What is an ovulation phase?

Ovulation is the process whereby a mature egg is released from the ovary, signifying fertility in a woman. Ovulation marks the ovulation phase, which plays a crucial role in a woman's menstrual cycle. This phase marks the most fertile period, making it essential to understand for women planning to conceive or tracking their cycles accurately.

1. Accuracy and Sensitivity: Reliable results are crucial for making well-informed decisions about when to attempt conception. Look for test kits with high sensitivity and accuracy in detecting the LH surge, ensuring you can pinpoint your fertile days with confidence.

2. Ease of Use and User-Friendliness: Opt for test kits with user-friendly designs and clear instructions. Simple procedures contribute to the accuracy of the results and reduce the likelihood of confusion during testing.

3. Brand Reputation and Reviews: Well-established brands often invest in research and development, ensuring their products are effective and reliable. Reading customer reviews and testimonials can also help to gain insights into real-life experiences with the test kits.

4. Testing Method: Ovulation test kits come in various forms, such as urine-based test strips, digital tests, and fertility monitors. Choose the method that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle.

1. Test kit expiration date
   • Results are not reliable if test kits are used beyond their expiration date
   • Expiration dates are usually printed on the packaging
2. Test sensitivity
   • The sensitivity of a test indicates the minimum amount of LH in your urine that the test is able to detect.
   • Minimum threshold ranges from 10 IU/L to 40 IU/L.
   • A lower number means it is a higher sensitivity test kit, and can accurately detect even small changes in LH levels, providing more reliable results
3. Timing and consistency
   • It is important to keep the timing of your test constant each day, when your urine is most concentrated - whether day or night.
   • It is recommended to start testing on day 10 of your period cycle, and no later than day 14.
4. Avoid drinking excessive fluids
   • This will dilute your urine and produce inaccurate results
5. Consult a healthcare professional if necessary
   • Seek professional advice from your OB/GYN to clarify and doubts during your fertility journey

Understanding ovulation will help you make sense of your TTC journey and monitor your menstrual cycles. While ovulation test kits offer a convenient and accurate way to track and identify the most fertile days, it is important to shortlist an ovulation test kit that best fits your needs and goals.

Remember that ovulation test kits are designed to aid in predicting ovulation but cannot guarantee pregnancy. These kits work best when used in conjunction with other fertility awareness methods, tracking techniques and the advice of healthcare professionals. By paying attention to these factors, you can increase the reliability of your ovulation test results and make better-informed decisions during your fertility journey!

Now that you know more about ovulation test kits, it’s time to start strengthening your pelvic floor muscles to prepare them for pregnancy. A strong pelvic floor supports your baby’s weight and uterus during pregnancy. It plays a crucial role during labour. You can start training these muscles with kegel exercises. There are kegel trainers available to track your workouts - for example, the Elvie trainer is an award-winning kegel trainer from the U.K.. It even has an app that provides feedback and guidance while motivating your journey to a strong pelvic floor. For peace of mind, consider bringing this up with your fertility clinic or OB/GYN about starting kegel exercises.