Since ovulation test strips are small, it is usually easier to urinate into a small plastic cup and dip the end of the strip into the urine.
Leave the test strip alone while it develops. Don’t pick it up or move it.
Some kits may also indicate the control line with a letter, such as a “C. ” Check your test strip instructions to identify the control line if you’re unsure.
Be aware that ovulation may not happen for 36 hours after your LH surges.
Keep in mind that it may take a few days to a week or longer to get a positive test result, especially if you start testing early.
For example, some test strips may only require 3 minutes to develop, while others might take up to 10 minutes to develop.
For example, if your average cycle length is 30 days, then half of that would be 15, and subtracting 3 gives you 12. Start using ovulation predictor strips on cycle day 12 and keep testing until you get a positive test.
Keep in mind that you are usually fertile when your cervical mucus is clear and stretchy, similar to egg whites. If your cervical mucus has taken on this consistency, you may be ovulating. Take a test to check.
For example, you could test between 2:00 and 2:30 pm daily, which may be an optimum time to detect the surge if it occurred later in the morning. [10] X Research source
Don’t drastically reduce your fluid intake to concentrate your urine. Drink water when you’re thirsty to stay hydrated. Some test kits recommend testing in the morning for more concentrated urine, but this is not always necessary. [12] X Research source
You can purchase a digital readout test in a drugstore, grocery store, or online. Keep in mind that ovulation predictor kits can be expensive compared with the cost of ovulation test strips.
