Ovulation Issues and Detection (eg OPKs)

Ovulation issues and detection of ovulation such as with OPKs and typical ovulation symptoms are among the most important issues in trying to get pregnant couples. OPK stands for Ovulation Predictor Kit. The OPK is a test that checks your urine for the presence of LH, luteinizing hormone.

Normally, LH is in a steady state, at a low level (negative test). But when it rises very quickly (LH surge) it stimulates the developing egg (follicle) and ovulation (release of the egg) follows shortly thereafter. The OPK can sometimes help you predict when you are about to ovulate.

Ovulation usually happens within 12-36 hours after the OPK first turns positive. The problem with using the OPK exclusively to determine exactly when you shopuld make love is that ovulation could have already happened when the OPK first turns positive and making love after ovulation will not get you pregnant.  This is especially true if you test only once every 24 hours and that's why you may want to test twice a day. You should not wait making love only when the OPK turns positive but make love regularly 2-3 times a week every week. That way you can make sure you will not miss the all important fertile days.

LH is increased shortly before ovulation but when a woman enters menopause and her ovaries stop working, LH levels will also rise.

LH can also be increased in some situations associated with primary ovarian failure:

Developmental defects: Ovarian agenesis (failure to develop ovaries); Chromosomal abnormality, such as Turner's syndrome; Ovarian steroidogenesis defect such as 17 alpha hydroxylase deficiency
Premature ovarian failure due to: Radiation; Chemotherapy; Autoimmune disease

Chronic anovulation (failure to ovulate) due to: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); Adrenal disease; Thyroid disease; Ovarian tumor