Ovulation Midstream Tests Instructions for Use
TEST PROCEDURE
Dip the test into the urine for 5 seconds
or hold the tip in the urine stream for 10 seconds
Read results in 5 minutes
Positive (LH Surge): If two color lines are visible and the test line is equal to or darker than the control line. A positive result indicates the presence of a high amount of Luteinizing Hormone or LH surge.
Negative (No LH Surge):
Only one line is visible or the test line is lighter than the control line.
WHEN TO BEGIN TESTING?
Determine the length of your menstrual cycle before the test (The length of the menstrual cycle is the duration from your first menstrual bleeding day to the day before the next bleeding begins). Please refer to the chart below to determine when you should start testing. If you do not know your cycle length, you may begin the test 11 days after your first period since the average cycle length is 28 days.
Example: If your cycle length is normally 26 days, the chart indicates testing should begin on day 10.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is ovulation? +
Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary. It signals the beginning of your fertile period. LH (Luteinizing Hormone) is produced by the pituitary gland at low levels throughout the cycle. As a developing egg follicle reaches a certain size, LH briefly surges to high levels, triggering ovulation about 24–48 hours later. A positive test indicates this LH surge and the onset of your most fertile window.
What time of day should I use the test? +
You can test at any time of the day, but for best results try to test at the same time each day. To avoid diluting your urine, it’s a good idea to reduce liquid intake about two hours before testing.
How many days should I test? +
We recommend testing for at least 5 days or until your LH surge is detected. If your cycles vary, you may need to test a little longer.
My cycle is irregular. Can I still use this test? +
Yes. This test can be used with both short and long cycles. Because ovulation can vary from cycle to cycle, tracking for several months may help you identify your personal pattern more clearly.
Once I see a positive result, when is the best time to try to conceive? +
Ovulation usually occurs within 24–48 hours after your LH surge. This is your most fertile window. For the best chance of pregnancy, plan intercourse as soon as you see a positive result and again over the next two days.
I saw a positive test but haven’t gotten pregnant. What should I do? +
Many factors affect conception, and it’s common for it to take several cycles even when timing is perfect. Keep tracking for 3–4 months. If you don’t conceive after several cycles, or have concerns, consult your doctor for further guidance.
Can drinking too much water affect my results? +
Yes. Large amounts of fluid before testing can dilute your urine and make LH harder to detect. For the most accurate results, try to limit fluids for about 2 hours before testing.
Can I read results after more than 5 minutes? +
No. Always read your results at the 5-minute mark. After that time, results may change and could be misleading.
Can medications or health conditions affect results? +
Yes. Fertility medications containing LH or hCG can affect results. Certain medical conditions — such as PCOS, menopause, or recent pregnancy — may also interfere. Common medications like antibiotics, pain relievers, or hormonal birth control usually do not affect results. If you’re unsure, check with your doctor.
Do birth control pills affect the test? +
After stopping oral contraceptives, your cycle may take a couple of months to regulate. For the most accurate results, wait until you’ve had at least two normal cycles before beginning ovulation testing.
Can ovulation tests be used for birth control? +
No. Ovulation tests should not be used as a method of contraception. Because sperm can live up to 72 hours, pregnancy can still occur even if you test before detecting your surge.
I haven’t detected a surge. Why? +
There are a few possible reasons: your LH surge may be too short to catch, it may be too low to detect, or you may not have ovulated this cycle (which can happen occasionally). Testing twice daily — once in the morning and once in the evening — can help ensure you don’t miss a surge. If you don’t detect a surge for several months, consult your doctor.
I always see a faint line, even when the test is negative. Is that normal? +
Yes. LH is always present in your body at low levels, so you may see a faint line on many tests. A true positive is when the test line is as dark as, or darker than, the control line.
What if no lines appear at all? +
If neither the control line nor the test line appears, the test did not run correctly. This usually happens when the strip was not dipped deep enough (below the MAX line) or was dipped too far (past the MAX line). To ensure accurate results, dip the strip only up to the MAX line for the full 5 seconds, then lay it flat on a clean, dry surface. If no lines appear after following these steps, repeat the test with a new strip.
How early can I start testing? +
If you’re unsure of your cycle length, begin testing about 11 days after the first day of your period. If you know your cycle length, use the included chart to determine the best day to start. Testing daily until your LH surge is detected will help you confirm your fertile window.
Can ovulation tests confirm that I actually ovulated? +
No. Ovulation tests detect the LH surge that usually leads to ovulation within 24–48 hours, but they cannot confirm that ovulation has occurred. Only tracking methods like ultrasound or a rise in basal body temperature can confirm ovulation.
Try our Mobile App
Related blog articles:
- Ovulation explained
- Naturally Boost Your Fertility
- Fertility and age: The truth about getting pregnant after 35
- Male Factor Infertility
- When is your fertile window?
- How long does it actually take to get pregnant?
- Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle: A Comprehensive Guide
- Ovulation Symptoms: Key Signs & Tracking Tips
- Understanding IUI Intrauterine Insemination: A Complete Guide
- Your IVF Journey: Navigating the Path of In Vitro Fertilization
- Pregmate App – Ovulation Tracker, Fertility and Period Calculator
- Conception explained: Fertilization and Implantation
- Using ovulation tests to identify the most fertile days of the month
- Pregmate pregnancy test strips: How and when to do the test
- Tracking LH surge using ovulation tests
- What is PCOS?
- What causes PCOS? Symptoms and signs.
- Using ovulation tests with PCOS
- 5 Menopause Myths BUSTED by a Medical Expert
- Your Complete Guide to Egg and Sperm Freezing
- The Hidden Truth About Endometriosis Every Woman Needs to Know