Can I have a positive ovulation test but not ovulate?
Ovulation is the process of an ovary releasing an egg from the follicle and allowing the egg to float down the fallopian tubes. Just prior to ovulation, a dramatic hormonal change takes place called the LH Surge. Luteinizing hormone (LH) is the hormone that actually facilitates ovulation by causing the egg to separate from the ovarian surface. Ovulation predictor tests function by detecting this luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, thus alerting the woman that ovulation is imminent.
Ovulation prediction kits are easily available at drugstores and grocery stores without a prescription. They are easier to use and often more accurate than the Basal Body Thermometer method and they can predict ovulation 24 to 36 hours in advance and help you maximize your chance of conception the very first month you use them.
But Ovulation prediction kits are not foolproof. They can give you false positive results. This means that you might not be ovulating but the ovulation prediction kit tells you that you are.
Since Ovulation prediction kits measure luteinizing hormone (LH), they can only give you either a positive or a negative result but not a number. That means these Ovulation prediction kits can not indicate whether you ovulate after a positive response. In other words, they have just measured the luteinizing hormone (LH ) surge with or without the release of an egg. Hence there is a chance that you get a positive ovulation test but do not ovulate. Besides, false luteinizing hormone (LH) surges are also possible in a woman's body. These are read by the ovulation prediction kit and result in a false positive.
Here are some tips on getting accurate results when using your Ovulation prediction kits:
- For maximum accuracy, follow the ovulation prediction kit's directions to the letter. However, if the instructions say to test the first urine of the day, you may want to test your second urine instead. Your urine can become concentrated overnight and might give you a false-positive result.
- Your cycle starts on the first day you have your period. If you have a 28-day cycle, start the ovulation prediction test on day 11 and use it for six days, or however many days the manufacturer recommends.
- If your cycle is longer, say 35 days, start on day 14 and test for nine days.
- If you have an irregular cycle, you may find that this is the least satisfying way for you to detect your ovulation because you'll have to buy many kits to use over a long period of time.
- If your cycle runs between 28 and 40 days, your ovulation may range between days 14 and 26. Because the kits usually provide only five to nine days' worth of tests, you'll need to buy at least two kits a month.
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