An ovulation test can be a great option if you need clarification about when to conceive. However, knowing when to choose the ovulation test after the period can be a little confusing.
Ovulation1 is a process in which an egg is released from the ovaries. This usually occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle2. It begins with the first day of the period.
After the egg is released from the ovary, it remains alive for about 12 to 24 hours. This is the perfect time to conceive as the egg is still active.
Further, if fertilization does not take place, in this situation then it could lead to menstruation or what we call is “period”. If you are trying to conceive then this article is for you. But before we dive into how ovulation tests work, we should understand the menstrual cycle. Let’s have a look at it.
1. Understanding Menstrual Cycle
The length of the menstrual cycle may vary. However it it can have an average time of 28 days. Some might have shorter or longer cycles as well. This might depend on age or underlying conditions.
Hence, it is quite challenging to determine when to take an ovulation test. But careful monitoring can give you successful results.
It is important to get an overview of the menstrual cycle to know the exact time for you to have a baby. Here are several phases with functional attributes.

1.1. Menstrual Phase
It is the phase in which the outer layer of the uterus sheds. This initiates the menstrual bleeding that lasts for about 3 to 7 days.
1.2. Follicular Phase
After menstruation, the body moves into the follicular phase in which follicular stimulating hormone3 (FSH) is secreted. FSH is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. It stimulates the follicular development.
This follicle is a group of immature egg cells in ovaries.
1.3. Ovulatory Phase
The follicular phase is followed by the ovulatory phase4. Moreover, it is a major part of the menstrual cycle. This occurs in the mid-menstrual cycle.
This is the phase where an egg is released. You are highly expected to conceive in this phase. However empty follicle steal remains here.
1.4. Luteal Phase
Finally, the luteal phase5 transforms the empty follicle. into corpus luteum. This secretes progesterone. Above all, it is a hormone that prepares the uterine wall for implantation.
If the egg is fertilized, implantation occurs. While there is no fertilization, the uterine wall sheds off.
2. Exact Timings
The timings for the ovulation test can depend on the menstrual cycle length. It can vary from person to person. Here is a list that can provide you with dedicated insights:
2.1. Regular Cycle of 28 Days
This is the normal cycle of the menstrual cycle. Hence the ovulation tests detection of the exact date will be quite easier. You can just start taking ovulation tests around the 11th day of the whole cycle. So it can be about 4 to 6 days after the period because this will be the ideal time for the LH Surge.
Don’t forget to continually be active with your testing to get a positive result. Moreover, this can help you in tracking the whole process too.
2.2. Irregular Cycles
If you have a problem in the period cycle, then you don’t have to be careful about your ovulation period. Because the overall time will vary from month to month.
It is essential to track your cycles and identify the average cycle length. Once you get a rough estimate, you can start having an ovulatory test.
2.3 Longer/ Shorter Menstrual Cycle
If you get a longer period than a regular cycle then you can start testing earlier. For a 35-day cycle, the testing can be done around 20 or 21.
For a menstrual period of less than 28 days, the ovulation again occurs earlier. You can now predict ovulation and thus start testing around day 9 or 10.
3. Working on the Ovulation Test
Ovulation predictor test is also called “Ovulation Predictor Kits6” (OPKs). This detects the first positive ovulation test by the presence of Luteinizing Hormone7 (LH) in urine. The LH is a hormone that triggers ovulation in 24 to 36 hours before the egg is released. This phase is termed as “LH surge”.
You can find your possibility to be fertile by detecting this LH surge. But make sure not to consume much fluid before testing. The reason behind this is that the fluid dilutes the LH.
When diluted, it may pass through urine and you may not get accurate results. Thus, it is always advisable to get lesser fluids at least 2 hours before testing.
4. How to Use
4.1. Choose the Appropriate Window
You can take the ovulation test a few days before ovulation. Hence it is quite important to keep track of your menstrual window. This can easily help in choosing a perfect time.
4.2. Collect the Urine Sample
Get your urine collection strip. Further, collect urine in the morning to get an accurate result in testing. This can help you get proper results as in the early morning you are in a fasting phase. Hence the false negative results will be reduced.
Hence always stick to a particular time of day of your cycle. This can be highly helpful for you.
4.3. Stick to the Instruction
After collecting the urine, dip the strip into it or you can drop the urine sample into it. Further, follow the instructions as mentioned in the manufacturer guide.
However, be cautious not to dip the strip too deeply. This can lead to inaccurate results.
4.4. Interpretation of the Results
After a few minutes, you can see the display lines. This can indicate the value of the LH surge. A positive result can show the presence of the LH surge. This shows that ovulation has occurred. This is the ideal time for intercourse.
5. Monitoring Ovulation
To get more appropriate results it is important to consider charting and monitoring the fertility signs. This can help you in elaborating proper stages and thus get you to perfect monitoring.
- Basal Body Temperature – the basal body temperature rises after ovulation. You should always have a proper charting done for this. This can help you in confirming that the ovulation has occurred. However, you cannot predict it in advance. But it is important to keep track of it.
- Cervical Mucus8 – The rise in the mucus content in the cervic indicates your fertile window. The mucus will become clear, slippery, and stretchy. The whiter the mucus looks, the closer is your ovulation phase. This is more likely for you to get pregnant.
- Ovulation Pain – You can feel a slight pain when ovulation takes place. This mild pelvic discomfort can be known by sensation. This can help in identifying the fertile days. You can even get to know them by observing and feeling the sensation of the cervical position.
6. False Positives and Negatives
It is essential to acknowledge your ovulation test. Moreover, it can produce false positives or negatives. Be aware of such results. This can impact the whole process of the ovulation test. Thus it is advisable to use an ovulation test wisely.
The factors that affect the accuracy of the tests are:
- Irregular Hormone Levels – If you have irregular hormone levels in the body due to some underlying diseases like polycystic ovary syndrome9 (PCOS), you can get some misleading results.
- Medications – If you are undergoing certain medications like fertility drugs, contraceptives, or antibiotics, then it can also impact the overall ovulatory tests.
- Dilution of Urine – If you have concentrated urine for the test, you can get more accurate results. However ensure not to drink excessive fluids before the test, as it can dilute the LH hormone in urine. This can further increase the chances of false negatives.
- Timing of the tests – Always make sure to get into the test timing properly. As this can impact the whole process. Using the ovulation tests at the wrong time can impact the menstrual cycle and can lead to inaccurate results. Make sure to follow the instructions properly.
- Expired tests – Make sure to check the expiration date of the test kit. Expired test kits can give you unexpected results.
If you get pregnancy tests with multiple negative results for a range of months continuously, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional. A reproductive specialist can also do your job. Keeping track of your fertility signs can be highly beneficial.
7. Key Takeaway
The fertile window may vary from person to person. Thus, it is important to have a proper track over time to get a basic idea about the same.
So, when to take the ovulation test after a period? It depends on the length and regularity of the period too. By understanding the fertility tracking methods, you can figure out when to take an ovulation test after a period.
Take care to consult a healthcare professional to encounter any unexpected challenges in your journey. Patience and consistency can give you a path to achieve your family planning goals for sure. Hence, don’t worry, stay calm and get into the ovulation test that fits you.
- Holesh, Julie E., Autumn N. Bass, and Megan Lord. “Physiology, ovulation.” (2017). ↩︎
- Mihm, M., S. Gangooly, and S. Muttukrishna. “The normal menstrual cycle in women.” Animal reproduction science 124.3-4 (2011): 229-236. ↩︎
- Rose, Matthew P., Rose E. Gaines Das, and Adam H. Balen. “Definition and measurement of follicle stimulating hormone.” Endocrine Reviews 21.1 (2000): 5-22. ↩︎
- Gore, M. A., et al. “Ovary and ovulation: Prediction of ovarian cycle outcome by follicular characteristics, stage 1.” Human reproduction 10.9 (1995): 2313-2319. ↩︎
- Penzias, Alan S. “Luteal phase support.” Fertility and sterility 77.2 (2002): 318-323. ↩︎
- Leiva, Rene, et al. “Use of ovulation predictor kits as adjuncts when using fertility awareness methods (FAMs): a pilot study.” The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine 27.3 (2014): 427-429. ↩︎
- Park, Susanna J., et al. “Characteristics of the urinary luteinizing hormone surge in young ovulatory women.” Fertility and sterility 88.3 (2007): 684-690. ↩︎
- Odeblad, Erik. “The functional structure of human cervical mucus.” Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica 47.sup1 (1968): 57-79. ↩︎
- Azziz, Ricardo, et al. “Polycystic ovary syndrome.” Nature reviews Disease primers 2.1 (2016): 1-18. ↩︎
Last Updated on by Sanjana