After using a free ovulation calendar online, I decided that I should also find another method of tracking ovulation to make sure I’m having sex on the right days. I looked into a few methods of how to calculate ovulation and to be honest I’m too lazy to chart my temperature every morning and check my cervix etc. So I decided to start using ovulation test strips also known as OPK’s. Now before I bought them I did do some research and it was half and half. Not all people like using them because they are difficult to interpret.

How to determine a positive ovulation test?

Most ovulation test sticks need to be done during the day ideally after 2pm; never test first thing in the morning as you may get a false positive because we already have luteinizing hormone (LH) in our systems. With some test sticks, you need to collect some urine in a pot and hold the stick in for about 10 seconds. You can get a positive result as early as 40 seconds but it’s best to wait and check after 5-10 minutes. Results shouldn’t be read after 30 minutes as the colour of the dye will fade and you may not be able to read the result properly. If the test is positive, then you will have two lines show up – in order for them to be positive the test line has to be darker than or as dark as the control line.

It is also possible to see two or even three positive ovulation tests in a row; if this happens it just means you have had a longer surge and caught it on the way up and down. Once you get a positive, you should have intercourse on the day and the day after if possible. This maximises your chance of conception. Implantation will occur anywhere from 6-10 days after ovulation and during this time you may experience cramping or spotting. Implantation spotting is very rare but can happen; it doesn’t always mean it’s a sign of pregnancy though. After a few days, the pregnancy hormone will begin to increase doubling up daily.

If you cannot wait to miss your period before taking a pregnancy test, then this can be done as early as 10 days past ovulation. It may not be accurate as most tests are not reliable until 14 days after ovulation but there have been many stories about women getting their BFP’s (big fat positive) earlier than others.