Everything you need to know about ovulation predictor kits

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A woman can only get pregnant during a certain time of her monthly cycle, which is the day before and during ovulation. By using an ovulation predictor, you can predict when you will be fertile.

1. What is the Ovulation Predictor Kit?

The Ovulation Forecasting Kit (OPK) can help women determine when in their menstrual cycle they have the highest odds of successfully conceiving.
OPK can be a quick and easy way to predict when a woman is about to ovulate. This kit is relatively easy to use and is available at most drugstores nationwide.

2. How ovulation predictor kits work

Ovulation predictor kits include two types: urine test kits and saliva salt content test kits.
Urine test kits (OPKs): OPKs are based on a urine test to look for an increase in luteal hormone (LH hormone) levels. The LH surge usually occurs within a day and a half before ovulation. There is always a small amount of this hormone in a woman's blood and urine, but its levels increase about 2 to 5 times in the days leading up to ovulation. OPKs will give the most accurate results between 24 and 36 hours before ovulation occurs so plan to have sex or IVF during that time if couples want to maximize their fertility. multiple chances of getting pregnant. Saliva test kits: Saliva testing kits help a woman know when an egg is about to be released through the changes that occur in their saliva. As estrogen levels rise in the days leading up to ovulation, the salt content of saliva also increases. If a drop of saliva is placed on a slide, allowed to dry, the salt can crystallize into a fern-like shape that can be observed under a microscope with low magnification. It is also a sign that a woman will experience ovulation in the next few days. To be able to use either of the two ovulation predictor kits, users need to carefully read and follow the instructions that come with each kit they choose. Women who use an ovulation predictor kit will need to choose a day in their menstrual cycle to take the test. Some kits recommend that users count down 18 days from the expected date of their next period. Therefore, if a woman has a 28-day cycle, she should start testing on day 10 after the start of her period and continue until a positive result is obtained.

3. Usage of Ovulation Predictor Kit

3.1 Using a Urine Ovulation Predictor Kit Urine test kits provide test strips that are valid for 5 to 20 days. Once a day, the woman will use a test strip and dip the tip of the strip into a pre-collected cup of urine. Colored bands or symbols appearing on the test strip will indicate whether an increase in LH hormone levels has occurred.
Try to collect urine at the same time each day and follow the instructions on the kit for best results. In addition, do not drink too much water in the 2 hours before the test because this can dilute the urine and cause the results to be erroneous.
3.2 Use a saliva ovulation predictor kit Use your finger or tongue to lick directly to get saliva on the test strip. This should be done at the beginning of each morning when the woman has not eaten or drank anything. Make sure the sample is free of air bubbles. Wait for the saliva to dry and then use a microscope to examine the fermentation state of the saliva. Then compare the observed results with the samples in the manual to determine the increase in estrogen and progesterone hormone levels.

4. Accuracy of Ovulation Prediction Kits

Tests based on urine LH hormone levels are proven to be more accurate than saliva test kits. However, they are not easy to do, It is necessary to follow the correct and complete steps according to the implementation instructions to ensure the most accurate results.
It is also necessary to conduct tests at certain recommended times of the day and read the results at the indicated times.
Ovulation predictor kits are not likely to provide accurate results for women approaching menopause or those with polycystic ovary syndrome.
To maximize your chances of getting pregnant during each menstrual cycle, it is most important to have sex during the most fertile time – the days before ovulation. The way to determine this moment is also quite diverse. Some women monitor basal body temperature and cervical mucus to determine when they ovulate while others use an ovulation predictor kit.
In addition, in order for the pregnancy preparation process to go smoothly and the pregnancy to be healthy, both husband and wife should check their reproductive health 3-5 months before becoming pregnant.
The wife should:
Get vaccinated before pregnancy (especially against rubella because rubella in pregnancy is extremely dangerous ) Genetic testing to screen for genetic diseases before pregnancy Check for secondary infections In particular, women over 35 years of age, if they want to become pregnant (especially if they have never been pregnant), will have to have a very detailed health check because pregnancy at this age often problems: Ovarian failure, premature birth, higher risk of birth defects, placenta previa, preeclampsia. The husband should:
Check reproductive health, detect diseases of testicular atrophy, physiological weakness, weak sperm... Sexually transmitted diseases, especially those that cannot be cured, are extremely dangerous.

Vinmec currently has many comprehensive health care programs for couples, pregnant mothers and their unborn babies, including basic pre-marital examination packages, advanced pre-marital examination packages, and maternity packages. . Vinmec has a team of experienced doctors in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology, IVF, stem cells, gene technology, capable of synchronously and comprehensively deploying the most advanced assisted reproductive techniques today.
For specific information about fertility and maternity packages at Vinmec, please contact the hospitals and clinics of Vinmec health system nationwide.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: babycenter.com
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