Did you know that there are various methods that could help you determine when your ovulation occurs? Fertility could be predicted by using ovulation calendars or by the use of ovulation tests such as the Clearblue Ovulation Test (check out my review here). Natural methods necessitate the faithful charting of the obvious and not-so-obvious changes in your body before, during and after ovulation. The problem with this method is, as mentioned, you shouldn’t miss a single day or a single sign to narrow down and home in on your exact ovulation days, otherwise you will definitely miss it.
The natural method of determining fertility includes:
- Charting your Basal Body Temperature
- Charting your Cervical Mucus Discharge
- Charting the changes in your Cervix
- Charting other Secondary Ovulation signs such as: breast tenderness, mittelschmerz, increase in appetite and sex drive, mood swings etc.
The Clearblue Ovulation Test, however, recognizes the rise of an ovulation hormone called, Luteinizing hormone (LH). Prior to ovulation, your follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) dominates because it aids in the maturation of the ovum. Once it matures, it needs to be released and this is facilitated by the luteinizing hormone (LH). Your LH dramatically and briefly increases 24-36 hours before ovulation. This simply means that after the surge, the ovum (egg) will be released, hence ovulation shall occur. This phenomenon is called the “LH surge”. A positive result in this ovulation test tells a woman that she is most likely fertile in the next 1-3 days after the increase of the LH. The fertility peak is on the thirty sixth (36) hour following the said LH surge. Therefore, for women who want to promote pregnancy, the next 2-3 days is the best time to conceive in a given cycle. Engaging in intercourse during the next 2-3 days increases your chance of conceiving.
This test gives you more than just one stick to detect your LH surge. Therefore, the chance of detecting your ovulation days is greater.
How To Use A Clearblue Ovulation Test
You must use it once a day. Be consistent: use the test at the same time each day. For example, you started the test at 8:00 AM, you should take the test at 8:00 AM everyday until the LH surge occurs. Remember to use it only on days when you expect your luteinizing hormone to increase. Because of this reason, it is helpful to use this test in conjunction with other signs of ovulation.
Accuracy of Clearblue Ovulation Tests
In comparison with the natural method and other ovulation test brands that determines ovulation, the Clearblue Ovulation Test is 99% more accurate at detecting the LH surge. At the same time, you find that it has 40% more test sticks as compared to the other brands that detects ovulation. It has a reference line that will show you if you have performed the test accurately or not. And the best thing about this is it’s fast! It will accurately show your result after 3 minutes which can help cut down on how long it takes to get pregnant.
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