Timing is everything when trying to conceive or when wondering if you might be pregnant. Understanding when to take an ovulation or pregnancy test can make all the difference in getting accurate results.
Ovulation tests help identify when your body is about to release an egg, which helps guide you on what the best time to have intercourse would be. These tests work by measuring luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in your urine, as LH surges about 24 to 36 hours before ovulation.
When to take an ovulation test
Every person is different, but there are some rules of thumb you can follow to know when to take an ovulation test.
- Ovulation tests work best if you have regular cycles. If you have a 28-day cycle, ovulation typically happens around day 14, so you should start testing around day 10 or 11.
- If you have shorter or longer cycles, it can be trickier to know when to test, but you should ovulate around the mid-point of your cycle and plan to start testing four to six days beforehand. This will give you the best opportunity to catch the LH surge.
Once you start testing, test daily until you detect the surge. Once the test shows high LH levels, ovulation is likely near.
If you have irregular cycles, you can watch for the following symptoms as a potential indicator of time to test for LH level surges:
- Increased vaginal discharge that is slippery or egg-white in consistency
- An increase in basal body temperature
- Increased sex drive
- Light spotting
- Mild pelvic pain/cramping
There is no right or wrong time of day for testing LH levels, just keep in mind that excessive fluid intake can dilute the levels of hormone in your urine, so it is best to limit your fluid intake 2 hours before testing.
For this reason, a lot of women use the first morning urine, as it is the most concentrated.
When to Take a Pregnancy Test
Pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Implantation happens about 6 to 10 days after ovulation, and it takes a few more days for hCG levels to rise enough to be detected. HCG hormone levels are detectable as early as 10 days after conception, but for the most accurate results, we recommend waiting until your first missed period to test.
If you're eager to test early, look for a sensitive "early detection" pregnancy test. These can sometimes pick up lower levels of hCG a few days before your missed period. However, false negatives are more common when testing early.
When to See a Doctor
If you have been trying to conceive for 12 months or more and have been unsuccessful on your own, your healthcare provider may be able to offer additional testing to rule out or diagnose any fertility issues.
Your first prenatal visit should be within 8 to 10 weeks of gestation and most individuals are about 3 to 5 weeks when they first learn they are pregnant. It is important, however, to call your OB as soon as you know you are pregnant to evaluate if you have any immediate needs, such as management of nausea or vomiting, any medication adjustments, or needing an ultrasound to confirm the placement of your pregnancy.
Whether you’re trying to get pregnant or think you may already be, Foundation OB/GYN is here to provide the expert care and support you need from the very beginning. Early prenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy, and our compassionate team will guide you every step of the way. Trust us to offer personalized care, from preconception planning to ensuring the best start for you and your baby. Learn more at Foundation OB/GYN.
By understanding your cycle and testing at the right time, you can feel more confident about your results. Patience is key—your body needs time to show the changes these tests detect!
Sara Amory is an APRN at Foundation OB/GYN in Nashua, New Hampshire. She has a special interest in adolescent gynecology, contraceptive management, premenstrual syndrome, and high-risk obstetrics.
Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Mayo Clinic, Office on Women’s Health