Here, we feature some of the best ovulation tests as well as information about how to choose the right one for you. Detection and monitoring of ovulation has long been practiced by women pursuing or avoiding pregnancy. The fertility window begins approximately 3–5 days (sperm lifespan) before ovulation and continues to a point approximately 1–2 days (oocyte lifespan) after ovulation. 8 Identifying this window, rather than simply identifying or detecting ovulation, is vital for encouraging or discouraging contraception. For physicians or women who wish to know if a menstrual cycle is normal or to evaluate ovarian function, a test that retrospectively confirms ovulation should suffice, but for artificial reproductive techniques, the time of ovulation and the fertility window must be defined clearly. It’s worth noting that an ovulation predictor kit will only tell you when you are likely to ovulate. It can’t determine your chances of getting pregnant or estimate how many years of fertility you may have left. Are ovulation tests worth it?

Start taking tests several days before ovulation is expected. In a regular, 28-day cycle, ovulation will usually be on day 14 or 15. So, if, for example, you have a 28-day cycle, you should start testing on day 10 of your cycle. If you have a more irregular cycle, you may want to start testing a few days earlier to be safe. How long after a positive ovulation test do you actually ovulate? The 'fertile window' for conception is defined as the five days leading up to the day of ovulation and is the time frame when the viability of both eggs and sperm should be maximal," says Dr. Thornton. "It is estimated that the fertilizable life of the human egg lasts up to 24 [hours] post ovulation and that sperm can survive up to five days in the reproductive tract. The majority of sperm is believed to survive 48-72 hours, which is why intercourse is most likely to result in pregnancy when it occurs within the three-day interval ending on the day of ovulation." Dr. Berga served as Director, Division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility, University of Utah, 2018-2020; Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Executive Director of Women’s Health at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina from 2011 to 2018; Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Psychiatry, and Chair of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia from 2003 to 2011; and was a faculty member in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh from 1988 to 2003.

The Clearblue Ovulation Test is the best overall ovulation test. It promises 99% accuracy and takes just three minutes for results to appear.

Dr Kurt Barnhart is Vice Chair for Clinical Research and the Director of the Women’s Health Clinical Research Center for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the William Shippen, Jr. Professor Obstetrics and Gynecology and Epidemiology. He received his medical degree at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and his M.S.C.E. degree (Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics) at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a board certied in obstetrics and gynecology as well as reproductive endocrinology and infertility. I had a positive result for the L.H. Surge and had sexual intercourse during this period but I have still not become pregnant.I would always recommend going with a well-known brand,' advises Prof Harper. 'But I appreciate there are others that are much cheaper.' You can see more about our products in the comparison chart below to get a better idea about the different Clearblue tests and monitor that are available. Prof Harper advises against trying at-home fertility tests. 'In my view – any [fertility] test at home is pointless,' she says 'They measure a few hormones but these hormones in isolation do not tell you anything.

Carry out the tests for a few cycles. You may have either missed your time of ovulation, or you may have had a cycle without ovulation (which can sometimes happen)

Alternative to ovulation tests

These methods include using an ovulation test, working out the length of your cycle so that you pinpoint your most fertile days (which tend to be 10 to 16 days before your period is due) and being aware of changes to your cervical mucus and basal body temperature (BBT). When should you start using ovulation tests? The Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test detects this rise LH, so you can identify your 2 best days to get pregnant. When can I do an ovulation test? As the pill disrupts your natural hormone balance it may take a few months for your periods to return to normal. You may want to wait until you have had 2 normal periods before starting to use this ovulation test. Please be aware that pregnancy and breast feeding could affect the results of this test. Whatever your preference and whatever your size, bear in mind maternity clothes have been specially designed with the growing pregnant body in mind, so if you're finding your pre-pregnancy wardrobe a little snug, it's well worth investing in some, even if it's just a few staple pieces. What are the best clothes to wear while pregnant? Ovulation test kits are tests that let you know the days when you're most fertile and likely to conceive. They're particularly useful for women who have erratic cycles.