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About to use a Pregmate ovulation test?
Scan your strips, save your results, and track your cycle in one app
Tips for best results
Avoid first-morning urine
Reduce liquid intake 2–3 hours before
Test at the same time daily
Scan test in the Pregmate app
How to use an ovulation test strip: step-by-step guide
Collect urine
Dip the strip for 5 seconds
Lay the strip flat
Read result in 5 minutes
Read or scan
How to read your result
How your tests look in the Pregmate app
Track your results over time and understand your cycle at a glance.
When to begin testing
Your cycle length determines when you should start testing. Count from the first day of your period to the day before the next one begins. Use the chart shown here to find your start day for testing. If you are unsure of your cycle length, begin testing on day 12.
Example: If your cycle is 26 days, start testing on day 10
What is ovulation / LH surge?
Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary. Your fertile window covers the 5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.
LH (luteinizing hormone) stays low most of the cycle, but rises sharply just before ovulation. This is your LH surge. A positive ovulation test detects this surge and means ovulation is likely within the next 24–48 hours.
Your most fertile days are the day of your LH surge and the following day.
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Most common questions about your ovulation test
Using and timing
What is ovulation?
Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from your ovary. Your fertile window covers the 5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation. LH (luteinizing hormone) is produced by your pituitary gland at low levels throughout your cycle. Once a developing egg follicle reaches a certain size, LH briefly surges to high levels, triggering ovulation about 24–48 hours later. A positive ovulation test detects this surge, which means your most fertile days are here.
How do ovulation test strips work, and what do they measure?
LH is the hormone that triggers your ovary to release an egg. For most of your cycle it stays low, then rises quickly right before ovulation. The Pregmate ovulation test detects this rise. When the test line is as dark as or darker than the control line, ovulation is likely within the next 24–48 hours.
How accurate are ovulation tests? Are Pregmate tests reliable?
Ovulation tests are highly reliable when used correctly. Pregmate ovulation tests are 99% accurate in detecting the LH surge, when used as directed.
Because every person’s body is different, accuracy improves when you test daily, limit fluids before testing, and read results at the recommended time.
When should I start taking ovulation tests?
If you know your cycle length, subtract 16 to find your starting day, or check the Pregmate app. For example, with a 28-day cycle, start on day 12. If you are unsure, start on day 12. Since cycles can vary, daily testing helps you learn when your LH surge usually happens.
How many days should I test?
Test for at least 5 days or until you detect your LH surge. If your cycle varies from month to month, you may need to test a little longer.
What time of day should I use an ovulation test?
You can test at any time of day, but late morning to evening usually gives the most reliable results because LH levels tend to rise later in the day. Testing first thing in the morning may miss a surge. For consistency, test around the same time daily and reduce fluids for about two hours before testing.
Can I scan and track my ovulation tests in the Pregmate app?
Yes. You can scan each test in the Pregmate app to save your results, see trends over time, and get predictions for your most fertile days. Digital tracking also makes it easier to spot your personal LH pattern and avoid missing a surge.
My cycle is irregular. Can I still use this test?
Yes. This test works with both short and long cycles. With irregular cycles, ovulation can shift, so tracking for several months can help you learn when you usually ovulate.
Understanding your results
Once I get a positive ovulation test, 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?
It's common for conception to take several cycles, even with well-timed sex. If you're under 35 and haven't conceived after 12 months of trying, or 35 or older after 6 months, talk to your doctor. See a doctor sooner if your cycles are irregular or you have concerns.
Why are all of my ovulation tests negative?
Sometimes LH surges happen quickly and are easy to miss. Sometimes they are lower than expected. Occasionally, your body may have a cycle without ovulation. Don't worry if this happens once in a while. It's normal. Testing twice a day (once in late morning and once in the evening) can help you catch a short surge. If you don't detect an LH surge over several cycles, your doctor can help find out why.
Why do my ovulation tests look positive almost every day?
Some people naturally have higher baseline LH, especially with conditions such as PMOS (formerly PCOS). This can make test lines appear darker more often. It does not mean you are ovulating every day. If your tests stay positive throughout your cycle, talk to your doctor or track for a few cycles to better understand your pattern.
I always see a faint line, even when the test is negative. Is that normal?
Yes, a faint line is normal. LH is present at low levels throughout your cycle, so many tests will show a faint line. A true positive is when the test line is as dark as, or darker than, the control line.
Can ovulation test strips detect pregnancy?
No. Ovulation tests detect LH, not the pregnancy hormone hCG. They cannot confirm pregnancy.
What if no lines appear at all?
This may happen if the strip was not dipped in urine deeply enough or too deep (past the MAX line). Always dip just to the MAX line for 5 seconds, then lay the strip flat. If it is still blank, repeat the test with a new strip.
Medical factors and special cases
Can medications or health conditions affect results?
Yes. Fertility medications containing LH or hCG may affect results. Some medical conditions, including PMOS (formerly PCOS), menopause, or recent pregnancy, may also interfere. Most common medications (such as antibiotics or pain relievers) do not affect ovulation tests.
Do birth control pills affect the ovulation tests?
Yes, after stopping oral contraceptives, your cycle may take a couple of months to normalize. For the most accurate results, wait until you’ve had at least two normal cycles before beginning ovulation testing.
Can I use ovulation tests if I have PMOS (formerly PCOS)?
Yes, but ovulation test results may be harder to interpret if you have PMOS, as LH levels can remain elevated throughout your cycle. Many people with PMOS still find ovulation testing helpful when tracking patterns over time. Using the Pregmate app to scan your ovulation tests can make trends easier to spot. If results remain confusing after several cycles, consider speaking with a healthcare professional.
Are Pregmate ovulation tests HSA/FSA eligible?
Yes, Pregmate ovulation tests are eligible for purchase with HSA and FSA funds. Coverage can vary by provider, so if you are unsure, check your plan’s guidelines or contact your HSA/FSA administrator. Pregmate ovulation tests can be purchased with HSA/FSA funds at Walmart, Amazon, Target, and CVS.
Can ovulation tests be used for birth control?
No. Ovulation tests are not a reliable means of birth control. Because sperm can live up to 5 days, pregnancy is possible even before a detected LH surge.
Can ovulation tests confirm that I actually ovulated?
No. Pregmate tests detect the LH surge, which usually leads to ovulation, but they don't confirm that it happened. A progesterone blood test, ultrasound, or basal body temperature tracking can show whether ovulation occurred.
Can drinking too much water affect my results?
Yes. Drinking large amounts of fluids can dilute your urine and make LH harder to detect. Limit fluids for about two hours before testing for the most accurate result.
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