Trusted by 1M+ families
About to use a Pregmate ovulation test?
The Pregmate app is here to support you
Tips for best results
Avoid first-morning urine
Reduce liquid intake 2–3 hrs before
Test at the same time daily
Scan test in the Pregmate app
How to use a numeric ovulation test
Collect urine
Dip the strip for 5 seconds
Lay the strip flat
Wait 5 minutes
Read or scan
How to read your result
Numeric strips include a color chart that estimates your LH level in mIU/mL. Instead of just positive or negative, you can see how close you are to your surge each day.
What your number means
Track your surge day by day
A single test tells you where LH is right now. A series of tests helps you see the shape of your LH surge over time, which can help identify your most fertile window.
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 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.
All in the Pregmate app
Where to buy Pregmate tests
Available at retailers you trust
Most common questions about your ovulation test
Using and timing
How do ovulation test strips with numeric results work?
These strips work the same way as standard ovulation tests but add a visual LH scale. By comparing your test line to the numbered color chart, you can see an approximate LH level: Low, High, or Peak. This makes it easier to track your LH rise day by day and see when your surge begins
What is the difference between numeric and standard ovulation tests?
Standard strips show positive or negative. Numeric strips add a color chart with LH values so you can see whether your level is Low (below 25), High (25–40), or Peak (40 or higher). This is especially useful if your surge is subtle or if you want to see it building over several days before it peaks.
When should I start testing, and at what time of day?
Your cycle length determines when to start. Use the chart included in your kit, or begin on day 12 if you're unsure. Test between late morning and evening for the most reliable results, and reduce fluids for about two hours before. Test at the same time daily so your numeric readings are comparable day to day.
Understanding your results
What LH number means ovulation is coming?
A reading at or above 25 (High) means your surge is underway and ovulation is likely within 48 hours. A reading above 40 (Peak) means LH is at its highest. Ovulation is likely within 24 hours. The best time to try to conceive is from the day your LH reaches High through the following 1–2 days.
My LH numbers are always high. What does that mean?
Some people have higher baseline LH, especially with conditions like PMOS (formerly PCOS). With standard strips, this can make every test look positive. Numeric results help here because you can see whether your LH is truly spiking above your personal baseline or staying flat at an elevated level. If your numbers stay high throughout the cycle without a clear peak, talk to your doctor.
I always see a faint line. Is that normal?
Yes. LH is present at low levels throughout your cycle. On the numeric scale, a faint line typically means your LH is below 25, which is your baseline. You're looking for the shift in readings from Low to High to Peak. That's your surge.
Can I scan numeric results in the Pregmate app?
Yes. Scan each strip in the app to save your result with the date and cycle day. The app tracks your LH curve over time, so you can see how your surge builds and compare patterns across cycles.
Medical factors and special cases
Can medications or health conditions affect my numeric readings?
Yes. Fertility medications containing LH or hCG can push your readings up and keep them elevated, so a High or Peak result may not reflect a natural surge. Conditions such as PCOS, menopause, or recent pregnancy can raise your baseline, meaning your Low may sit closer to 25 than it does for most people. Everyday medications like antibiotics or pain relievers do not affect the color scale. If you are on fertility treatment, ask your doctor how to interpret your numbers.
Do birth control pills affect numeric ovulation tests?
Yes. After you stop oral contraceptives, your cycle needs time to settle, and your LH readings during those first cycles may not follow a normal Low to High to Peak pattern. Wait until you have had at least two regular cycles before you rely on your numbers. Testing earlier still works for building a picture of your baseline, but treat those readings as a reference point rather than a prediction.
Does a Peak reading confirm that I ovulated?
No. A Peak reading means your LH reached its highest level, which usually leads to ovulation within about 24 hours, but the test measures the hormone, not the release of the egg. A progesterone blood test, ultrasound, or basal body temperature tracking can show whether ovulation happened. What your numbers do tell you is when ovulation is approaching, which is what matters for timing.
Helped millions conceive
Track results. Get ovulation predictions
Want to learn more? Start here
