Perhaps you are a Traditional Surrogate getting ready for IUI's with your IP's or even attempting to become pregnant on your own and if either of these situations are the case you might have questions regarding ovulation predictor test kits. There are several on the market to choose from and below is a short list of common questions and answers regarding what these kits are for and how they work.
Q: How do ovulation tests work?
Ovulation tests detect luteinizing hormone (LH). Just prior to ovulation, women experience a brief surge in luteinizing hormone. Ovulation predictor kits help you pinpoint this surge and anticipate ovulation - your most fertile period in your cycle. Luteinizing hormone, in elevated amounts, is actually the hormone that causes you to ovulate (when the eggs bursts from the ovarian follicle), so that is why lh tests are so effective in anticipating your most fertile time.
Q: What is the best time of day to take the ovulation test?
Unlike pregnancy tests, morning (first morning urine) is not the best time to collect samples for ovulation tests, as LH is synthesized in your body early in the morning and will not appear in your urine until the afternoon. The ideal time to test is in the afternoon, around 2pm, though testing may safely take place from 10am to early evening.
Q: Should I take the test the same time every day?
Yes, be sure to test at the same time each day. Also, reduce your liquid intake around 2 hours before testing as a diluted liquid sample can prevent or hinder LH detection.
