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Ovulation Testing 

The menstruation cycle  

As described in the article How it all happens, during the course of a menstruation cycle, the levels of the FSH hormone encourage the follicles to mature and a surge in the LH hormone levels triggers the ovulation (the egg being released from the follicle).

The graph below shows the change in the levels of these pituitary gland hormones during the course of a standard 28 day menstruation cycle.

Ovulation tests are designed to indicate to a woman when is the best time for her to conceive based on a prediction of when her ovulation will occur. Alternatively, they are sometimes used as a form of contraception to indicate a time frame when she should abstain from sexual intercourse to avoid conception.

The levels of LH (Leutenising Hormone) are present in urine from the first day of the cycle, however, as shown in the graph above, they peak rapidly between 24 and 36 hours before ovulation.  Ovulation tests allow for the detection of this rapid rise in LH levels.

Most of the test kits available are based on a principle similar to a home pregnancy test.  A sample of midstream urine is taken and after a few seconds, a positive test will be indicated by two lines of similar color and a negative test will show only a single line.  NOTE: Check the packet instructions carefully for the exact details of the particular brand that has been purchased.

The sensitivity of the tests vary between different brands but are normally capable of testing between 25 mIU/ml and 40 mIU/ml.

See also: Ovulation Date Calculator

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