Ovulation signs - the test told me

A simple way to accurately pinpoint your ovulation is to take a test.

Also called an OPK - or Ovulation Predictor Kit. 

It looks exactly like a home pregnancy test.

The 'kit' bit is confusing as there's no special equipment!

OPKs measure the level of LH in your body.  You urinate in a clean cup or on the OPK stick. 

When your LH levels surge (increase), it will show up on the test. This means ovulation will take place within 12 - 36 hours.

i.e. You're very fertile, so now's the time to start having lots of sex, if you haven't been at it already!

Types of OPK:

Internet Cheapies (IC's)  

• these are very cost effective. Buy them from ebay, Amazon etc in bulk. You can get 20 / 30 tests for about £3. 
• You pee in a clean container, dip the test in and watch to see the magic. The test will have a pink line to show it's working. it will have another line to indicate LH is present. 
• When ovulating, there should be two lines of the same colour OR the LH test line should be darker than the control line.

Pros:   dirt cheap, so great for people with long cycles, or those who test more than once per day, or on a budget. You can also see a progression of your LH level if you keep the tests.

Cons:  some people (like me!) always have two strong lines, so it can be hard to pinpoint when ovulation took place.

Digital tests

• The Clearblue Digital OPK is very popular, but there are others that work in the same way,e.g. Boots Digital OPK.
• With the CB Digi (which is what i use) you place a test stick in the reader. Pee on the stick or dip in container of wee. Then wait 3 mins for the result. 
• A 'O' or circle tells you 'not yet'. 

Negative

• A smiley face tells you it's time! Your surge has been picked up. 
• You should have sex anytime within the next 48 hours.

Positive

Pros: 

No hassle interpreting lines

Cons: 

Pricey on high street, but box of 20 can retail for £20 online. Reduce cost by using IC OPK then confirming with a digi. No progression.

Clearblue Fertility Monitor
http://www.clearblue.com/uk/clearblue-fertility-monitor.php

• This is the grande dame of OPKs!
• Pee on a test stick. Place it in the reader. You'll get a reading of 'low' high' or 'peak' fertilty.

Pros: 

CBFM give you a longer reading of fertile days, up to 5, plus your peak. 

It stores your info and calculates for subsequent months. 

Also tells you when to test for pregnancy. Good for people who need to plan sex or irregular cycles.

Cons: 

It is expensive RRP approx £70 but cheaper on ebay, amazon etc. 

Not really necessary if you're having regular sex throughout your cycle, have clear ovulation signs, are regular and know when your period is due each month.