Ovulation Prediction Kits (OPKs)

The best way of using an OPK to monitor your LH surge:

• Drink fluids throughout the day, but don’t over-do it (fluids every couple of hours or so is fine)
• Void your bladder two hours prior to testing
• Test 3 times a day to make sure you don’t miss your surge (morning, afternoon and evening)
• Test around the same times each day
• Use an app that allows you to take a picture of the test results to help identify your peak surge
• Keep track of which CD your surge happens – having a record will help you be better prepared

Factors that can affect the accuracy of OPKs:

• Urine is too diluted
• Urine is too concentrated
• Time of day
• OPKs that are expired

It is also beneficial to use multiple methods of cycle tracking, including checking your cervical mucus (CM), basal body temperature (BBT) and using OPKs.  With all three methods being used, you will improve your understanding of your monthly cycle and will be able to more accurately predict when your body will ovulate.

Once your body releases LH at its peak, a mature egg will be released within 24 to 36 hours to be fertilized.  You will be able to confirm ovulation if you use a chart and basal body temperature thermometer to track your BBT (you can find a BBT chart to download here).  Once your body releases an egg during ovulation, the egg will last approximately 12-24 hours before it begins to disintegrate. Sperm typically require 1 to 3 hours to move past the cervix and into the fallopian tubes.  Ideally, you will have inseminated beforehand so the sperm have plenty of time to travel to the fallopian tubes and await the egg.

If you are using a known donor who is available for multiple inseminations:  Once you have a positive LH surge (known as a “blazing positive”, the test is positive when the test line is as dark or darker than the control line), you will ideally want to inseminate 12 hours after your first positive, as well as 24 hours later if possible.

If you are using frozen donor sperm or your known donor is only able to inseminate once: You should inseminate around 24 hours after your blazing positive (unless you are working with a fertility clinic and your reproductive endocrinologist advises you differently).

Timing is crucial, since your egg will be released within 24 to 36 hours after you experiene an LH surge.