If you want to conceive but do not know when to try, then ovulation kits can help you check when your eggs are going to be released and when is the best time to try to conceive. It is based on a urine test for the amount of LH present in it. LH is a hormone, the amount of which increases just before the eggs are released. In 2023, the ovulation kit market made 21,900crores in the Indian market and is estimated to make 35,850crores by 2030. Want to know how to use ovulation kits? Here is the guide
Step-by-step guide
Ovulation kits are easy to use, give fast results, and can be used at home. Before using an ovulation kit, you must know which one to choose. There are three types of ovulation kits available in the market-
Strip-based/Midstream- These are the most common kits and are easier to use. Most women use the midstream ones. These are easy to use and are just like pregnancy test kits that detect high levels of LH in urine.
Digital kits-These kits are more on the expensive side, but they provide high-accuracy digital readings without errors and sometimes display a smiley emoji to show fertility at its peak.
Saliva kits- These kits are used to examine saliva patterns to check for hormonal changes. These patterns are checked under a microscope and are reusable.
Steps to use-
Timing- After you choose the kit of your choice, you should know the right time to use the kit. Normally, women have a 28-day cycle in which the ovulation starts between the 12th and 14th day. But for women with shorter cycle lengths, ovulation may start at the 10th day, and for women with longer periods, testing should be done in the later days. You can also use an ovulation calculator to determine the fertile window.
Taking a urine sample- If you do not take the urine sample properly, then you can get wrong results. It is a myth that the morning urine is best for testing; afternoon urine is considered the best because it has a better chance of having the hormone. You should not drink a lot of water before the test because water will dilute the urine and you will not get the right results. Also, handle the sample with care so as not to mix it.
Using the kit- If you are using a strip-based kit, then you should put the urine in a container, and then dip the strip in the urine sample for 5-10 seconds. If you are using a midstream kit, then you should put the kit in the urine stream for a few seconds and then place it on a flat surface. Both these kits can take time to show the results.
Reading the result- Results are easy to read after the test is done. You will see two lines: one shows that the kit is working, and the other shows the presence of LH in urine. If the other line is faint, it means there is still time for ovulation, or it is not yet happening. If the line is dark, then it indicates a rise in LH levels. Digital kits show a smiley face when you are ovulating.
If the test comes positive, you should know that ovulation lasts only 12 to 24 hours. Also, sperm can stay in the uterus for five days waiting to fertilize an egg. So if you are planning to conceive, then you should do so in this fertile window.
Ayurveda refers to ovulation as Beejotsarga, the release of the ovum in a woman’s fertile phase. According to ayurveda balanced doshas, proper diet, and a healthy lifestyle increase the chances of conceiving.
FAQs
How to properly use an ovulation kit?
Use the kit daily during your ovulation days. Dip the strip or keep the midstream kit in the urine stream and then wait for 5-10 minutes. If the test line is darker, it indicates a surge in LH.
What is the correct time to take an ovulation test?
A day or two before ovulation, and between 10 am and noon, is the best time to take an ovulation test.
How to 100% confirm ovulation?
The best way to confirm ovulation is by using ovulation kits. Other methods, like saliva tests, are not accurate.
