Ovulation tests available in the market- Pros and Cons.
Do you know, globally, approximately 15% to 25% of couples could not bear a child even after attempting to conceive for five years or more? Infertility can be due to various factors, but couples are assisted with multiple diagnostics and interventions.
Today, home Ovulation testing kits happen to be a widely accepted option that can enhance pregnancy rates, improve knowledge about reproductive health, and couples could make a shared decision about conception at the right time. Also, it gives women of this day to have a say and improve fertility awareness.
In today’s time when we celebrate the freedom and advancements of the 21st century, the sad truth remains intact that we still have a population of women, not empowered enough to take their decisions as personal as pregnancy. Home-based use of Ovulation Prediction Kits (OPKs) gives autonomy to the women and influences them to better their lives.
How do these OPKs work?
OPKs detect ovulation, so you know when you must utilize the fertile window properly. Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary. The Luteinising Hormone stimulates this release when triggered by high levels of estrogen secreted by the follicles. Thus, by detecting the levels of LH that rise significantly before ovulation, OPKs indirectly give a clue about Ovulation day.
OPKs are available in different models and patterns. They give numerical value and show the range in which it falls to compare it with the standard range and have an idea about the LH levels and the ovulation day. This helps recognize the fertility window, and planning condomless intercourse in this period can increase the chances of sperm fertilizing the egg.
Pros of Ovulation tests
- User friendly
They are straightforward to use and do not take a genius to figure out how to interpret such a quantitative test.
- Easy access
Readily available in medical stores
- Convenient to use
The paper pen method to track your menstruation cycle changes might not be so accurate, and using such OPKs can relieve you of stress.
- Mostly accurate
These tests are most accurate for most people.
Cons of OPKs
- Age can be a limitation
For women towards their menopause, POKs might not work consistently.
- Expensive
It might not burn a hole in your pocket, but indeed, ovulation testing kits are not cheap. It might be a discouraging factor for some sections of women.
- Accuracy for people with syndromes
It might not accurately indicate ovulation day for women with PCOD, PCOS, etc. and women on contraceptive pills or some fertility drugs.
References:
“Should home-based ovulation predictor kits be offered as an ….” 25 Apr. 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6509595/.
“The Modern guide to the best ovulation tests – Modern Fertility.” 14 Apr. 2020, https://modernfertility.com/blog/ovulation-tests/
“Home ovulation tests and stress in women trying to conceive ….” 18 Oct. 2012, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3522415/
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