Purchase Test Strips Choose ovulation test strips from regular brands with quality assurance. Common brands include David, Jineor, etc.
Understand the Menstrual Cycle Record your previous menstrual cycles to roughly determine the starting time for testing. Generally, for women with regular menstrual cycles, testing can start from the 10th – 12th day of the menstrual cycle. For those with irregular menstrual cycles, they can start testing a bit earlier.
Prepare Items Prepare an appropriate amount of clean containers for collecting urine, as well as a marker pen, a recording form, etc., to facilitate recording the test results.
Testing Procedure
Collect Urine
Time Selection Try to collect urine at a fixed time every day. The optimal testing time is between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Reduce water intake 2 hours before testing to avoid urine dilution affecting the test results.
Collection Method Collect urine in a clean container. It is advisable to collect the mid – stream urine to ensure the purity of the urine.
Conduct the Test
Take Out the Test Strip Take out the ovulation test strip from the packaging. Be careful not to touch the test area of the strip.
Immerse in Urine Immerse the end of the test strip with the arrow – marked end into the urine to a depth approximately up to the marked line on the strip. Keep it for 3 – 5 seconds, then take it out and place it flat on a clean surface.
Wait for the Result Wait for the result to show according to the time specified in the test strip instruction manual, usually 5 – 10 minutes. Do not observe the result beyond the specified time to avoid misjudgment.
Result Interpretation
Negative The color of the test area (T) is lighter than that of the control area (C), indicating that ovulation has not occurred yet. You can continue to test daily.
Weak Positive The color of the test area (T) gradually deepens but is still lighter than that of the control area (C), suggesting that ovulation is approaching. It is recommended to increase the testing frequency, and you can test every 12 hours.
Positive The color of the test area (T) is the same as or darker than that of the control area (C), indicating that ovulation will occur within 24 – 48 hours. Arranging sexual intercourse at this time can increase the probability of conception.
Change from Strong Positive to Negative After a positive result appears, the color of the test area (T) gradually becomes lighter and finally turns negative, indicating that ovulation has occurred.
Precautions
Proper Storage of Test Strips Ovulation test strips should be stored in a dry and cool place, avoiding direct sunlight and a humid environment. Also, use them within the expiration date.
Combine with Other Methods The results of ovulation test strips may be affected by various factors, such as endocrine disorders, taking certain medications, etc. To improve accuracy, it can be combined with methods such as basal body temperature measurement and observation of cervical mucus to comprehensively judge the ovulation situation.
Handling of Special Situations If a positive result has not appeared after testing for multiple consecutive cycles, or if there are special situations such as abnormal menstrual cycles or gynecological diseases, it is recommended to seek medical advice in a timely manner for further examination and diagnosis.