Best Time to Test Ovulation for Better Fertility Tracking (2024)

If you’re TTC, you’ve probably come across ovulation tests before, but do you know how to time your tests to ensure the most accurate results?

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about ovulation testing – including the types of tests available, the best time to test ovulation, common mistakes that can lead to inaccurate results, and alternative methods for tracking ovulation in order to plan a pregnancy.

Ready? Let’s go!

Understanding Ovulation and the LH Surge

To kick things off, let’s recap the basics of ovulation.

When we ovulate (i.e. when an egg is released from the ovaries), we are at peak fertility. During this time, our chances of conception are at their highest. Without ovulation, conception is not possible.

The key hormone that drives the process of ovulation is luteinizing hormone (LH).

On average, LH levels remain relatively low during the first half of the menstrual cycle. However, approximately midway through the cycle, LH levels surge. This peak in LH levels is what triggers the release of an egg (ovulation). Ovulation typically occurs around 24-36 hours after the LH surge – making LH an important hormone to test when planning a pregnancy.

It’s important to note that ovulation timings can vary greatly among individuals. The ‘average’ ovulation date is cycle day 14, however, it’s perfectly normal to ovulate between days 10 to 21 of your menstrual cycle.

To learn more about ovulation and ovulation timing, check out our article Ovulation 101: What Is Ovulation and When Do You Ovulate?

Ovulation Testing: What Are My Options?

Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs)

The standard way to test LH levels at home in order to predict ovulation is with a urinary OPK (sometimes referred to as ‘ovulation strips’ or ‘ovulation test strips’).

These tests look a lot like a standard pregnancy test. However, instead of measuring hCG, they measure LH. If your LH levels are elevated, you’ll receive a ‘positive’ OPK result, indicating that you are likely to ovulate within the next day or so (and you should plan sex or insemination accordingly).

When used correctly, OPKs are estimated to be 99% accurate at detecting an LH surge. However, they do have some limitations.

For example, individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may experience LH ‘peaks’ or ‘surges’ when they haven’t actually ovulated. This makes it possible to test ‘positive’ with an OPK, even though ovulation has not occurred.

Other factors that can limit an OPKs accuracy include:

• Irregular periods
• Recent pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Birth control (and recently going off of birth control)
• Menopause

Certain prescription fertility medications, such as Clomid or gonadotropins, can also interfere with the accuracy of an OPK.

Hormone Tracking With Mira

It’s clear that OPKs do not always work for all cycles – so what’s the alternative?

One option is to have regular blood tests at your doctor’s office. A more cost-effective (and less time-consuming) option is to test your LH levels at home with the Mira Monitor.

With Mira, you can measure your LH levels regularly over time. However, unlike OPKs which only provide you with a ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ result, Mira allows you to track your exact, numeric LH concentration levels with lab-grade accuracy so that you can see your unique hormone curve. This is particularly helpful for individuals with irregular cycles and those whose LH levels tend to deviate from the standard threshold used in OPKs.

In addition to LH, you can also track three additional fertility hormones (E3G, PdG, and FSH) with Mira. When tracked together over time, you’ll not only be able to predict ovulation, but also chart your full 6-day fertile window and confirm that ovulation actually occurred.

To learn more about hormone monitoring with Mira, check out How Mira Works.

Why Timing Matters for Ovulation Testing

The LH surge is very short, only lasting around 12 to 36 hours (although this can vary greatly among individuals). The short duration of the LH surge makes it particularly difficult to pinpoint with a test. So whether you’re testing for LH using an OPK or a fertility monitor like Mira, it’s important to follow the testing instructions so that you don’t ‘miss’ your LH surge.

The standard advice for OPKs is to begin testing for LH each day starting around day 10 of your cycle (if your cycle is 28 days) or around 20 days before the expected start date of your next period. In theory, this should give you plenty of opportunities to accurately detect your peak LH surge.

If you are tracking LH with Mira, the Mira App will dynamically calculate when you need to test. Simply follow the prompts and reminders to maximize your chances of detecting your LH surge.

Best Time of Day to Test Ovulation

Hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day, and research suggests that blood serum LH levels tend to surge at night between the hours of 12-8 a.m. For accurate testing, it’s often recommended to test for LH in the early afternoon; making sure to limit fluid intake at least two hours before testing for the most accurate results.

It’s also common to see instructions recommending to test first thing in the morning. This is also perfectly fine. Morning urine has the advantage of being more concentrated, making it easier for an LH test to detect LH.

Above all else, try to test at the exact same time each day for the most accurate and consistent results. Choose a time that is the most convenient for you and stick with it!

How to Take an Ovulation Test

Basic OPKs

Testing with an OPK usually involves the following process:

• Collect a urine sample in a small cup
• Dip the test wand or strip into the sample
• Lay the wand or strip on a flat surface
• Wait for your results

If you’re using a paper test, your result will be displayed as either one line or two. One line indicates that your LH levels are not elevated to be considered an LH surge – this is a negative result. Two lines indicate that your LH levels are surging – this is a positive result. If you have taken a digital OPK, your result may be displayed as either a yes/no or with a smiley face.

Please note that OPKs can vary, make sure to thoroughly read and follow the instructions in order to receive the most accurate results.

Mira

If you are tracking ovulation with Mira, here is the standard testing process:

• Turn the Mira Monitor on by pushing the power button
• Launch the Mira App to make sure the Monitor and App are synced
• Collect a urine sample in the collection cup
• Dip a new Mira wand into the urine sample for at least 10 to 12 seconds
• Insert the wand into the Mira Monitor
• Your results will automatically be displayed in the Mira App

We understand that tracking fertility and planning a pregnancy can be overwhelming. If you have questions about the best times to test or if you need help interpreting your results, you can always book a consultation with a hormone health coach in our Hormone Health Clinic for Fertility. Our experienced coaches are fully trained to advise on all things fertility, conception, and hormone health.

Factors That Can Affect Ovulation Test Results

There are a number of different factors that can interfere with your urinary hormone levels, which can have an impact on the accuracy of your ovulation test results. Factors to consider include:

• Hydration Levels – If you’ve drank a lot of water prior to testing, this can dilute your urine and make it difficult for ovulation tests to detect LH.
• Medications – Certain fertility medications and supplements can influence your LH levels, which can limit the accuracy of ovulation testing.
• Medical Conditions – Hormonal conditions such as PCOS can also limit the accuracy of ovulation testing.
• Lifestyle – Factors such as diet, stress levels, and quality of sleep can lead to an overall hormone imbalance, making it difficult to predict ovulation.

To maximize your chances of receiving the most accurate ovulation test results, make sure to:

• Read and follow the instructions for your test
• Always test at the same time of day
• Avoid fluids for at least two hours prior to testing

If you’ve been using an OPK (or another method of at-home LH testing) for at least three cycles without detecting an LH surge, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor. They can assess your situation, provide practical guidance, and run further testing if needed.

Alternative Methods to Track Ovulation

In addition to testing your LH levels, you can also track ovulation using the following alternative methods:

• Basal body temperature (BBT) charting – It is possible to track ovulation by measuring and monitoring slight changes in BBT with a BBT thermometer. However, it’s important to note that BBT monitoring alone isn’t the most accurate method of tracking ovulation. For the most accurate results, pair this method with hormone tracking.

• Cervical mucus monitoring – Cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle, and it often resembles raw egg whites around the time of ovulation. By tracking the look, feel, volume, and consistency of your cervical mucus, you can get to know your cycle and identify ovulation patterns.

• Ovulation calculators – Ovulation can also be estimated with a formula that takes into account the first day of your last period and the average length of your menstrual cycle. There are a number of ovulation calculators available online that can help you calculate this.

If you are aiming to conceive as quickly as possible, we recommend keeping track of all your symptoms and cycle data in one place – such as the Mira App. It’s completely free to download and allows you to record specific details about your cycles so that you can anticipate your fertile window, predict ovulation, and plan sex with your partner at the right time each cycle.

Final Thoughts

Accurately predicting ovulation is crucial to planning a pregnancy. If ovulation testing is part of your TTC game plan, make sure to test for LH at the same time each day for the most accurate results – preferably at a time when it’s easy to avoid liquids for at least two hours prior to testing.

If you are struggling to predict ovulation with LH testing, it’s worth speaking with your doctor for further advice. They can assess your situation, run tests, and investigate any potential underlying health concerns that may be interfering with your ability to ovulate.

Frequently Asked Questions