Ovulation Prediction Kits (OPK)
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is chemical produced by the brain that causes
release of the egg from the ovary (ovulation). Ovulation usually
takes place within 12 to 36 hours after a sharp rise of luteinizing hormone in your blood known as the LH "surge". Ovulation
prediction kits work by detecting the presence of the LH surge in
your urine.
If you are using an ovulation prediction kit, start testing
about 3 days
before the expected day of ovulation. If
you have irregular cycles, use the length of your shortest cycle in the
past six months to estimate when to start testing
your urine. You can use the calcualtor below to estimate when to begin
testing.
The best time to perform the test is around noon.
Follow the directions on the test kit. Usually about
5 minutes after the urine has been absorbed onto the stick the control band of the test strip
will appear. The test is
positive if the control band is present and the test band is equal to or
darker in color to the control band. If no visible control band
appears at all the test is not valid. This usually means you did not
apply enough urine to the test strip, and you will need to repeat the
test .
Continue testing every day until the test is
positive. Have sex within 36 hours of testing positive.
References
Khattab AF, et al., The use of urine LH detection kits to time
intrauterine insemination with donor sperm.
Hum Reprod. 2005 Sep;20(9):2542-5. PMID: 15919775
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