Ovulation Test: When and How to Use It for Best Results

Reviewed by Dr. M Nandini Devi ,

Expert Verified

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Last updated: June 05, 2025

Synopsis

Ovulation tests can be really useful for women looking to get pregnant. They spot the LH surge that happens just before ovulation, helping you figure out the best time to conceive. In this article, we'll explain how these tests work, when and how to use them, and what to do if you get a positive result. With straightforward advice and useful tips, the article helps readers make smart choices to boost their chances of getting pregnant.

Introduction to Ovulation Test

Trying to conceive can be both exciting and overwhelming. Many women need to know when ovulation happens to increase their chances of conception. Ovulation tests come to the rescue right there. By using an ovulation test, you may find the most fertile days in your cycle, which allows you to plan intercourse more effectively.

Ovulation generally takes place midway through your cycle. However, irregular cycles can make tracking the date of ovulation rather difficult. An ovulation test can determine the stage of your cycle by measuring changes in the hormone levels in the body.

An ovulation test is meant to check for a surge of luteinising hormone (LH), which occurs prior to ovulation. If used correctly, the test will enable you to identify and make use of the fertile window, which significantly increases the probability of conception.

How Does an Ovulation Test Work?

Ovulation test strips are meant to check for the level of luteinising hormone (LH) in urine. LH triggers ovulation, when an egg is released from your ovary and moves to the fallopian tube. It normally occurs 24 to 36 hours before ovulation, when there is a significant increase in LH.

There are two main types of ovulation tests: urine-based tests and saliva-based tests.

Urine-Based Tests:

Most common and widely available.

You collect a urine sample or use a midstream test stick.
A positive result indicates an LH surge, suggesting ovulation is closer.

Saliva-Based Tests:

Involves placing a small amount of saliva on a lens and observing patterns under magnification.

When oestrogen levels rise (which happens before LH surges), a fern-like pattern is created in the saliva.

Ovulation test kits include two lines: The control line indicates your test is working correctly and signals that the other line is the test line. The test line could either be lighter or darker than the control line, depending on whether you are ovulating. If the test line is lighter than the control line, you have a low amount of LH in your body. This means you are less likely to conceive. Understanding how these tests work helps you use them with greater confidence and accuracy.

When Should You Take an Ovulation Test?

Timing is everything when it comes to ovulation testing. To get the best results, it’s essential to know the length of your menstrual cycle and calculate your fertile window accordingly.

How to Calculate Your Fertile Window:

Cycle Length	Start Testing On
21 days	Day 5
24 days	Day 7
28 days	Day 11
30 days	Day 13
35 days	Day 18

For women with 28-day menstrual cycles, the best time to take an ovulation test is 10 to 18 days after your period. If you have irregular cycles, then you are not alone. Not knowing how long your cycle will be each time makes it difficult to know when to start using ovulation tests. To make sure that you don’t miss the peak, we recommend that you test starting from four days before the time when you’d ovulate in your shortest cycle, to the day when you’d ovulate in your longest cycle.

Best Time of Day to Test:

For urine-based tests, mid-morning or early afternoon is ideal, as LH levels are more concentrated.
Avoid testing first thing in the morning unless the brand recommends it.
Try to test at the same time every day for consistent results.

For best results, we recommend testing using the second morning urine, typically between 10 am and 12 am for most people. Being consistent and aware of your body’s rhythms can help you detect your LH surge more accurately.

Also Read: What causes High Estrogen Levels?

How to Use an Ovulation Test Correctly?

To ensure the test is used correctly and the results will be valid, follow the instructions below tips correctly:

1. Read the Instructions : Different brands may have specific directions.

2. Collect Your Sample : You can hold the absorbent tip of the test stick in your urine stream for 5-7 seconds. You can collect urine in a clean, dry container and dip the absorbent tip in for 15 seconds.

3. Wait for Results : Leave the absorbent end pointed down for about 20-40 seconds, after which the light for the test will flash. Follow the time indicated on the packet.

4. Read the Results:

Positive : The test line is as dark or darker than the control line.
Negative : The test line is faint or not visible.

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes:

Don’t drink excessive fluids before testing, as this can dilute LH in urine.
Be consistent with the timing each day.
Record your results to identify patterns.

Correct usage ensures you're not missing your fertile window and increases your chances of conception.

What to Do When the Ovulation Test is Positive?

When the test is positive, it means that your luteinising hormone (LH) has spiked and ovulation is scheduled to happen in the next 24–36 hours. You’re most fertile in this phase, at this point.

Here’s What You Should Do:

Sexual activity during the next 24–48 hours may maximise your chance of pregnancy.
Track other fertility signs such as cervical mucus, basal body temperature, or ovulation pain for additional confirmation.
Continue tracking for a few cycles to understand your body’s rhythm.

Given that sperm can live for up to five days in your body, having intercourse both before and after a positive ovulation test result can put your odds of conception at a much higher level.

Types of Ovulation Tests Available

There are several types of ovulation tests on the market, each with its own benefits.

Available Options:

Type	Description	Pros	Cons
Strip Tests	Dip a strip in the urine sample	Affordable and easy to use	Requires interpretation
Digital Tests	Shows a smiley face or a clear message	Clear results, less guesswork	More expensive
Saliva Kits	Observes saliva patterns under the lens	Reusable, hormone-friendly option	Requires practice to read correctly
Apps + Sensors	Use bluetooth devices & hormone tracking	Tech-enabled and data-rich	Costly and requires a smartphone

Choose the one that suits your lifestyle and comfort level. Some women prefer digital convenience, while others are happy with simple strips.

Understanding these common concerns can help you use ovulation tests more effectively and avoid confusion.

Conclusion

Easy to use and effective, ovulation tests are an invaluable tool for couples trying to get pregnant. Ovulation tests demonstrate your LH surge to highlight the days when you are most likely to conceive. If you do what is being instructed to do and are consistent with the use, then your chances of conceiving will improve significantly.

While these tests are helpful, they are just one part of the fertility journey. If you're facing challenges or have irregular cycles, it’s a good idea to speak to a doctor or fertility expert at Indira IVF. By monitoring ovulation, you take hold of your fertility process.

Also Read : How to use Ovulation Calculator?