We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
People who are trying to conceive can take ovulation tests to help predict when they will be most fertile and increase their chance of becoming pregnant.
A quick look at some of the best ovulation tests
- Best for easy-to-read results: Clearblue Fertility Monitor
- Best eco-friendly option: Natalist Ovulation Test Kit
- Best wearable tracker: Ava Fertility Tracker
- Best bulk buy: LetsGetChecked Female Hormone Test
- Most hormones checked: Everlywell Women’s Fertility Test
- Best budget option: Modern Fertility Ovulation Test
- Best for irregular cycles: Mira Fertility Kit
- Best test strips: Clearblue Advanced Digital Ovulation Test
Ovulation is a phase in the menstrual cycle when an ovary releases a mature egg, or ovum, into the uterus. The mature egg is either fertilized by sperm, leading to conception, or is shed along with the uterus lining, leading to menstruation.
Ovulation tests can help predict the time during their menstrual cycle when they are most likely to conceive. These tests detect an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) that typically occurs
Timing sexual intercourse shortly after this surge increases the chance of an egg and sperm meeting during the fertile window.
Most ovulation tests, or ovulation predictor kits (OPK), measure a person’s LH levels — especially the LH surge — to help them determine the days when they are most fertile.
Other tests also measure estrogen levels by detecting estrone-3 glucuronide (E3G) content in urine. E3G levels increase when ovulation is near, which triggers the LH surge.
There are many types of ovulation kits offering different testing methods. A person should follow the kit instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
Ovulation tests come in various forms, such as cassettes, strips, and at-home blood test kits. They usually come in sets of five or more. Some tests also come with apps that serve as digital readers and track a person’s ovulation cycle.
- Cassettes: These require a person to collect a urine sample and use a pipette to place a few drops onto the sample area.
- Strips or sticks: Newer ovulation tests use strips or sticks. These require a person to either urinate directly on the test or dip the stick into a cup of collected urine. These products may come as standalone strips, show digital results, or have monitors that log and display results.
- Saliva tests: Saliva tests predict a person’s ovulation based on whether or not their dried saliva forms a fern-shaped pattern. These tests rely on microscopes to detect ferning.
- At-home hormone test kits: Health diagnostics companies offer various at-home hormone test kits. These require a person to draw a blood sample and send it to the company’s laboratory. People can see their results through their online account or the company’s website or app.
The
One 2018 study states that estrogen and progesterone measurements through blood or urine provide more precise indicators than natural family planning methods.
In one 2020 study, women who used home ovulation tests with a connected app were twice as likely to conceive during the first cycle than those who did not. A similar
However, LH surges may not always indicate actual ovulation. An older observational study states that LH surges are variable and have several types. For example, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) tend to have high LH levels or multiple peaks.
Because of this, the tests cannot confirm the occurrence of ovulation with 100% accuracy.
People with hormonal imbalances may find more accurate results with nonhormonal methods of predicting ovulation than tests that rely on hormone levels.
Medical News Today’s methodology
MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria where possible:
- Laboratories: MNT will choose companies that process test samples in
CLIA -certified labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations. - Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that are suitable for a wide range of budgets.
- Privacy: MNT includes companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
- Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via email, app, or phone.
- Further support: MNT will indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results.
Many of these tests are not FDA-approved for home testing and should not replace ongoing consultations with a fertility specialist.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for easy-to-read results: Clearblue Fertility Monitor
- Quantity of tests: zero — people must purchase sticks separately
- Result time: 2–5 minutes
- Test type: urine sticks
- List price: around $119
The Clearblue Fertility Monitor provides daily fertility status and stores and tracks a person’s individual fertility data.
The monitor tracks both estrogen and LH levels. It can then provide information regarding the days when a person has the best chance at conception.
The product features a touchscreen display for ease of use and easy-to-read results.
Pros and cons
The company states that this product is 99% accurate in detecting LH surges. Knowing a person’s expected ovulation window may increase the chance of pregnancy.
However, this test is more expensive than many other options. Additionally, people will need to purchase test sticks separately.
Best for a more eco-friendly option: Natalist Ovulation Test Kit
- Quantity of tests: 30 test strips
- Result time: 5 minutes
- Test type: urine strips
- List price: $21
The Natalist ovulation test kit states it is 99% accurate in tracking a person’s ovulation. The test checks for levels of LH.
The kit includes 30 ovulation test strips, a reusable urine cup, and a cycle tracker.
It costs around $21 for one box of 30 strips, $56 for three boxes, and $84 for five boxes.
Pros and cons
This test may be a good option for people interested in an environmentally friendly ovulation kit. Natalist states it uses a neutral amount of plastic and produces no electronic waste.
Some reviewers state the test strip shades are difficult to read and may not be clear.
Best for a wearable tracker: Ava Fertility
- Quantity of tests: zero
- Result time: continuous tracker
- Test type: a wearable device
- List price: from $279
Ava offers an FDA-cleared, wearable fertility test. The company notes that their tracker can identify a person’s 5-day fertility window up to 4 days sooner than hormone-based tests.
The bracelet comes with three buying options:
- Basic option: Includes free shipping, access to a tracking app and online community, and the wearable tracker.
- Plus plan: Offers additional benefits to the Basic plan, including a money-back guarantee if a person is not pregnant within 12 months.
- Premium plan: Offers additional benefits to the Plus plan, including a money-back guarantee if a person is not pregnant within 6 months.
Learn more about the Ava fertility tracker.
Pros and cons
People can use their flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) cards when shopping or get reimbursed through their insurance provider later.
However, this product is one of the more expensive options available if a person’s insurance does not cover the costs.
Best for subscription options: LetsGetChecked Female Hormone Test
- Quantity of tests: one
- Result time: 2–5 days
- Test type: blood sample
- List price: $139
This home test provides a comprehensive picture of a person’s hormonal and fertility status by checking four hormones.
A person sends a blood sample to a laboratory, and a physician reviews the test results to discuss them. Customers have access to 24-7 medical support.
A subscription option is available for $90.30, and the company accepts FSA and HSA cards.
People can subscribe to receive a kit every 3 months for $90.30.
Learn more about the LetsGetChecked brand.
Pros and cons
People can subscribe and save with this test. Additionally, physicians review all test results, which reduces the risk of user error when reading results.
However, this test does not give instant results as lab technicians have to perform the tests on the samples. Additionally, this product may not be suitable for those who dislike taking their own blood sample.
Best for testing more hormones: Everlywell Women’s Fertility Test
- Quantity of tests: one
- Result time: within a week
- Test type: blood sample
- List price: $149
This test uses a blood sample to measure five hormones that can affect a person’s menstrual cycle and ovulation.
Customers can review a personalized digital report and attend a free live webinar where a healthcare professional will discuss their results.
The company provides free shipping and accepts FSA and HSA cards.
People can subscribe for a quarterly kit at $119.
Learn more about Everlywell brand.
Pros and cons
This company uses CLIA-certified labs to screen for hormones. Similar to LetsGetChecked’s test, this product reduces the risk of user error when interpreting the results.
However, this test does not give instant results.
Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% off.
Best budget option: Modern Fertility Ovulation Test
- Quantity of tests: 20
- Result time: 5 minutes
- Test type: urine sticks
- List price: $16
This test comes with 20 ovulation tests that detect LH levels and work in sync with a person’s cycle. The company also offers a free app that a person can use to log their LH results.
The test determines a person’s two most fertile days and tracks low, high, and peak LH levels. Users can access an online community of other customers to discuss results and issues.
Customers receive free shipping, and monthly subscriptions are available. The company also accepts FSA and HSA cards.
People can save by subscribing. The product costs $15 when subscribing for monthly delivery.
Pros and cons
People gain access to an online community with this product where they can share tips and advice with others looking to increase their chances of pregnancy.
However, some reviewers state that it is very difficult to read the test results.
Best for irregular cycles: Mira
- Quantity of tests: 10
- Result time: around 20 minutes
- Test type: urine sticks
- List price: from $199
The Mira Plus Starter Kit comes with 10 wands that work with the Mira Analyzer monitor. The company claims that these tests also work well for people with PCOS and irregular cycles.
The Mira Fertility Tracker app is iOS- and Android-compatible. It provides full fertile window tracking and AI-powered cycle analysis.
Mira is FDA-approved and has CE certification in the European Union. It ships worldwide. There is a 90-day money-back guarantee, and customers have access to 24-7 support.
Various kits and products are available.
Learn more about the Mira brand.
Pros and cons
Mira states this product is suitable for people with irregular cycles, such as those with PCOS.
However, this product can be expensive depending on which pack a person chooses, especially if their insurance does not cover part of the cost.
Best value for money: Clearblue Advanced Digital Ovulation Test
- Quantity of tests: 20
- Result time: 5 minutes
- Test type: urine stick
- List price: around $40
This test detects four or more fertile days each cycle and tracks LH and estrogen levels. It identifies a person’s high and peak fertility days. The test also comes with a reusable reader that shows the results on a digital display.
This option comes with 20 tests and requires a person to collect urine immediately after waking up. Users cannot perform another test for 48 hours while the reader is displaying peak fertility.
Pros and cons
This product contains a reusable test reader and 20 test strips. People may wish to purchase this product if they intend to use ovulation tests for an extended time.
However, some reviewers state that they either receive an error after using the tests twice in 2 days or the product returns inaccurate results.
The following table compares the fertility tests in this article.
| Product | List price | Number of test strips | FSA/HSA | Accuracy or guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearblue Fertility Monitor | $119 | strips sold separately | not eligible | 99% |
| Natalist Ovulation Test Kit | $21 | 30 | eligible | 99% |
| Ava Fertility | from $279 | none — wearable device | eligible | 6- or 12-month guarantees available |
| LetsGetChecked Female Hormone Test | $139 | none — finger prick | eligible | uses certified labs |
| Everlywell Women’s Fertility Test | $149 | none — finger prick | eligible | uses certified labs |
| Modern Fertility Ovulation Test | $16 | 20 | eligible | 99% |
| Mira | from $199 | 10 | eligible | 99% |
| Clearblue Advanced Digital Ovulation Test | $40 | 20 | eligible | 99% |
The following are answers to common questions about ovulation tests.
How many days after a positive ovulation test am I fertile?
A person is usually fertile for 2.5 days (60 hours) after a positive ovulation test.
Ovulation typically occurs 1–1.5 days (24–36 hours) after the LH surge, and sperm can only fertilize an egg 1 day (24 hours) after the egg’s release from the ovary.
Learn more about becoming pregnant after ovulation here.
How do I know if I am ovulating?
People can experience several symptoms that may indicate ovulation, including cervical mucus changes, breast tenderness, light spotting, pelvic or abdominal pain, and changes in sex drive.
People can also predict ovulation by monitoring their basal body temperature, tracking their menstrual cycle, and using ovulation kits.
Can I get false results?
Ovulation tests can sometimes yield false results. A person should remember that these tests measure hormone levels, which a range of other factors can affect.
Since most kits check LH levels, they can yield false positives, especially if a person has high LH levels or several LH surges. There are also cases in which a person has LH surges but does not ovulate.
How accurate are ovulation tests at home?
Most at-home ovulation test manufacturers claim their tests are 99% accurate when a person uses them correctly.
A 2017 study found that urinary ovulation tests are around 97% effective.
How many times a day should people take an ovulation test?
This may vary depending on the test brand. People should carefully read the instruction leaflet before using the test.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that people under the age of 35 years contact a doctor if they have not conceived after 1 year of having regular sexual intercourse without birth control.
People older than 35 years should consider contacting a doctor after 6 months of trying to conceive. However, people aged 40 years and older should not wait. They should arrange an evaluation with a doctor as soon as possible.
The
People who are trying to conceive should contact a doctor sooner than a year if they have:
- irregular periods or absent periods
- a history of pelvic infections, scar tissue, or endometriosis
- received treatment for cancer
- a sexually transmitted infection
- had two or more pregnancy losses
People use ovulation kits to predict their fertile window and increase their chance of becoming pregnant. However, these tests check for hormone levels and do not confirm ovulation with complete accuracy.
There are several ovulation tests available on the market, many of which are available to order online and use at home. Some require urine samples, some require blood samples, and some require saliva.
A doctor can offer advice on choosing and using ovulation kits or issues with conceiving.