, sexual desire increases, and pain in the ovary area may be felt. However, for effective pregnancy planning, you cannot rely on these feelings. It is necessary to regularly conduct an ovulation test, which will make it possible to determine the most favorable moment for fertilization.

Why carry it out?

Ovulation is the moment when an egg ready for fertilization is released from the follicle located in the ovary into the abdominal cavity, and then into the fallopian tube. Here it will unite with the sperm, resulting in the formation of a zygote. She will move to the uterus, where the further development of pregnancy will take place.

In order to accurately determine the time of release of the female germ cell from the ovary and best time for conception, it is very convenient to use a special test strip. This simple study will help a couple plan their pregnancy.

Operating principle

Ovulation can be determined using a regular home test, which is sold at any pharmacy. The principle of the study is based on the exact determination of the concentration of luteinizing hormone in the urine. The level of this substance in women varies depending on the period of the menstrual cycle. Just before ovulation, it reaches its maximum values.

The ovulation test makes it possible to register such an increase in the level of luteinizing hormone, the peak of which will indicate the onset of ovulation. It works on the same principle as a pregnancy test. It uses other substances that respond to an increase in the concentration of luteinizing hormone, and not chorionic gonadotropin.

On sale there are devices for determining luteinizing hormone in saliva. They are more convenient, designed for repeated use, but have a high price.

A positive ovulation test indicates that the best time to conceive an unborn baby is in the next 2 days.

Some women use such testing to determine " dangerous days» with the calendar method of contraception. However, the effectiveness of this method is low. Spermatozoa that have entered the genitals of a woman can linger in them, "waiting" for the release of the egg. Therefore, it is possible to become pregnant with sexual contact that occurred before the release of the egg.

Rules for holding

Most tests contain 5 strips. This is due to the fact that it is extremely rare to calculate the moment of ovulation at once, and repeated studies significantly increase the accuracy of diagnosis.

What day is the right time to do an ovulation test?

You need to start testing on the eve of the expected date of release of the egg. It is necessary to determine the duration of the menstrual cycle and subtract 17 days. If the cycle lasts 28 days, you need to start the study from day 11, counting from the first day of menstruation. With irregular menstruation, the average value of 4 or even 6 cycles in a row should be taken as a basis.

How to use an ovulation test?

Each box contains detailed instructions. You just need to place the test strip in a container of warm urine or substitute it under the stream when urinating, and then dry and save. The next strip is used in exactly the same way at the same time. This is repeated until a positive result is obtained.

• within 4 hours do not drink water and other liquids;
• do not urinate at least 2 hours before testing;
• do not use the first portion of urine obtained in the morning;
• the best time for testing is from 10 am to 8 pm.

Ovulation test results

After completing the study, a woman can get the following indicators:

• absence or very weak line (significantly paler than the control) - the test is negative;
• there are both strips, not counting the control - the test is positive.

If the test is negative, it means that some more time will pass before the release of the egg.

If the test showed two stripes, this indicates a possible release of the egg from the follicle within the next 12-48 hours. The brighter the second strip appears, the greater the concentration of luteinizing hormone, and the closer ovulation. A positive result persists for 1-2 days, rarely for 3 days.

If none of the strips is visible, this is a sign that the test is not suitable for use.

A positive test confirms the highest fertility during the menstrual cycle. If a woman is trying to get pregnant, she needs to plan sexual intercourse within the next 3 days after ovulation.

False test results

It may happen that the test result is positive, but ovulation does not occur. Substances that react to the concentration of luteinizing hormone in the urine are very sensitive. Therefore, there is a slight chance that they will catch a small increase in the concentration of the hormone.

Most effective method confirm ovulation - ultrasound of the ovary. Many women measure at the same time as testing. This is a simple and informative way to find out at home about the onset of ovulation. The temperature in the rectum rises the next day after this. Combined with testing, this gives an accurate result.

Sometimes, despite the negative result, ovulation still occurs. This is usually due to non-compliance with the instructions for using the test. The study should be carried out at the same time, in the afternoon or in the evening. In addition, an irregular cycle may be the cause, and then other methods are used to determine the time of release of the egg.

Contraindications for use

The results can be distorted under the influence of hormonal drugs prescribed to a woman about gynecological diseases( , and others). However, these drugs in most cases also have a contraceptive effect, so getting pregnant while taking them will not work.

Ovulation tests are not performed during pregnancy or after menopause.

Best Ovulation Tests

In pharmacies, you can buy test kits from different companies. Let's consider some of them.

Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test

Shows results with 99% accuracy. It consists of a plastic case and a test module. Before starting the study, you need to remove both parts of the test and insert the strip into the case until it clicks. Then you need to wait for the flashing symbol to appear on the body of the device. It will show that the test is ready to use.

Ovulation test "Clearblue"

Next, you need to collect a portion of urine in a dry, clean container and place the absorbent part of the strip in it for 15 seconds. You can simply put the end of the test module under the stream while urinating for 5 seconds, but there is a danger of wetting the device itself.

The housing can be placed on a flat surface or held with the sampler facing down. You can not lift it with a strip up. After half a minute, a flashing signal will appear, indicating that the result is ready. After that, you need to remove the test, remove the cap from it and wait 3 minutes.

After this time, a “smiley” will appear on the body of the device. This means that ovulation has come, and the best time to conceive is the next 48 hours. If the circle remains empty, then the hormone level is normal. After that, you need to throw away the strip, and the next day, repeat the study.

No need to pay attention to the stripes that appear on the test module. You can find out the result only on the display of the device. It is displayed for 8 minutes.

The digital ovulation test is highly accurate. When using it, you do not need to independently evaluate the brightness of the strips. This makes Clearblue one of the best products in its segment. It is more expensive than conventional strips, but it is more convenient to use and more reliable.

Frautest for ovulation

If a woman has a reason to use not an electronic device, but test strips, Frautest will suit her. The kit contains 5 strips for determining luteinizing hormone, as well as 2 tests for diagnosing pregnancy. In addition, there are 7 containers for urine, which increases the convenience of use.

Frautest ovulation test strips

The strip should be immersed in the container with urine in the direction of the arrows up to the Max mark, it is not necessary to immerse it deeper. After 5 seconds, you need to remove the strip and put it to dry on the edge of the container with urine. Colored lines will start to appear after a minute, but the final assessment is made after 10 minutes. If 2 bright lines appear, the test is positive. It is not recommended to evaluate the result after 30 minutes or more.

The test is one-time, after use it and the urine container must be thrown away.

Other popular test strips are Eviplan, Ovuplan, Femiplan.

Tablet tests

Devices that combine ease of use and accuracy - tablet, or cassette.

Tablet (cassette, inkjet) test for ovulation "Femitest"

These are reusable devices that determine ovulation in the urine. It is enough to substitute the window of the device under the jet, and after a while one or two strips will be displayed on the screen. Examples of such tests are Frautest, Evitest, Ovuplan Lux, Femitest cassettes.

Electronic test that determines the level of estrogen in saliva

Considered the most reliable. Hence its high cost. The principle of its work is to study a drop of saliva under a microscope. Before ovulation, salt crystals begin to form in it, first forming horizontal and vertical lines, and at the time of ovulation, a pattern resembling a fern. If ovulation has not occurred, the saliva sample contains only individual grains - “sand”.

The readings of this test do not depend on the level of luteinizing hormone. Therefore, it is especially suitable for women with hormonal disorders.

The simplest device in the series is the MaybeMom microscope. It is equipped with good optics and gives a reliable result in 98% of cases. The OVU test allows you to examine not only saliva, but also cervical mucus. Eva-Test is a mini-laboratory, fully computerized and independently issuing ready-made data on ovulation.

Test microscope "Maybe Mom" ​​for determining ovulation by a drop of saliva

Electronic tests that determine ovulation by saliva are considered the most accurate. Compact microscopes are easy to use and convenient. They are reusable, there is no need to constantly buy test strips. You need to examine saliva in the morning, before drinking water and brushing your teeth.

Some devices, such as Eva-Test, make it possible not only to determine ovulation, but also to protect yourself from pregnancy, to notice the threat of miscarriage in time. Such an ovulation test shows pregnancy for a period of 1 week. It is able to help in the diagnosis of gynecological diseases and even determine the sex of the unborn baby. Although consumer reviews speak of some inconvenience of the device, the need to reconfigure it and the high price, for some women it is best suited.

The Vesta device also belongs to this category. Manufacturers claim that such devices also show “safe” days, hormone levels in menopause, possible cause absence of menstruation.

FAQ

What is the chance of pregnancy on fertile days?

The chances of getting pregnant will vary from cycle to cycle and from woman to woman. It depends on many conditions such as the age of the woman, her partner, general health and lifestyle. On average, the probability of pregnancy on the day of ovulation is 33%.

What is the difference between using most ovulation tests and the Clearblue Fertility Monitor?

Most ovulation tests detect the release of luteinizing hormone, which occurs about 24-36 hours before the release of the egg. They help clarify the 2 most fertile days of the cycle - before ovulation and during this process. The Clearblue Fertility Monitor digital test determines the level of two hormones - luteinizing and estrogen. It detects up to 5 extra days when a woman can become pregnant by detecting a rise in estrogen.

I recently stopped taking birth control pills. Could this change the result?

No, this will not affect the results. But if a woman has only recently stopped taking hormonal drugs, she may have irregular cycles. This leads to difficulties in determining the day of testing. Therefore, it is better to wait until 2 consecutive cycles without contraceptives have passed, and only then start using ovulation tests.

My cycle is outside the range shown in the instructions. How do I know when to start testing? When to test for late ovulation?

If the cycle is less than 22 days, you need to start testing on the 5th day, counting the first day of menstruation. If the cycle is more than 40 days, you should start testing 17 days before the expected start of menstruation and continue testing even after 5 days.

I have been using the clearblue test for several months in a row and have not gotten pregnant. Maybe I'm infertile?

It happens that a healthy woman cannot become pregnant for many months. A doctor should be consulted after a year of unsuccessful attempts if the woman is under 35 years old. If she is 35-40 years old, this should be done in six months. If a patient older than 40 years has never been protected and has not become pregnant, an urgent need to go to a gynecologist.

I did all 5 tests according to the instructions, but did not detect ovulation. What to do?

If the cycle length changes monthly by more than 3 days, a new pack of the test must be started. If the cycle is normal, then it was neoovulatory, that is, there was no release of the egg. It will no longer be possible to get pregnant this month, but this is a normal phenomenon for the female body.

Do I need to use all the tests in the suite?

No. It is possible to stop testing after ovulation and save the remaining strips for the next cycle.

I did the test incorrectly, what should I do next?

The best solution- conduct another study on the same day 4 hours after the failed one. At this time, you need to drink less and not urinate. If the urine was collected in plastic container, you just need to take another strip and analyze immediately.

When are the chances of getting pregnant the highest and lowest?

The peak of the possibility of conception occurs on the day of ovulation and the day before it. A high probability of pregnancy appears 4 days before. Outside of these 6-7 days, the chance of getting pregnant is low.

What is the difference between ovulation days and "fertile" days?

Ovulation is the release of the female germ cell from the follicle, this happens 12 to 16 days before the start of the next menstruation. A woman is most fertile on the day of ovulation and on the previous day.

"Fertile" days - the time of the cycle when pregnancy can occur. Due to the fact that spermatozoa remain in the female body for several days, they can “wait” for an egg. Therefore, “fertile” days are considered the day of ovulation and 5 days before it.