Nowadays, man couples use ovulation predictor kits to find out when the female partner is ovulating so that sexual activity can be timed accordingly, for conception. These kits detect the LH surge which happens 36 hours before ovulation, but it is not as easy as it sounds. Let’s see the pros and cons of OPKs.
Pros
– These are very easy to use. Just like a pregnancy test kit, you are supposed to urinate on the ovulation test kit. A chemical is then activated which will detect the LH surge. One test kit has about 5 to 9 sticks, so you can test ovulation multiple times but you should use it in the middle of your menstrual cycle, which is most likely the time you would be ovulating.
– OPKs are more precise than any other methods of detecting ovulation and are 97% effective in the detection of LH surge.
– OPKs are available at most drugstores and pharmacies. No prescription is needed to buy an ovulation test kit.
– As compared to other methods of detecting ovulation, OPKs are very easy. Other methods such as charting basal body temperature require you to be committed every day.
Cons
– An OPK will detect your LH surge, but it will not give you the exact date when you will ovulate. Thus, you aren’t able to know the confirmed ovulation date. Sometimes, it happens that an egg doesn’t emerge from the follicle, even after the LH surge has occurred. This is known as LUFS (luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome).
– OPKs do not monitor the cervical mucus either. By observing changes in the consistency and appearance of the cervical mucus, ovulation can be detected.
– If fertility drugs such as the hormone hCG are present in your system, there is a chance that OPKs may not work reliably.
– For women above the age of 40 or for those approaching menopause, the levels of LH are high at all times, thus OPKs would fail to give correct results as it works on the principle of detecting the LH surge.
– OPKs are expensive, depending on the brand being used. It can cost anywhere between Rs. 400 and Rs. 1000.
OPKs do tend to provide accurate results in most cases, but it is best if used in combination with other methods of monitoring your ovulation. Thus, try observing changes in the cervical mucus, charting your basal body temperature as well as using the OPK. With these methods combined, you can increase your chance of conception.
