During a menstrual cycle, the fertility window is a period when a woman has greater chances of conceiving than other days. So, it is extremely important for the couples who are trying to conceive, to be able to identify the fertile window. And, ovulation test kit is invaluable tool that can help you by predicting ovulation accurately.
In this article, we will delve into the concept of ovulation test kits, exploring their types, how they work, benefits they offer, instructions for use, factors affecting results, and their overall accuracy. Besides, we will give an overview of the ovulation kit prices in India and suggest the best options.
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What is an Ovulation Kit?
An ovulation predictor kit (OPK), widely known as an ovulation kit, is a suitable and trustworthy tool for predicting ovulation in women accurately. It is an at-home testing kit that helps determine the fertile window of a woman during her menstrual cycle, allowing couples to time their intercourse well and optimize their likelihood of conception.
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Types of Ovulation Kits
Several ovulation predictor kits are available over-the-counter in most online and local pharmacies. These include:
Urine-based Kit
Often called fertility monitors, urine-based ovulation predictor kits are electronic devices that identify the fertility window by tracking luteinizing hormone (LH) and estrogen levels. These are the most common and affordable type of ovulation detection kits available in online and local pharmacies. During an ovulatory cycle, a woman has a significant surge in her LH and estrogen levels. This kit is used to detect this surge through a urine sample and determine the fertile period.
Saliva-based Kit
When a woman is likely to ovulate, her saliva pattern also changes. Near the time of ovulation, LH and estrogen levels increase in women and her dried saliva will form some fern-shaped pattern. Saliva-based kit involves observing the dried saliva under the microscope to detect such fern-shaped patterns and predict the fertility window.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charting
Though it is not exactly an ovulation predictor kit, basal body temperature (BBT) charting can also indicate the fertility period by monitoring the woman’s body temperatures throughout her menstrual cycle. Before, during and after ovulation, a woman’s body temperature fluctuates significantly. A day before ovulation, the temperature reaches its lowest point, about 36.1° C. And after ovulation, the temperature rises up to 37° C. By properly monitoring body temperatures everyday during a menstrual cycle, usually at the same time in the morning before getting out of the bed, a woman can predict her ovulation period through BBT charting.
How an Ovulation Test Kit Works
How exactly does an ovulation predictor kit work? Couples often have this question prior to using the test kit. Well, a woman undergoes several changes during her menstrual cycle. When she is about to release an egg (ovulate), her body has a significant surge in the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and estrogen. And, this surge can be detected through urine or saliva samples. LH is present in the urine and increases significantly 24 to 48 hours before ovulation occurs. It goes up to 5 times of its usual amount throughout this span of time.
And, it is the period when a woman is most fertile and likely to get pregnant if had unprotected intercourse. Ovulation detection kits evaluate the presence of LH, identify the fertile window, and indicate a positive result when the ovulation is about to take place within the next 12 to 36 hours.
Benefits of Using Ovulation Kits
Ovulation detection kits have the following benefits:
- Convenience: These kits are very convenient because they are widely available over-the-counter in most pharmacies, easy to use, and can be used with the comfort and the privacy of their own home.
- Accurate timing: By evaluating the changes in luteinizing hormone and estrogen during a menstrual cycle, these kits accurately identify the fertile window, the 12 to 36 hours when maximum potential of resulting in a pregnancy.
- Better planning and reduced anxiety: By being able to identify the fertile window during a menstrual cycle, couples trying to conceive can better plan their intercourses, and improve their anxiety related to uncertainty.
- Monitoring menstrual cycle: Regular and healthy menstrual cycles are essential when you are trying to conceive. Other than predicting ovulation, these kits are also good at keeping track of that.
How to Use an Ovulation Test Kit?
Since multiple types of ovulation detection kits are available in the market, the instructions for use may differ for each device. Most general instructions include:
Urine-based Test
For this test, you first have to determine the appropriate time to start testing, typically a few days before the expected date of ovulation. Once determined, collect your urine sample in a clean container, and then dip one of the test strips in the container. Now, depending on the kit, the result may display as colors, symbols or lines. A positive result will indicate that the ovulation is about to take place by the next day or day after tomorrow.
Remember:
- Always try to collect your urine sample around the same time every day.
- Overhydration can make LH surge detection difficult. Always try to reduce fluid intake 2-3 hours prior to using the test kit.
- Always read the result within the timeframe advised in the instructions. Though a positive result does not disappear, a negative result can show a dim color if you wait for very long.
- Test strips are not meant to be reused. Always dispose of the test strip after reading the result.
Saliva-based Test
Estrogen levels increase in a woman’s body during the follicular phase (first two weeks of the menstrual cycle). This increase induces a rise in the salivary electrolytes, which form a crystalized structure called fern leaves about 3 to 5 days before ovulation. During the saliva-based test, the dry saliva sample is tested under microscope, and if it shows these “fern leaves” pattern, the woman is considered likely to ovulate. All one has to do is to add a drop of saliva to the slide and let it dry, and then look for “fern leaves” pattern through the microscope. If fern leaves are present, the woman is likely to ovulate or vice versa.
Remember:
- The test can be performed anytime during the day, but not right after eating, drinking, smoking or brushing teeth. In such cases, it is appropriate to avoid the test for the next 2 to 3 hours.
- Always take out the saliva sample from beneath the tongue to the test slide. Do not let air bubbles form.
- Always wait for the saliva sample to completely dry. It may take somewhere around 5 to 20 minutes.
- Microscope and test slides are reusable after appropriate cleaning.
How Accurate are Ovulation Test Kits?
When used the right way, ovulation predictor kits are highly accurate in predicting ovulation, about 99%. However, factors such as presence of an underlying condition and user error can affect overall accuracy of these devices. One should consider these test kits as a helpful guide for predicting ovulation, not a guarantee.
There are several factors and health conditions that can affect the results of these kits, leading to a false positive or negative. These include:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Menopause or perimenopause
- Pituitary gland disorders
- Hereditary diseases
- Hormonal imbalances
- Certain medications such as LH or hCG
- Pregnancy or recent childbirth
How much do Ovulation test Kit Cost?
Ovulation kits’ prices in India are determined by the type and brand of the device. On an average, urine-based kits range between INR 200 and 1000, while saliva-based kits range from INR 800 to 2000. Moreover, a BBT charting kit can cost around INR 500 to 1500.
Well, a standard non-electric urine-based OPK device is the least expensive option. And, it offers the same reliability and accuracy as most top brand devices. OPK devices are available as digital monitors with strips and even as paper strips that switch color. By choosing a simpler device, you can always save some money.
Which is the Best Ovulation Kit in India?
While several brands sell ovulation predictor kits in India, a popular and well-regarded option is Nory Ovulation Detection Kit. What makes this kit stand out is, it comes with 5 ovulation strips and 1 free pregnancy strip test. It guarantees 99% accuracy and is easy to use and take along. Well, it is always advised to consult with a fertility doctor or conduct a thorough research to pick the kit that most suits your needs.
The Bottom Line
Ovulation detection kits are undoubtedly invaluable tools for couples trying to conceive. It offers them greater chances of conception by predicting the woman’s fertile window and allowing couples to better plan intercourse. By properly understanding how these kits work, following the instructions carefully, and considering various factors that may affect test outcomes, couples can escalate their chances of conception.
Moreover, though ovulation kits are helpful in tracking ovulation and understanding your body better, it is in no way a substitute to professional medical advice. Each person’s reproductive system is unique and medical support will always be beneficial during the conception journey.
