Ovulation Test Results

There are a number of symptoms related to ovulation, one of which is slight pain in the abdomen. It is very unwise however to try to pinpoint ovulation via methods that can quite frankly be very hit and miss.

Mucus readings, temperature readings, saliva microscopes and pain can all be used to get an idea of when you're ovulating. However, I am certain that many women make mistakes when doing this and end up missing critical windows of opportunity to conceive.

Invest in ovulation predictor kits and you won't be sorry. They are easy to use and can be purchased in bulk to save money.

Using OPKs is a must to ensure you maximise your chances of getting pregnant each month.

If you have or are thinking about investing in an ovulation test kit then you're well on your way to increasing your chances of getting pregnant. However, if you don't use your ovulation tests wisely you could be missing opportunities to get pregnant.

One of the most common questions I hear from many women trying to conceive is how to use ovulation tests to their full potential. The other frequent question is how to interpret the ovulation test results accurately.

Lets look at using your tests to their full potential first.

One mistake easily made is to miss the all important 'positive result' the test is designed to give you. Here are the three critical tips on how to get the most out of your ovulation test.

1. Test everyday after your period is finished.

Yes a little on the expensive side but until you are very familiar with your cycle it is better to see the negative test result day after day so when your positive result shows up it will be obvious. This way there will be less wondering "Is it or isn't it positive?" You will be confident as to the optimum timing of your conception attempts.

2. Test twice a day as you approach what you know to be your most likely time of ovulation.

There is a small window of opportunity to 'capture' the positive result, therefore testing twice a day will reduce the risk of missing it.

3. Don't give up on OPKs just because you didn't get pregnant the first month you used them.

OPKs aren't the only answer to getting pregnant but with them your chances can be increased.

Now what does the test result mean?

Your new test will have a line on it before you use it, this is called the 'Control' line. The 'Control' line is there for you to compare your test result to. When you use the test your urine will create an additional line, this is called the 'Test' line.

What you are looking out for is when the 'Test' line is just as dark if not darker than the shade of the 'Control' line. A lighter shade on the 'Test' line simply indicates that your FSH levels, the hormone the test detects, are at their normal level. This does not constitute a positive result.

When ovulation is nearing, within say the following 24 to 48 hours, your body's FSH levels will increase dramatically, this is often referred to as the 'surge'. This is when you will clearly see a matched or even darker result to the 'Control' line on your test result. This is the 'positive' result you have been waiting for.

Digital ovulation tests can take out the guess work but they are much more expensive and can tempt you to not test as often as needed. The net affect is a waste of money. If you can afford to use digital tests however then go right ahead, they can make life a lot easier. If using the cheaper tests though, which I recommend, the more you use them the easier it will be to interpret them.

How To Get Pregnant - TTC Group