The Best Ovulation Tests We Tested at Home—and Got Pregnant Using

If you’re trying to get pregnant, Ovulation tests are easy and affordable This is a way to know exactly where you are in your cycle. In particular, it can tell you how close you are to your fertile period, the point in your menstrual cycle when your eggs can be fertilized. The ovulation test uses a small amount of urine, allowing you to obtain information from the comfort of your home. Ovulation tests can be as simple as a test strip or as technologically advanced as an electronic device that connects to an app for complete tracking capabilities.

The type of tests you use is completely up to you, but we recommend choosing the ones that are your priority. Accuracy, readability, and ease of use For the best experience. To help you decide which test is right for your needs, we spoke to several experts about how ovulation tests work, when to use them, and what to do with the results. Then, 10 of our editors tested 16 different tests at home to find the most reliable tests on the market today. In the meantime, both of them got pregnant!

How do ovulation tests work?

Ovulation tests measure the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine, says Katrina Heirana, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. LH spikes 24 to 36 hours before ovulation, so detecting its rise can help predict when you’re most likely to get pregnant.

Dr. Heilana says a positive ovulation test result is a signal to try to conceive for the next three days, but if you want to maximize your chances of conceiving, ideally you should also try for several days before that positive result.

Why I liked it

Premom Easy@Home Ovulation Test is a combination of: Simplified Urine Test Strips and More Advanced Fertility Tracking in the Appoffers the best of both worlds and is one of the most comprehensive ways to test for ovulation on our list. Our testers liked that they could enter their details into the app (like the date of their last period and the date of their next ovulation) for even more customized predictions. She said the instructions were clear and the readings were very easy to interpret. Take a photo of the test strip and upload it to the app.

I also liked that the results came back within 5 minutes and that the LH surge matched other signs of ovulation. Additionally, this kit is budget-friendly, offering 50 test strips for less than $20. I also tested the Premom Easy@Home Ovulation Test Strip and Pregnancy Test Strip Combo Kit and had the same great results. If you don’t mind spending a little more to get additional pregnancy test results, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

But please be careful

We wish this kit had come with a reusable urine cup. Individual packaging around each test strip makes it easier to carry, but also creates a lot of extra waste.

detail:

• Test type: test strips
• Number of tests: 50
• Result time: 5 minutes
• App: yes

Why I liked it

This Bluetooth-connected ovulation test kit, which relies heavily on app compatibility, may seem a bit overkill, but there’s no arguing with how accurate and consistent the results are. Our tester (who reported his cycles as fairly regular) was surprised that the test did not show the LH surge he was expecting. Instead, the device would only detect the surge after a few days. And because it accurately timed her ovulation, she actually got pregnant that cycle.

“After continued testing, I received a positive result and reached my peak fertility on the 18th day of my menstrual cycle, about a week later than normal,” she reported. “I ended up getting pregnant during that cycle, but if I hadn’t used the strips I would have missed ovulating later than expected.”

ClearBlue makes several other ovulation kits, including the Clearblue Fertility Monitor with touchscreen, Clearblue Fertility Monitor Test Sticks, and Clearblue Advanced Digital ovulation test (both of which we tested for this article), but the Connected ovulation test was the most accurate, consistent, and easy to use of the three we tested. It came with lots of test sticks and simple instructions, and the results were provided quickly and in an easy-to-understand manner. Yes, it’s a bit pricey, but the digital benefits of this test are worth it if you’re serious about getting pregnant.

But please be careful

If you’re using a data-driven fertility tracker, you may be frustrated by the fact that the device doesn’t provide numerical results. You’ll see emojis to interpret based on whether you’re nearing your fertile window. The device also prevents testing from occurring until 48 hours after receiving peak fertility results.

detail:

• Test type: digital leader
• Number of tests: 40
• Result time: 5 minutes
• App: yes

Why I liked it

Wondfo ovulation test is a basic and streamlined way to test for ovulation without getting caught up in technology. The fact that they gave our testers Get results in 3-5 minutes Honestly, it makes them even more likable. The strips are also portable and the results are easy to read. This kit contains 50 test strips, which will last more than one cycle, increasing the overall value of Wondfo test strips.

In addition to consistent and fast results, we also appreciated: discreet packaging It was. Our testers noted that there are no pictures of babies and the word “mommy” is not used, making this product appealing to a wider customer base. If you are tracking ovulation for any reason other Nothing makes you feel more alienated, uncomfortable, or stressed out by all the pink and blue, ubiquitous baby marketing tactics than trying to get pregnant.

But please be careful

If you’ve never used an ovulation test before, it can be a little confusing to know how to get started. The instructions don’t contain a lot of information, so they’re good for getting started, but not if you don’t know what you’re doing.

detail:

• Test type: test strips
• Number of tests: 50
• Result time: 3 to 5 minutes
• App: no

Why I liked it

For ovulation tests looking for data, data, and more, Premom Quantitative Ovulation Predictor syncs with the Premom app to notify you. What is your LH level?It’s not just about positive or negative results. Test results show that this app is easy to understand personal results, Track your ovulation over time with helpful graphsThe results were consistent, fast and accurate.

In fact, accuracy was one of the most notable features here. These test strips accurately captured the tester’s ovulation data on a daily basis, matching other types of fertility tracking she had been doing (and even outperforming either of these methods when she was sick and had an abnormal temperature). Between the accuracy, consistency, and clearly traceable data provided in the app, a quantitative ovulation prediction kit is a detail-oriented user’s dream.

But please be careful

We weren’t big fans of the instructions. The instructions were clear, but there was so much information in a very large pamphlet that it was difficult at first to actually find the test instructions and understand the results.

detail:

• Test type: test strips
• Number of tests: 20
• Result time: 5-10 minutes
• App: yes

Why I liked it

The Mosie Baby Ovulation Prediction Kit combines simple, direct instructions with quick, clear results, making it one of our favorites we tested. Ovulation kits come with large paper instructions with organized instructions, a table showing when to start the test based on your individual cycle pattern, and helpful information about how the test works and what you should do to get accurate results. The test itself is Looks like a plastic pregnancy testwith a long handle for correctly grasping and positioning the test in the urine stream. Also, Cap to cover test endeffectively eliminate confusion.

The test accurately predicted ovulation according to the tester’s menstrual cycle, and she appreciated the clarity in interpreting the results. Each test has two clearly shaped windows, one serving as a control window and the other serving as a results window displaying LH levels. In other words, the tester said there was no room for error and no doubt about whether the test was positive (or whether you were tested correctly in the first place). I also like that you can choose to pee directly into the test or into the cup, depending on your preference.

But please be careful

We preferred collecting the urine in a cup and dipping the test stick in it rather than trying to direct the pee into the cup. just On the right section of the test, the kit did not include a reusable cup. To be honest, that was the only thing missing.

detail:

• Test type: test stick
• Number of tests: 7
• Result time: 3 to 5 minutes
• App: no

Why I liked it

The Proov Predict & Confirm Kit includes an educational component that makes it stand out from other products when it comes to getting pregnant with irregular cycles, which is common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). You use the app to take a photo of a test strip, and the app uses the results to create test strips over time. “Ovulation score” that numerically indicates the possibility of becoming pregnant And you can get pregnant. Our testers found this additional information very useful. Especially since the app also told me when to notify her. two This is likely to be your most fertile day (and not just because your LH levels are elevated).

We like the Proov kit’s modern, simple packaging, consistently fast and accurate results, and the addition of five different pregnancy tests. We also tested the Proov Complete Testing System, but thought it took too long to get results and was expensive compared to similarly effective prediction and confirmation kits.

But please be careful

Overall, this was an easy and reliable kit, but there were a few things that could be improved to make the user experience smoother. First, the app requires you to take a photo of your test strip while using the app, so you can’t take a photo and upload it to the app later. Our testers were also a bit fed up with the fact that the kit only included one card to take photos of the test strips, and that they had to keep using the same unsanitary card over and over again.

detail:

• Test type: test strips
• Number of tests: 15
• Result time: 10 minutes
• App: yes

Why I liked it

The MomMed ovulation test strips don’t have any extra features, but that’s why we like this kit. The simple instructions are easy to follow and include lots of features. information about when and how to test; Not only is it easier to read the results, but the testing process itself is now even easier. Our tester took less than five minutes to pee into the included collection cup, dip the test strip in the urine, and see the results.

We’re also big fans of the overall value of this kit. With 50 test strips available for less than $14, you can test as many times in a row as you like without wasting supplies or feeling like you’re running out of kit too quickly.

But please be careful

I didn’t really have many issues with this test kit, but the results were sometimes a little hard to read (and I may have gotten a few “fails”, or strips that didn’t seem to give accurate results).

detail:

• Test type: test strips
• Number of tests: 60
• Result time: 5-10 minutes
• App: no

Why I liked it

The Ava Fertility Tracker is unlike any other ovulation test on this list. wearable device It works by collecting important data and vital information while you sleep. When synced with the app, it can provide you with an accurate fertile window based on these vitals. Built-in technology allowed testers to wear the device on their wrist before bed and then track their fertility levels without literally doing anything.

It’s comfortable to wear, requires little effort, and eliminates the “pee in a cup and interpret the results yourself” process that is required with most other types of ovulation tests. When she woke up in the morning, our tester could sync the app and instantly get information about her cycle, pulse, temperature, breathing rate, sleep pattern, and heart rate. I’m glad I got the extra Her sleep and health dataShe said she now understands her own menstrual cycle and how external factors, such as stress, affect it.

But please be careful

The device is expensive (although we think it’s a worthwhile investment for a serious fertility tracker) and there’s definitely a learning curve. There’s no on or off switch, so you have to remember to charge it a few hours before bed or it will run out of charge. Also, if you forget to use it or use it incorrectly, you will lose a night’s worth of tracking data.

detail:

• Test type: wearable digital tracker
• Number of tests: Not applicable
• Result time: real time data
• App: yes

Other notable ovulation test drugs

• Mira Hormone Monitor Max Kit: While we really liked the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the results with this monitor kit, it is a more expensive and high-tech method of tracking ovulation. Test results take over 20 minutes to generate, and all information is entered into a data-driven app for analysis. In other words, it’s great for detailed period tracking, but not for casual use.
• Frida Infertility Ovulation + Pregnancy Test and Tracking Set: This is an inexpensive kit and easy to use, which may make it suitable for beginners, but testers were disappointed with all the packaging and accessories, and found it to be only about 75% accurate.
• Pregmate ovulation test: This kit was accurate, gave quick and easy to read results, but was very tedious to work with. It did not come with a urine collection cup, and it would not work properly unless an appropriate amount of urine was collected for the test.
• Natalist ovulation test kit: We were not very impressed with the sensitivity of this test. It could have been unreliable because it didn’t detect all the LH surges it expected. I also didn’t like the test strip tracker. It was difficult to insert the strips, and there were only 14 slots (although the box came with 30 test strips).

Our testing process

Using what we’ve learned about how ovulation tests work and the types of information and results they provide, we researched dozens of ovulation tests and consulted several experts before choosing which products to include in our tests, in order to select the tests we believe are the most reliable on the market.

We asked our testers to use an ovulation test at home 10 to 14 days before their period was due (or every day if they had an irregular period). Please note the following points during the inspection:

• accuracy: To evaluate the accuracy of ovulation tests, we looked at how well the ovulation predictions of ovulation tests matched our typical signs and symptoms of ovulation. We also noted if the test did not accurately predict ovulation.
• Ease of use: Several characteristics were tracked here, including how clear the instructions were, how easy the packaging and test strips were to handle, and whether the results were easy to read and understand.
• speed of results: Most kits provide results in 5-10 minutes. We focused on how quickly results are available and considered whether the wait time for results would be practical for daily testing.
• consistency: Similar to accuracy, our testers looked at whether the test kit results matched physical observations of the signs and symptoms of ovulation, and went a step further to assess whether accuracy persisted over multiple cycles, as well as periods of stress, travel, and illness.
• value: The average price of the ovulation kits we tested was $20. For each test, I thought about how likely I was to purchase the test at full price and whether I would continue to use it regularly or recommend it to others.

our experts

Before you choose and try an ovulation test, we spoke to the following medical experts to learn more about what to keep in mind when purchasing an ovulation test, including accuracy, readability, and cost.

• Dr. Ferris Gersh is an obstetrician-gynecologist and founder and director of Integrative Medicine Group of Irvine in Irvine, California. PCOS SOS Infertility Fast Track
• Kimberly Thornton, MD, FACOG, Assistant Professor of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• Katrina Heilana, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles
• Pinar Kodaman, MD, Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine

Factors to consider when purchasing an ovulation test

• sensitivity: Ovulation tests measure LH (luteinizing hormone) to determine when that hormone reaches its peak, which means when you’re likely to ovulate and become pregnant. In terms of sensitivity levels, LH surges are typically detected with tests that detect a range of 20 to 50 IU/L (International Units per Liter). The normal range for LH levels is 1.9 to 13.6 IU/L, but if you are fertile, the number can reach 118 IU/L. The sensitivity level should be stated in the test or online product description.
• readability: From digital readers to test strips to fertility apps, ovulation tests come with a variety of image results, some of which can be difficult to read. A digital test may show a smiley face, but a strip will show lines. More modern and technical options allow you to scan your results through the app and get very clear results. Depending on your comfort level, you may want to choose a test that you can read with confidence.
• Additional tracking: Dr. Thornton says you can also monitor your cervical mucus and basal body temperature graphs, both of which tend to increase during ovulation, to confirm that ovulation has occurred. If you want to keep track of this, Dr. Thornton suggests taking your temperature at the same time each morning before you get out of bed and making sure to record it (for reference, expect it to rise by about 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit).

How to use an ovulation test drug

According to Dr. Heilana, ovulation tests are generally safe to use because they test urine in a non-invasive manner. However, for maximum accuracy, be sure to choose an ovulation test that has not expired. As with any pregnancy test, using an expired test can affect your results.

Ovulation tests can be done at any time of the day, but experts recommend doing them in the morning for best results. If your normal menstrual cycle is 28 days, you should start testing your ovulation test daily 10 or 14 days after the start of your period. So why? Dr. Gersh says ovulation occurs 14 days before the start of menstruation, so for people with 28-day cycles, ovulation usually starts around the halfway point.

If your menstrual cycle is irregular, it’s harder to predict when you’ll ovulate, so Dr. Heilana recommends testing every day after your period starts. If you’re especially confident in your ability to detect when you’re fertile (you may be monitoring other signs of ovulation, like cervical mucus or increased sex drive), you can wait until a few days before you’re due to ovulate, but from that point on you should test daily, says Dr. Kodaman. Therefore, the accuracy of the test kit can be confirmed by obtaining several negative results before a positive result. You also want to avoid accidentally missing the detection of the LH surge.

Finally, be aware that although there are no side effects associated with ovulation tests, repeated tests can be mentally taxing. Dr. Kodaman says trying to interpret results can cause anxiety, and making your sex life revolve around ovulation tests can take some of the fun out of being intimate with your partner.

answer your questions

How long does it take for ovulation to occur after getting a positive result from an ovulation test?

Although it’s not an exact science, you can expect to ovulate about 12 to 24 hours after getting a positive ovulation test. There are six days each month that are considered the most fertile. According to Dr. Thornton, this period is when both eggs and sperm have the highest survival rates. Sperm can technically survive in the reproductive tract for up to five days, but the best chance of survival is between 48 and 72 hours after intercourse. On the other hand, newly released eggs can be fertilized for about 24 hours after ovulation.

Simply put? You don’t necessarily have to have sex on the day you ovulate, but you do need to have sex during your most fertile window, Dr. Thornton says.

How long after ovulation can I take a pregnancy test?

For the most accurate results, wait until at least seven days after ovulation to ensure your hCG levels are high enough to test positive. However, this can also depend on your menstrual cycle, as most people ovulate 10 to 14 days before their period, but some people ovulate irregularly.

Can an ovulation test detect pregnancy?

While it’s technically true that ovulation tests can detect some of the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, ovulation tests are meant to predict ovulation by measuring the rise in LH that occurs approximately 24 to 36 hours beforehand, and should only be used for that purpose.

who are we

Sarah Bradley is a health and parenting writer. parents She lives in Connecticut with her husband and three sons. As a part-time homeschool mom, she understands the value of purchasing childcare products that are not only safe and affordable, but also reliable to keep you and your family healthy.