How to Use an Ovulation Prediction Kit

Ovulation Prediction Kits (OPK’s) are handy tools when trying to conceive. Knowing how to use one can mean the difference between just another month and getting pregnant.

Here’s how:

1. If you’re seeing a specialist, ask what brand they recommend. If not, ask friends or at online Forums like ours.
2. Purchase ovulation prediction kit (OPK) based on recommendations and your budget.
3. Several days prior to using the OPK, read the instructions in the box carefully.
4. If you are unable to determine from the instructions when you should use the OPK, call your physician immediately.
5. If you are currently in a treatment cycle (using fertility drugs), follow precisely your physician’s recommendations for days of use.
6. On the days which you are testing, open a sterile package containing the test wand. You will either urinate on the stick or in a provided cup.
7. Wait the instructed length of time before reading the results.
8. If you have difficulty reading the results, call the 800# provided in the instructions, call your physician’s office, or ask others who have used that brand.
9. Repeat the test with a newly opened sterile package (wand) once a day until you have a positive test.
10. A positive OPK test means that your luteinizing hormone (LH) surge has been detected and that you will ovulate in anywhere from 12 to 48 hours.
11. If you are in a treatment cycle (using fertility drugs), notify your physician’s office once you have achieved a positive test.
12. After a positive test, it is recommend that sexual relations occur before ovulation for maximum conception opportunity.
13. If you consistently fail to achieve a positive result (after 2 or more cycles), notify your physician.

Tips:

1. It is not necessary to wait every other day to engage in intercourse. Daily intercourse will maximize your opportunities.
2. If you have great difficulty using any particular brand, try another one in the next cycle.

© Tracy Morris