Get Pregnant Fast - Use Ovulation Predictor Kits
Maximize Chances of Conceiving by Timing Intercourse Correctly
May 24, 2009
One of the benefits of using ovulation prediction kits is that a woman can predict ovulation before it occurs.
How Ovulation Predictor Kits Work
The pituitary gland produces a hormone called luteinizing hormone - LH for short - to help trigger ovulation. When a woman’s egg is ripe and ready to be released, LH surges, causing the egg to burst out of its shell. Ovulation predictor kits work by measuring levels of LH in the urine. Since levels soar just prior to ovulation, a high level of LH in the urine can mean that ovulation will occur within the next 12 to 36 hours.
A mature egg only lives for approximately 24 hours where it may connect with sperm to allow conception to occur. This window is very small, so timing intercourse exactly is essential.
Familiarity with the Menstrual Cycle will Help When Using OPKs
Not every woman has a regular 28 day cycle, nor does every woman ovulate on day 14. That is why ovulation predictor kits - or 'OPKs' - help a woman pinpoint exactly when she will ovulate. Some woman have long cycles that can last upwards of 36 days, while other woman may have short 21 day cycles. Some woman may ovulate on day 21, while others may ovulate on day 8. It is important for every woman to be familiar with her own unique menstrual cycle.
How to Use OPKs
OPKs should be used starting on around day 10 of the menstrual cycle on a daily basis. It is important to test around the same time each day so as to not miss the LH surge. Ideally, urination should not happen for about three to four hours prior to testing to ensure proper concentration of hormones in the urine.
When a positive reading is detected on the ovulation predictor, ovulation may occur within 12 to 36 hours. To optimize chances of getting pregnant, intercourse should take place that day, and for the next three consecutive days. Having sex every other day prior to this detection starting on day 8 of the cycle would be ideal so that sperm are already present when the egg is released.
OPKs Don't Necessarily Detect Ovulation - Know the Drawbacks
Although OPKs will detect the LH surge in a woman's urine, it does not necessarily mean that ovulation will definitely occur. Some women may actually not ovulate in any given cycle. Some fertility drugs such as Clomid may also have an effect on results, skewing them if the ovulation predictor kit is used too soon after using the medication. Hormones released during peri-menopause may also cause LH surges in the woman's urine.
Ovulation predictor kits do not gurantee that ovulation will occur. While certain circumstances may affect results, OPKs are definitely helpful for the average, healthy woman.
 |
 |
