How do HomeTest ovulation tests work?
HomeTest ovulation tests are urine tests. Strips and midstreams need no other equipment to work - use them as they are. Digital tests need a digital reader and a stick; Both are included in the test kit.
Can I use the ovulation test to avoid pregnancy?
No, the ovulation test cannot be used as a contraception method.
For how long will the result remain visible?
The strips and the midstream tests should be read within 10 minutes for best results (as long as the directons of use were striclty followed). The second line (which will show the positive result) will never disappear. It may even become darker or more intense after a few hours. In some negative results (without a second line), a gray faint line may appear later, but this effect should be ignored.
As for the digital tests, the negative result will remain on the screen for ten minutes, and the positive one for one hour.
How long does the sperm live?
Life expectancy of the sperm depends on many factors. Typically, healthy sperm inside a healthy vagina is able to survive for 5 days or more. Of course, from the moment of ejaculation, the number of sperms decreases as well as their ability for fertilization. Outside the vagina, sperm can survive for a few minutes to a few hours.
I see a positive result; when is a good time to have sexual intercourse?;
From the time you see a positive result on the HomeTest ovulation test, the actual ovulation will take place within 24-48 hours. This is your fertile period and you should have sex during this time if you want to increase your pregnancy chances.
I use the temperature measurement method. If i switch to ovulation testing, should I stop it?
No. The small rise in temperature is a method to find your ovulation day, but only after it has already occured. The HomeTest ovulation tests show that ovulation is about to occur.
I had a positive result on the HomeTest ovulation test. I had sex during my fertile days, but I did not get pregnant. Am I doing something wrong?
There are many factors that influence the pregnancy. Sometimes you have to use the ovulation test for a period to 3-4 months before you actually achieve pregnancy.
In addittion, your spouse should check his sperm quality, if he has not done so or if it has been 6 months since the last sperm check.
Another thing you can do is check your vaginal pH to see if there is any infection in the vaginal area that makes fertilization impossible.
Finally, go over the products in the category 'Conception enhancers', you will find them very helpfull.
If after this time you still cannot get pregnant, you should consult your physician.
What is the best time to test? Do I have to use the first morning urine?
Do not use the first morning urine. It is better to test during the day (between 12pm and 8pm) and repeat the test at the same time each day.
Does the quantity of liquid that I will intake affect the result of the test?
Yes. Too much liquid prior to the test will dissolve the hormone in your urine sample. We suggest you reduce liquid intake at least 2 hours prior to the testing.
Do I have to test 2 times a day?
Studies have shown that for the 38% of women, the LH peak lasts less than 10 hours.
If you are using the strips or midstreams, for the days you expect to get a positive result, you can test twice a day.
The digital ones, however, detect the combination of two hormones and are more "tolerant" towards the positive result. This is because the test will be negative again once both hormone levels have decreased. It is sufficient if you use one digital test per day.
Does ovulation occur always on the 14th day of my cycle?
No. Ovulation can occur almost any day within the cycle, depending on your organism. If your cycle lasts 28 days, and there is hormone balance in your body, then probably your ovulation day will be the 14th day. You should have in mind that hormone imbalance can occur as a result of many factors including anxiety, stress and can alter your ovulation day.
You can find more information by using our online fertility calendar.
My ovulation tests are continuously negative. When do I start worrying?
Consecutive negative ovulation tests can be frustrating. There may be a number of reasons for the negative result. Some of these can be dealt by yourselves but others should be consulted with your doctor.
1. The LH surge may occur much sooner
Usually ovulation tests are carried out once a day. However, sometimes the LH surge may occur within just 10 hours. Therefore, if you test before or after this time window, although you test every day, it is possible that you miss the LH surge. To avoid this, you should test twice a day with approximately a 10-hour gap between the two tests. Also you may start testing much sooner in your cycle. If still you get negative results, you should consult your doctor.
2. Ovulation may occur sooner or later than the suggested day in a given menstrual cycle
Some women think that they know exactly when to expect ovulation, so they start testing just before that day. This is not correct though, because they might miss their LH surge. The best way is to keep in a chart the length of your menstrual cycles for a period of 6 months and note your shorter and longer cycle. Ovulation may occur too soon or too late in one given cycle. Always observe other ovulation symptoms like increase in your temperature, cervical mucus changes, cervical position etc.
3. Maybe you don’t ovulate
Most women that get negative results assume that they don’t ovulate anymore. If you are older than 30 years and you get consecutive negative results and you have tried all the instructions above, maybe it is time to visit your doctor and discuss this issue. You may also want to check your FSH levels to make sure that there is follicle stimulation in the beginning of your menstrual cycle (you can find more information on FSH tests here).
Why do HomeTest ovulation tests have One Step printed on them?
One Step technology is the latest technology available in ovulation tests. That is, the ovulation test is "One Step" or in other words it is a rapid test. Previously, the technology was "Three Steps" where the user needed, besides urine, to use special reactive fluids to run the test.