Are Ovulation Test Strips Right for Me?

If planning a pregnancy is on the horizon for you, you’ll soon learn that tracking ovulation is key to conception. There are lots of different ways you can go about this – but in this article, we’re focusing on one specific method: ovulation test strips (i.e. OPKs). 

We’ll start by explaining what ovulation test strips are, how they work, and how to interpret your results. We’ll also provide some insights into how this particular method stacks up against other ovulation tracking methods so that you can make good decisions for your TTC journey. 

What Are Ovulation Test Strips? 

Ovulation test strips (sometimes referred to as ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) or ovulation strips) are a type of at-home hormone test that measures the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) in urine. Ovulation tests look very similar to pregnancy test strips. However, instead of testing for elevated hCG levels, they test for elevated LH levels. 

In a typical cycle, LH surges approximately 24-36 hours before ovulation. By identifying the surge in LH with an ovulation test, couples can make sure to have regular sex or plan insemination soon when ovulation is most likely to occur (and when the chances of conception are highest). 

You’ll find lots of different types of ovulation test strips available at your local drugstore or pharmacy, the most common being disposable test strips and digital wands. 

How Do Ovulation Test Strips Work?

Detecting LH

LH levels remain relatively low during the first half of the menstrual cycle, ranging between 1.9-14.6 IU/L. Then, just before and during ovulation, they can surge up to 118.0 IU/L before dropping back down to 0.7-12.9 IU/L during the second half of the menstrual cycle.  

Ovulation tests or ‘LH test strips’ are designed to detect this surge in LH, with most tests considering anything above 20-40 IU/L to be ‘surging’. 

Testing Process

The process of using an LH test strip is very similar to a standard pregnancy test. Some tests must be dipped into a urine sample, while other tests require you to pee directly onto the test wand/paper. Once your sample has been tested, the results will then be displayed on the test within approximately five to ten minutes. 

Please note that testing processes differ depending on the test. For the most accurate results, always make sure to read and follow the instructions for your ovulation test.  

Interpreting Your Results

If you have taken a threshold-based test, your results will be displayed as either  “Positive” or “Negative”. If two lines are displayed, this is a positive result, and it indicates that your LH levels are surging above the LH surge threshold (typically above 20-40 IU/L). This means you should plan sex or insemination soon. If only one line is displayed, this is a negative result, and it indicates that your LH levels are not surging above the threshold.  

If you have taken a semi-quantitative LH test, your results will either be displayed as “Low”, “High”, or “Peak” fertility. A “low” result indicates that your LH levels are not surging, a “high” result indicates that your LH levels are rising, and a “Peak” result indicates that LH levels are at their highest and ovulation is likely to happen within the next 12 hours. 

Best Practices for Ovulation Testing 

Ovulation test strips are estimated to be up to 99% accurate at identifying an LH surge. However, in order to receive the most accurate results, the test must be taken correctly. Here are a few testing best practices to bear in mind: 

• Check the expiration date of your test. If it’s out of date, throw it away and purchase a new test kit. 
• Thoroughly read and follow the instructions for each test kit.
• Begin testing at least five to six days before your estimated day of ovulation. If you need help figuring this out, check out our handy ovulation calculator. 
• Take a test at least once per day and always test at the same time for the most consistent results. 
• Limit your intake of liquids at least two hours before testing. This will help prevent your urine from becoming diluted, which can interfere with your results. 

If you’ve consistently tested your LH levels but still haven’t managed to detect an LH surge, don’t panic! Certain factors such as cycle irregularity, hydration levels, and medications may interfere with the accuracy of your results – leading to false negatives and false positives. Learn more by checking out our article Just How Accurate Is Your OPK or Ovulation Test?

Pros and Cons of Ovulation Test Strips

All forms of ovulation tracking have their advantages and disadvantages. The pros of using ovulation test strips to predict ovulation are: 

• Convenience – Ovulation test strips are easy to find at your local drugstore or supermarket. Many people also find them much easier to use when compared to other ovulation tracking methods (such as BBT and cervical mucus monitoring). 
• Accuracy – When used correctly with regular cycles, ovulation test strips can be up to 99% accurate. 
• Low Cost – Basic ovulation test strips and kits can be purchased online for as little as $1 per test, making them a relatively inexpensive option to try. 

On the other hand, the cons of using ovulation test strips are: 

• Unsuitable for Irregular Cycles or Unique Hormone Patterns – Ovulation test strips rarely work for individuals with irregular cycles or hormone conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – leading to an increased risk of false positive and false negative results. 
• Cannot Confirm Ovulation – Ovulation test strips can only detect a surge in LH, they cannot confirm that ovulation actually occurred.  
• Difficult to Interpret – Many people find ovulation test strips to be difficult to interpret – sometimes the test line can be faint, which is confusing when trying to interpret your results. 
• Expensive Over Time – When used consistently over time without pregnancy success, the cost of purchasing ovulation tests can become expensive.    

No method of tracking ovulation is perfect. For a well-rounded TTC experience, it’s worth trying (or even combining) multiple ovulation tracking methods to see what works best for you. This is the best way to stay in tune with your body so that you can maximize your chances of conception. 

Alternative Ovulation Tracking Methods: How Do They Compare? 

Ovulation Test Strips vs Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Tracking

Basal body temperature (BBT) tracking is a fertility awareness method based on the premise that BBT increases about 0.5°F approximately 12 hours after ovulation. By tracking BBT with a BBT thermometer, you can estimate when ovulation occurred and then use this information to estimate future ovulation patterns. 

BBT tracking is not the most accurate way to track ovulation, with research estimating it to be up to 70% accurate at predicting the LH surge within one day. It can also be difficult to maintain sustainably, as daily measurements must be taken first thing in the morning. 

On the plus side, unlike ovulation test strips which must be purchased multiple times, BBT tracking only requires a one-time purchase of the BBT thermometer. The temperature readings can then be recorded in a notebook or fertility-tracking app (such as the Mira App).  

At Mira, we think BBT monitoring is best used in conjunction with another form of ovulation tracking – such as cervical mucus tracking or hormone monitoring. 

Ovulation Test Strips vs Cervical Mucus Tracking

Cervical mucus tracking is another form of ovulation tracking that requires daily monitoring of changes in cervical mucus. In the days leading up to ovulation, cervical mucus gradually changes in consistency, with many describing it as having the look and feel of raw egg whites. By taking note of these changes over time, individuals can develop a better sense of when their body is the most fertile. 

Following the cervical mucus method is a wonderful way to get to know your body better as it changes throughout the cycle. It’s also completely free, making it an accessible and cost-effective option for anticipating ovulation. However, similar to the BBT method, cervical mucus must be tracked daily for accurate charting, and it may take up to three cycles until you are able to notice any patterns. 

For couples who are actively trying to get pregnant as soon as possible, this method works best when used alongside another form of ovulation tracking. 

Ovulation Test Strips vs Advanced Hormone Monitoring 

Last but not least, our third recommended method for tracking ovulation is with an advanced at-home hormone monitoring system – such as Mira. 

With Mira, you can test for LH as well as three additional fertility hormones (E3G, PdG, and FSH) in urine. Your results will also be displayed numerically within the Mira App, allowing you to see a comprehensive view of your unique hormone curves in real time. By tracking these hormones together, you’ll not only be able to spot your LH peak, but you’ll also be able to see your full fertile window and confirmed day of ovulation. 

This method of tracking ovulation is best suited for couples who are serious about planning a pregnancy as soon as possible. It also provides a much-needed solution for individuals who cannot use standard ovulation test strips or OPKs due to irregular cycles, hormone imbalances, and conditions such as PCOS. 

To learn more about Mira and how it can support you along your TTC journey, check out How Mira Works. 

Evaluating Your Options 

The path to pregnancy looks different for everyone. If you are struggling to weigh up your options or just have some questions about getting pregnant, we would love to support you in our virtual Hormone Health Clinic for Fertility! 

Our coaches have extensive experience in reproductive health and fertility, and they can provide you with tailored advice, action plans, and moral support to help you achieve your fertility goals. In addition to helping you better understand your cycle and ovulation patterns, they can also provide lifestyle guidance to help you balance your hormones. 

Final Thoughts

We hope this article has helped clarify a few things about ovulation tests, OPKs, and the key differences between some of the most common methods for tracking ovulation. 

If you have struggled to predict ovulation over several cycles and actively want to plan a pregnancy, it’s worth speaking with your doctor. They can help you explore what’s going on inside your body and provide personalized recommendations for conceiving as soon as possible. 

If you’re looking for further resources on ovulation tracking and planning a pregnancy, check out our library of free webinars, ebooks, and blogs. 

Frequently Asked Questions