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If you’re trying to get pregnant, you’ve probably heard every piece of far-fetched advice the internet has to offer. While there are many myths around how to conceive, research suggests home ovulation tests can effectively increase your chances of pregnancy. Knowing when you’re ovulating is an important factor in conceiving, as it’s only around this time frame you’re able to get pregnant.
But like many over-the-counter wellness products, the amount of options can be overwhelming. To help you on your search, the Forbes Health editorial team identified the best tests after analyzing data on more than 30 products, looking at factors like sensitivity level, hormones detected, cost, smartphone compatibility and more. Here are our top picks (note prices and availability are accurate as of publication and are subject to change).
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For our best ovulation tests of 2022 ranking, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on over 30 at-home ovulation tests. Metrics we considered included price, availability, user reviews, sensitivity levels, hormones detected, sensitivity levels and more. Star ratings were assigned solely by the editorial team.
Ovulation occurs on day 14 of your menstrual cycle if you have a 28-day cycle, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG). This is when an egg is released from your ovary and makes its way down one of your two fallopian tubes. If unprotected sex occurs during this time, egg and sperm will potentially meet in the fallopian tube.
A person’s fertile window is typically considered to be the five days leading up to ovulation, the day of ovulation and the day after ovulation, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
The organization recommends having unprotected intercourse every day or every other day during the five days leading up to ovulation, the day of ovulation and the day after ovulation in order to maximize chances of conceiving. This is where home ovulation tests come in, as they can identify when you are ovulating, signaling that it’s peak time to try and conceive.
Ovulation is triggered by a spike in blood levels of LH, known as the LH surge. An ovulation test helps identify when you are ovulating by measuring luteinizing hormone levels, often via a urine sample, signaling whether or not you’re ovulating. If LH levels are detected in the urine, ovulation typically takes place within 12 to 24 hours. While some tests may check for other hormones, like estrogen, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine states this doesn’t always increase your chances of pregnancy, and does not recommend it if you are taking medications designed to trigger ovulation.
In addition to using a home ovulation test to track your hormone levels, there are physiological signs that can indicate whether you’re ovulating too, such as your basal body temperature and changes in cervical mucus.
Some research suggests that home ovulation tests are effective in increasing your chances of getting pregnant. A 2018 study in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women using the ClearBlue Advanced digital ovulation tests to time intercourse (as well as keeping an intercourse diary and collecting daily urine samples) were able to effectively target intercourse to their fertile periods, leading to an increased pregnancy rate[1].
Another 2020 study that looked at 884 participants ages 18 to 40 found that those who had used an ovulation test system that tracked LH and estrogen levels had significantly higher rates of pregnancy after just one or two menstrual cycles compared to those who did not use the test[2].
While not a silver bullet for conception, research suggests ovulation tracking is relatively effective at increasing your likelihood of becoming pregnant. However, these tests might not be as reliable if you have irregular periods due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
The ACOG recommends reaching out to a fertility specialist if you have not gotten pregnant after trying to conceive for one year without birth control. If you’re over 35, reach out after six months of trying, and those trying to conceive over the age of 40 should schedule a fertility evaluation immediately.
Additionally, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine notes that if ovulation is not detected via an ovulation test within two menstrual cycles, you should reach out to your doctor. And remember—while ovulation tests can be a useful tool in increasing your chances of conceiving, they cannot replace the care and guidance of your doctor.
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
