Ovulation test strips can do an excellent job of letting you know when you’re most fertile. In fact, studies suggest they can detect ovulation up to 97 % of the time, making them the most accurate option out there.
But there are a few key things to keep in mind. Most important? Ovulation strips show whether your hormones are at the right level for ovulation. They can predict the ideal time to try to conceive, but they still don’t guarantee that conception will definitely take place.
The kits also tend to be more accurate for some women than others. Ovulation predictor kits work best for women whose cycles are relatively predictable. But they might be less reliable if you:
Have very irregular periods. Irregular cycles can make it tough to figure out when you’re due to start ovulating. That can increase the chances for using an ovulation predictor kit too early or too late and missing the ovulation window altogether.
Have a health condition like PCOS. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) experience multiple LH surges each month, but ovulation doesn’t occur with every surge. That could make test results unreliable.
Are there any downsides or risks of using ovulation strips?
Ovulation test strips are a safe, effective and inexpensive way to find out when you’re ovulating and maximize your chances for conceiving. They’re highly accurate when used correctly, so the only real downside is that they’re not 100% foolproof.
A test could potentially indicate a false positive if LH levels surge without ovulation occurring, especially if you have PCOS or are taking certain medications. And you could end up testing too early or too late — and missing your ovulation window altogether — if your periods are highly irregular.
Ovulation test strips are an easy, accurate tool that can help you pinpoint when you’re ovulating and maximize your chances for conception. But they may be more accurate for some women than others. If you have very irregular periods or PCOS or are taking medication, talk with your OB/GYN to find out whether ovulation predictor kits are the best option for you and what you can do to make your test results as accurate as possible.
