How Can Ovulation Tests Help if I Have an Irregular Cycle?

Many women have irregular cycles which makes it difficult to know when to try and get pregnant. However, there is a wonderful way to find out when you are ovulating even if you have irregular cycles. The answer to this problem is using ovulation tests.

What are ovulation tests?

Ovulation tests look a lot like pregnancy tests however they are different in function. Ovulation tests have a strip that is dipped into urine to check for the Luteinizing Hormone (LH). Other ovulation tests check for a hormone called estrone-3-glucuronide (E3G).

The ovulation tests check for one of these two hormones. But most frequently the ovulation test checks for the LH in your body. Your body makes LH all month long, but right before ovulation the LH rises significantly. The reason it is important to know when the LH surge occurs is because this is right before ovulation. If you don’t check your LH regularly you won’t be able to determine when the LH surge occurs.

You must follow the directions of the ovulation tests very carefully to ensure you find your most fertile period in order to become pregnant. Most ovulation tests should be taken several times over a period of a few days to determine when you are most fertile. At this point you will know when your body is about to ovulate and when is the best time to try and get pregnant.

Ovulation tests do not ensure you will become pregnant; they simply inform you of your most fertile time. This means you should try and become pregnant during this time frame. Obviously, if you have irregular cycles an ovulation test is the best way to help you determine when is the time to try and become pregnant.

Keep in mind, however, that just because you use an ovulation test and determine when you are ovulating does not mean that you will become pregnant. It is just the best way to know when you are ovulating and when a pregnancy has the best chance to occur.

Are They Accurate?

Many women with irregular cycles who want to become pregnant want to know how accurate ovulation tests are. Basically, these tests are very accurate nine out of 10 times and especially so if you follow the directions very well.

Of course, the ovulation tests your doctor gives you are more sensitive and more accurate, however the home ovulation tests are also very helpful. If you generally have an irregular cycle and are just trying to get pregnant on your own then you will find these tests to be affordable and helpful in determining your most fertile time.

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