How to Read an Ovulation Test

What does a positive ovulation test mean? 

If you get a positive on an ovulation test this indicates that your luteinizing hormone (LH) is having a surge. This hormone, made by your pituitary gland, is produced when the body is ready to release an egg from the ovaries. LH levels rise quickly, which tells the ovary to initiate ovulation. Typically, ovulation occurs 36 to 48 hours after this surge of LH, and 24 to 36 hours after the peak of the LH surge. The day you see your first positive ovulation test and the next day are the body’s most fertile days - and the ideal time to inseminate or make a baby through intercourse! 

What does a positive OPK look like? 

Wondering what an actual positive ovulation test looks like? A positive test will have two solid lines indicating that a luteinizing hormone (LH) surge is occurring and that the test functioned properly. The LH surge is measured on the left. The control line, indicating a functioning test, is on the right side. Both lines will typically be of equal color. 

Here’s a pic of a positive ovulation test indicating an LH surge. Notice the two lines are equal in color. 

What should I do if I get a positive ovulation test? 

It is time to get busy! If you’re inseminating through intercourse, hit the sheets within 24 to 36 hours of that positive test. If you’re doing home insemination with the Mosie Kit you’ll want to use your first syringe as soon as possible. Then use your next syringe within 36 hours. 

What if my test is negative?

Keep testing. You may have to test over a 5-7 day window to pinpoint your positive. If you test for an entire cycle and do not get a positive result, this information, while upsetting, is so helpful! It may indicate a problem with your cycle and your hormones. Take this information and call your doctor to work through what’s happening with your body. Read on for more info on what to do with a negative cycle. 

Here’s a picture of a negative ovulation test. Notice there is a faint line, but not a solid line on the left. Unlike pregnancy tests, an ovulation test is negative even when there's a faint line. 

What if you don’t get a positive at all? 

If you don’t get a positive test result at all throughout your cycle, this could indicate that you are having difficulty ovulating or with ovulation. It would be good to give your doctor or ObGyn a call to chat through what they recommend. If you’re not up for an in person visit, you can also find many fertility specialists willing to do online consultations. Sometimes the doctor will have you monitor an additional cycle at home prior to coming in for further testing. It could have just been a weird month for you! It happens. 

Ovulation can be affected by luteinizing hormone luteinizing hormone many factors including: 

• Stress 
• Illness 
• PCOS
• Excessive drug/alcohol use
• Excessive caffeine 
• Obesity

When should I start using my ovulation predictor kit?

Here is a chart to help you understand the best cycle days to start using your Mosie Baby Ovulation Predictor Kit. 

We are wishing you the best on your journey to conceive! Please feel free to reach out if we can help support you in any way. We are crossing fingers for you!