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Conceiving a child is generally a wonderful experience. For some couples, however, this process can be complex and can take a long time. There are many studies and research that have focused on different aspects of ovulation, as understanding the timing of ovulation can play a crucial role in achieving pregnancy. Learn more about the importance of ovulation testing in this article.
What is the ovulation test
Ovulation is controlled by a complex interaction between hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone and luteinising hormone (LH). These hormones influence the development and release of the egg in each menstrual cycle.
The ovulation test is a simple and effective medical self-testing device available in pharmacies without a prescription. This test measures the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urine, a hormone that increases significantly in a woman’s body before ovulation. Identifying a rise in LH levels can indicate that ovulation is imminent, giving you a clear signal about the most fertile time of your menstrual cycle.
How to increase your chances of getting pregnant if you know when you’re ovulating
When you know you’re ovulating, you can plan your intercourse around this time to increase your chances of conception. It is best to have unprotected intimate contact both before and during ovulation.
Ovulation tests can also help you monitor and understand the regularity of your menstrual cycle. This can be useful for identifying any abnormalities related to your period and can also serve as an indicator of your reproductive health.
In addition to ovulation tests based on measuring luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in the urine, there are other signals the body sends out, such as increased basal body temperature and cervical mucus.
Factors that can negatively impact ovulation
Among the most common factors are:
- chronic stress;
- hormonal disorders;
- old age;
- out-of-parameter body weight.
Other factors are various diseases such as obesity, autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), thyroid diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases. These health problems disrupt the proper functioning of the ovaries and therefore the ovulation process.
Specifically, when the immune system fights these conditions, it also attacks the ovaries and their ability to produce hormones.
On the importance of reducing stress in the preconception phase
For couples trying to get pregnant, the process can become stressful, contributing to increased anxiety levels. Therefore, ovulation tests can give you greater confidence and security, helping you to be more in control of the situation, as well as reducing some of the stress associated with this sensitive subject.
Choose the right time for testing
Ovulation tests are done a few days before the expected time of ovulation. The length and regularity of your menstrual cycle can vary, so you’ll need to identify your potential ovulation period based on your history, but also on the information you’ve collected previously.
Find out from this article how to calculate your ovulation period.
How you interpret the results
Before anything else, it is essential to read and follow the ovulation test instructions carefully. Ovulation tests have a control line, which shows that the test was performed correctly, and a test line that indicates LH levels. A test line that is darker or as dark as the control line indicates that ovulation is imminent.
So the two dashes indicate that ovulation will occur in the next 24-48 hours. In other words, the chances of you getting pregnant in the next 48 hours are maximum.
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The ovulation test is a valuable tool for couples who want to have a baby. By determining the time of ovulation and planning intercourse around this fertile period, the chances of conception can be maximised.
