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Having a good foundation of knowledge about the workings of your ovulatory cycle is important, to say the least, when planning a family. However, not everyone will have or make the time to learn about their reproductive hormones and natural ways to predict fertility. That said, we will begin our discussion of the variety of mechanical methods to determine ovulation.
By mechanical, we mean devices that are not part of the human anatomy. This can include computer programs, battery-powered machines, or urine tests. Probably the most popular of these are commonly known as Ovulation Predictor Kits.
Since hitting the over-the-counter market, Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) have become widely-used in the United States. The purpose of these tests is to help a woman know prior to ovulation that her body is at its most fertile. The goal is to detect the luteinizing hormone surge; once this surge is indicated, ovulation should take place in 12 to 48 hours. Accordingly, intercourse which occurs prior to ovulation may result in conception.
OPK's typically come in a square or rectangular box, have brand-names similar to those of home pregnancy tests (HPTs), and are located on drugstore shelves near the HPT section. Generally more expensive than HPT's, most OPK's come with a supply of five testers. This is because a woman may need to use more than one in any given month to detect her LH surge. It is important to read the instructions carefully in order to make the best use of your test ~ the date that you begin testing is dependent on the typical length of your cycle, so you will need to know that information in advance. Otherwise, you could spend a lot of money testing too early or too late in your cycle!
If you are seeing a medical practitioner for fertility assistance, check with him/her about their own recommendations of OPK brands. Also, they may be able to assist in determining the best day for you to begin testing.
Julie, who as an RN brings a little extra knowledge to her attempts at conception, has successfully used several brands (including store-brands) of OPKs. Like most doctors, hers recommends a preferred name-brand which is one of the more expensive tests.
On the less expensive, store-brand tests that she tried, Julie says they "showed me as not ovulating, even though my periods were exactly 28-29 days. Highly unlikely." So she tried a different name-brand and found it to be accurate and simple, albeit more expensive. Julie adds that her doctor suggests OPKs be kept in a location away from light and heat, as they are highly sensitive to both. Regarding ovulation detection in general, Julie's physician believes that using OPKs and tracking cervical mucus changes is the best route to go, particularly if your cycles are regular. For 28 year old Julie, these methods have thus far helped to produce three total pregnancies and a two year old son.
Everything from frequent questions to Consumer Reports on five brands of OPKs can be found on this page from ONNA. Even more detailed information, including marketing comparison and patient instructions for three brands, is available on this page from students of the University of Kentucky's College of Pharmacy. Another brand, OvuSign, has included graphics of the package contents on their page. The makers of ClearPlan provide photos to illustrate their test-window readability.
© Tracy Morris
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