Difference between revisions of "Choose an Ovulation Predictor Kit"

#*Ovulation microscopes test hormone levels in saliva placed on the microscope lens and examined after it dries. The presence of a "fernlike" pattern indicates that you will ovulate within 24 to 36 hours. Testing with these small, easy-to-carry devices is simple and convenient but they do cost more. Accuracy rates may not be as high as some other testing methods.<ref name="rf1"> http://www.ovulationmicroscope.net/how-accurate-are-ovulation-predictor-kits/</ref>  

#*Ovulation predictor watches and other devices are also available. They use biosensors on the skin to measure chloride ion level surges in skin perspiration occurring about six days before ovulation. For this reason, this device can provide an ovulation estimate days earlier than estrogen or LH-based tests. It can also offer a six day window of fertility and highlight the most reliable days of ovulation.<ref name="rf2"> http://www.uspharmacist.com/content/d/diagnostic_spotlight/c/11491/</ref>

#Look for simple readings. The less you have to interpret your kit’s test results, the better. For the most part, you want results that you can depend on with reasonable confidence. This way you can focus on increasing your chances of pregnancy at the most opportune times instead of guessing whether you’re reading the results of your ovulation predictor kit correctly.<ref name="rf3">http://www.ovulationmicroscope.net/how-accurate-are-ovulation-predictor-kits/</ref>

#Think about convenience. Many kits require you to test around the same time each day during the week you are likely to ovulate based on menstrual cycle length. Other testing methods such as microscopes and monitors allow you to test freely throughout the month at any time of day. This can be helpful in pinpointing your hormone level changes and determining when ovulation is likely to happen in the coming months.<ref name="rf4"> http://www.fertilityplus.com/faq/opk.html</ref>

#Determine which is easiest to use. Some tests use urine to measure hormones, so you have to either pee on a stick or dip the test stick into urine placed in a sterile container. Monitors use a lens screen to measure hormone levels in saliva or urine. Microscopes work similar to monitors and can detect hormones after saliva dries on a lens.<ref name="rf3" />

#*You can get an estimate of the days you will likely ovulate by determining the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). You can also figure it out by calculating about 12 – 15 days from the day you expect to start your next menstrual cycle. Ovulation usually occurs sometime between Day 11 – 21 from the LMP.<ref name="rf5">http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/understanding-ovulation/</ref>

#Measure LH. Most ovulation kits use luteinizing hormone (LH) surges to indicate the beginning of ovulation. Estrogen levels are low when your cycle begins but rise when your egg is ready to be released. This causes LH to surge and push the egg through the ovary wall within 24 – 36 hours where it moves to the fallopian tubes to be fertilized. Measuring this hormone can be a very effective method of determining when intercourse will likely allow sperm to reach the egg.<ref name="rf5" />

#*The day that you ovulate can fluctuate from month to month and can occur any time during your cycle. Each woman’s cycle is unique, so keeping track of your cycle is the best way to tell when your peak fertility dates are likely to be.<ref name="rf6">http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/ovulation-faq/</ref>

#*It is possible to ovulate without having a menstrual period. You can also have a menstrual period without ovulating, which means you would not be fertile that month.<ref name="rf5" />

#Determine estrogen levels. Many tests that use saliva check for an estrogen surge. This is because estrogen surges around the same time as LH when it is time for your body to ovulate. Estrogen can be measured in your saliva and creates the “fern-like” pattern that can be seen under a microscope.<ref name="rf7">https://www.babiesonline.com/articles/ttc/ovulation-predictor-kits.asp</ref>

#*Since a lot of estrogen tests check saliva, you shouldn’t smoke, eat, drink or brush your teeth for two hours prior to doing the test.<ref name="rf7" />

#Check your chloride ion levels. There are products, such as microcomputing devices and watches, that measure chloride ions on your skin. They then calculate the days you are most likely to get pregnant using that measurement and certain algorithms. They give multiple readings throughout the day but must be worn for at least six hours while sleeping to get the best electrolyte measurements.<ref name="rf2" />

#Monitor cervical fluid consistency. When you are going to ovulate, your cervical fluid will change somewhat and become wetter and more slippery, with the consistency of egg whites. Cervical fluid differences are unique to each woman and is something you will have to monitor throughout the month to get a feel for what the cervical mucus is like at different times of your cycle. The fluid may change gradually but is usually at it’s most “egg-white-like” consistency the day of and right after ovulation occurs.<ref name="rf8"> http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/ovulation-faq/</ref>

#Check basal temperature. Check your temperature throughout the month with a basal thermometer. When ovulation occurs, temperature usually rises about 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 0.2 degrees Celsius. You will want to chart your basal body temperature (BBT) every day and look for changes that indicate you have ovulated. Temperatures are usually lower during the first part of your cycle and a little higher after you have ovulated.<ref name="rf9">http://www.fertilityfriend.com/Faqs/Temperature-Rise-and-Ovulation.html</ref>