Ovulation test

An ovulation test is the way any woman can find out her optimal time of fertility. It therefore helps future parents to increase their own chances. It is particularly valuable for couples who are having difficulties becoming pregnant or in medically assisted fertilisation (MAF).

An ovum can only be fertilised for a short period of time. Between 12 and 24 hours after being released. Ovulation tests identify the lutenising hormone (LH) secreted by the pituitary gland. This is the hormone which orders the ovary to release the ovum in the next 36 to 48 hours. It is therefore possible to establish the best time for fertilisation two days in advance.

These ovulation tests are all more than 90% reliable although there are variations between different producing laboratories. It simply requires a few drops of urine. After a few minutes a symbol shows whether the LH peak has already occurred. "False positives" may occur in occasional cases. All of the ovulation tests are sold in pharmacies.

Sources:

• Interview with Dr Yéhouda Benchimol, gynaecologist and obstetrician in Paris, 18 August 2011
• www.test-ovulation.eu, accessed on 18 August 2011.