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Archive for the Ovulation Predictors Category

When is ovulation ?

Knowing when ovulation means that you know when your fertile time of the month is. The fertilisation window each month is actually quite small for women. If you are going to conceive, it is within 24 hours after ovulation.

Ovulation usually occurs approximately 14 days before your period is due ie the 2nd stage of the menstrual cycle (the luteal phase) is usually 14 days long. This is fixed for most women although it can vary between 11-16 days for some. The part of the cycle that more often varies is the first half ie the run up to ovulation or the follicular phase.

If your follicular phase is the same each month this makes knowing when ovulation occurs very easy and predictable using a calender. The problem occurs when the folicular phase of your cycle is erratic or unpredictable. Irregularity of the pre-ovulation phase are more common in young women under 25 years & in older women (over 40 years) often being shorter or longer and less predictable.

For some women the follicular phase can be very prolonged for example in polycystic ovarian syndrome or the cycle may be anovulatory (ie ovulation does not occur)

If the cycle is irregular ovulation predictor kits can be helpful if you are trying to conceive.

FAQ-What exactly is ovulation & how do urine LH ovulation tests work ?

 Access Diagnostics fertility

Thought it may be helpful to some readers to run over the basics of ovulation and when the most fertilie time occurs.

Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovary. The egg then passes into the fallopian tube where it is ready to be fertilised. In order for pregnancy to occur, the egg must be fertilized by sperm within 24 hours after its release.

Immediately prior to ovulation , the body produces a large amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) ,which triggers the release of the ripe egg from the ovary.

This LH surge usuallly takes place in the middle of the menstrual cycle.

Ovulation Prediction Tests help you to predict the time of ovulation & therefore peak fertility.

It is during this fertile time that pregnancy is most likely to occur.

The ovulation prediction test detects the LH surge in urine, signalling that ovulation is likely to occur in the next 24-36 hours

Click here to for more info on home urine ovulation tests (LH tests)

LH test strips-which sensitivity is best for me ?

Advanced LH best ovulation test strips best 

Urine LH ovulation prediction tests are now available in a range of sensitivities. This can make buying choices confusing.

The WHO still recommends 40miu/ml as the cut off for professional urine ovulation prediction. For this reason all professional packs of LH tests will universally cut off at 40miu, which makes comparison between brands easy.

When it comes to home tests there is no longer an international agreed cut off level. Different brands have different sensitivies and in some cases brands offer an ultra option. Levels of detection for a positive result vary from 20miu, through 25miu to 30miu.

This makes choosing an LH test a matter of trial and error, as the more sensitive tests are not suitable for every user, and the same is true for the less sensitive urine ovulation tests also. This is because every women’s LH physiology is slightly different, and to a degree varies each cycle. In some women a 40miu test will never give a clear positive result, the test line simply darkening around the peak, but never exceeding the control comparison. These women should try a 25 or 30 miu LH test for a series of 3 cycles to find a test which for their LH urine excretion gives a clear positive result. Only those who still find no clear positives should move to the 20miu membrane, as for most users this would give a positive result far too early in each cycle to be any use at indicating ovulation, indeed for some this test will be positive for over half each cycle,

Expect a 3 cycle trial when you start any test brand, get to know the test and stick with it. Avoid changing brands when you find one that works, changing tests during a cycle will almost inevitable confuse you, comparing 2 brands simultaneously in the same cycle is very likely to give conflicting results and better still use tests from the same batch throughout a complete test cycle. Many testers combine LH testing with BBT monitoring in the trial phase to assist in identifying the peak LH test result for them (helps decide if you should try a more sensitive test)

What’s the sensitivity of Clearblue visual, clearblue digital and First Response ovulation tests ? This has never been revealed by the manufacturers and it is probably tweaked in response to commercial pressures each time a NEW version is released and the previous line goes into generic manufacture for supermarket own brand options.

Click here to see our current range of ovulation tests

Ovulation Tests FAQ-Please help me choose which ovulation test is best for me

Here is a frequently asked question regarding ovulation test strips that we received last month:

Hi
Can you help me choose the most appropriate product please? I’ve looked at your stock, but have to say I’m confused! I’d like to purchase some Ovulating predictor strips which I wee on. I would like to buy enough stock for 2 months supply please. Can you advise which of your products will suit my need?
Many thanks!
Andrea

Here is the reply from one of our customer services team:

Thank you for your enquiry.I can suggest our Advanced Ovulation Test Strips. We have been selling them for a long time, they are very popular and we do not experience people coming back with any problems with the tests. 

Advanced ovulation test strips best ovulation

If you go onto our fertility website you will see all our ovulation tests.

The link is www.accessdiagnostics.co.uk

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any more information or call us on

Tel no 01623883830

Clearblue Ovulation Test

The ever popular Clearblue ovulation test has had a really surge in popularity in recent months following the introduction of the new Clearblue Digital Ovulation 20 test pack.

The Clearblue range of ovulation tests currently includes:

Clearblue Home Ovulation Tests (non digital traditional midstream ovulation test) each packs contains 7 tests

Clearblue Digital Ovulation Tests now with Smilie face containing 7 midstream digital ovulation tests

Clearblue Digital Home Ovulation Tests 20 test pack which contains 20 midstream digital ovulation tests

 

Why does Clearblue remain so popular ? The answer is fairly simple.Clearblue ovulation tests are high quality, highly accurate (99%) midstream ovulation tests that are widely recognised & easily available .The Clearblue Digital Ovulation Tests make intrepetation really simple (no more comparing two lines) and the new 20 test pack means you can start testing from earlier in your cycle so that you do not miss your LH surge (ideal for those with erratic cycles or who find it tricky to remember when to start testing) The 20 test pack also offers excellent value for money.To see our full range of Clearblue products visit www.buy-clearblue.co.uk

Ovulation predictor tests and methods

Ovulation predictor methods are many, and need not be expensive or complex for anyone with a regular cycle

Considering the last 14 days of a menstrual cycle is fixed in most women , ovulation will occur on day 14 in a 28 day cycle and day 18 in a 32 day cycle. Great if you one of the lucky ones who has  a very regular cycle, that is the same length each month.

For the rest of us with more erratic cycles the reliable prediction of the timing for ovulation gets a little more complex, so here is a breakdown of the common methods of ovulation prediction:

Cervical mucous becomes more stringy and will form ribons when opposed fingers are extended. This method is great until you have had sex in the preceeding 24 hrs and mix sperm into the equation !

BBT or basal body temperature measurment, basically get an accurate thermometer are record your temperature at a set time every morning before doing anything else. Detects a rise of 0.3 degrees centigrade at ovulation. Contrary to popular misconception you do not need a 4 decimel place thermometer and it does not have to be farenheit. What you do need is a regular regime and set waking time, so its out of the question for shift workers or the less well organised of you out there who’s days wont give up the 2 minutes you have to lie in bed with a stick in your mouth.

Urine ovulation predictors. Dip test you dip in wee and tell you when you have a surge in the hormone which makes you ovulate. Expect to use 7-10 per month especially if you are irregular or have a long cycle. Buy dip ovulation test strips as they are just as accurate as digital or mid stream test and a lot cheaperas well as being more eco-friendly (less packaging) . Only go for the very low level, higher sensitivity ovulation tests if you do not get positive results with the standard sensitivity tests. Stick with a brand if it works (there are multiple sensivities on sale and comparing results is not possible) These tests give 24-36 hrs advance notice of ovulation.

Ovulation predictor miscroscopes are simple mini microscopes which show the crystal of salt which form in drying saliva when oestrogen levels are high which occur with ovulation. Can be used time and time again, so are cheap & eco-friendly if you end up testing for a long time. Look for models with replacable batteries. Don’t expect to see anything for the rest of the cycle, it takes 2-3 cycles to get confident in using these, so best to start off using while also using another method. They are 99% accurate when combined with BBT. Can also be used in dogs and cats, so popular with pet breaders, no reason why they could not be used in pigs, horses and cattle for insemination assessment, so come on you farmers !

Ovulation predictor didn’t work ~ Don’t panic  99% is just that, but not every cycle is ovulatory either, so re-try next month. If you get no positive indicators over 3 consecutive cycles change to another method or seek advice from your doctor. Up to 1 in 4 cycles can miss ovulation, and this increases with age and is a normal physiological finding.

Click here for more info on ovulation predictors

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