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About to use a Pregmate ovulation midstream test?
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Tips for best results
Avoid first-morning urine
Reduce liquid intake 2 hours before
Test at the same time daily
Log results in the Pregmate app
How to use an ovulation midstream test
Get ready
Dip or hold in stream
Lay the test flat
Read result in 5 minutes
Log your result
How to read your result
How your tests look in the Pregmate app
Track your LH curve over time and see your full cycle in one place.
When to begin testing
Your cycle length determines when to start testing. Count from the first day of your period to the day before the next one begins. Use the chart to find your start day. If you are unsure of your cycle length, begin on day 12.
Example: If your cycle is 26 days, start testing on day 10
Track your results. Get fertility predictions.
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Where to buy Pregmate tests
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Frequently asked questions
Using your midstream test
What is a midstream ovulation test?
A midstream ovulation test is a single-use device that detects the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in your urine. It has a built-in handle and a result window, so you can hold the absorbent tip directly in your urine stream without using a cup. The test detects LH at a threshold of 25 mIU/mL, which is the standard sensitivity used by most at-home ovulation tests. A positive result means LH is high and ovulation is likely within the next 24–48 hours.
How long should I hold the tip in my urine stream?
Hold the absorbent tip in your urine stream for 10 seconds. If you prefer to use a clean container, dip just the absorbent tip in urine for 5 seconds. Only the tip should get wet. Urine reaching the body of the test or the result window can throw off the reading.
What's the difference between midstream tests and test strips?
Both detect the LH surge with the same accuracy. The difference is the format. Midstream tests have a built-in handle and result window, so you can hold the test directly in your urine stream without using a cup. Test strips are dipped into a container of urine. The choice comes down to which feels easier for you.
Is 2 hours long enough to hold pee before an ovulation test?
Yes. Holding your urine for about 2 hours before testing is enough to give an accurate reading. You don't need first-morning urine for an ovulation test, since LH is most reliably detected in afternoon or evening urine. Avoid drinking large amounts of fluid in those 2 hours, since dilute urine can lower LH concentration and make the surge harder to detect.
Can I reuse the cap from a midstream test?
No. Each midstream test is single-use, including the cap. The cap covers the absorbent tip after testing so you can lay the test flat without getting urine on the surface. After reading your result, dispose of the entire test.
Understanding your results
What if no lines appear in the result window?
If neither the control line nor the test line appears, the test did not work correctly. This usually means not enough urine was absorbed by the tip. Repeat with a new midstream, making sure the absorbent tip is fully wet. Either dip it in urine for the full 5 seconds or hold it in your stream for the full 10 seconds.
I always see a faint line in the window. Is that normal?
Yes. LH is present in your body at low levels throughout your cycle, so a faint test line is normal on most days. A true positive is only when the test line is as dark as or darker than the control line. If your test line stays faint, your surge has not started yet. Keep testing daily.
Can I read midstream results after more than 5 minutes?
No. Always read your result at the 5-minute mark. After that, evaporation lines or color shifts can appear in the result window and give a misleading result.
What can throw off an ovulation test?
Several things can affect your result:
- Diluted urine from drinking large amounts of fluid before testing
- First-morning urine, which often misses the LH surge
- Reading the test outside the 5-minute window, where evaporation lines can appear
- Fertility medications containing LH or hCG
- Recent pregnancy or pregnancy loss, since hCG can interfere with LH detection
- Conditions like PMOS (formerly PCOS) or perimenopause that cause naturally elevated LH
If you're getting unexpected results across several cycles, talk to your doctor.
What if the body of my test got wet, not just the tip?
If urine reached past the absorbent tip and into the body of the test or the result window, the test may not work correctly. Repeat with a new midstream, holding the test horizontally with only the tip pointed down into your stream or the cup.
If you're trying to conceive
Once I see a positive result, when is the best time to try to conceive?
Have sex on the day of your first positive test and the next day. Ovulation usually happens within 24–48 hours of a positive result, and the days just before ovulation are often the most fertile.
I saw a positive test but haven't gotten pregnant. What should I do?
Conception can take several cycles even when timing is perfect. Many factors affect whether a positive ovulation test leads to pregnancy. If you've been trying to conceive for several months or you have concerns, talk to your doctor for personalized guidance. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends seeking evaluation after 12 months of trying if you're under 35, or 6 months if you're 35 or older.
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