Ways to Predict and Confirm Ovulation – Part 4 – Ovulation Prediction Kits

If you haven’t already done so, make sure you read the first three parts of this series before you read this final post on ways to predict and confirm ovulation.

Part 1 – Basal Body Temperature
Part 2 – Cervical Fluids
Part 3 – Cervix Position and Texture

Ovulation Prediction Kits

If you are unable to predict and confirm ovulation by charting your temperatures, cervical fluid and/or cervix texture and position, then you may want to use ovulation prediction kits (OPKs).  These kits test your urine for a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs prior to ovulation.  The OPKs do not confirm ovulation.  If there is a surge in the luteinizing hormone, the test line will show up as dark as or darker than the control line.  The best time to test is generally in the afternoon.  You must also test at the same time each day.  These kits are helpful in predicting ovulation if you test right around your fertile period.

The downsides to these kits are that it is expensive and may be used or interpreted inaccurately.  For example, a kit of 20 tests at Target costs $34.99.  You may be able to purchase these kits online for $0.50 to $1.00 per test.  Most of these kits look like a pregnancy test where there is a test line and a control line.  For a “positive,” the test line has to be as dark as or darker in color than the test line.  Sometimes it is difficult to interpret the color of the test.  If you do not test everyday due to the limited number of tests available, then you may miss the LH surge and time intercourse incorrectly.

A commonly ovulation predictor device is the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor.  This is an electronic system that interprets your urine test to let you know if you are in a low, high or peak phase in your cycle.  It analyzes your estrogen and LH level in your urine.  If the monitor is used correctly, it can predict ovulation 1-2 days before ovulation occurs.  However, like the OPKs, this monitor is expensive and costs about $200, and requires you to purchase 30 sticks for $50 for each cycle.

That’s all for this series on Ways to Predict and Confirm Ovulation. I hope you found the information helpful and please feel free to let me know what you think.

Related posts:

1. Ways to Predict and Confirm Ovulation – Part 2 – Cervical Fluids
2. Ways to Predict and Confirm Ovulation – Part 3 – Cervix Position and Texture
3. Ways to Predict and Confirm Ovulation – Part 1 – Basal Body Temperature