Guest Author - Tricia Bauman

Women are deciding they want a more accurate answer to their ovulation day. There are two products on the market that are highly recommended although there are not many topics comparing the two products. Predicting ovulation is great for those who want a closer estimate to their conception date and for those planning to get pregnant. BBT (Basal Body Temperature) Charting is not for everyone and so those that are not interesting in temping can detect ovulation in another fashion. These two products (OPK’s and Saliva Testers) are both wonderful products… but lets discus the pros and cons of these products and let you chose the best option.


OPK’s – Also called “Ovulation Predictor Kits”. These are tests that detect LH (Lutenizing Hormone) in the urine. LH is released in large amounts (LH Surge) within 36 hours before ovulation occurs. These come in two different tests… Test Strips and Midstream Tests. The Test Strips are dipped into a collected urine sample (Cannot be held in a urine stream). The Midstream Tests are used for the urine stream rather than a urine sample (although both can be done with this type). OPK’s cannot be taken with morning urine, best time for testing would be late afternoon about 4pm – 8pm (16:00 – 20:00). A test should be started on day 5 of the woman’s cycle to make sure ovulation does not occur early within the cycle. There are two lines like a pregnancy test (The “Control Band” and the “LH Band”). If the LH Band is equal or darker in color as the Control Band then ovulation is most likely to occur within 36 hours. If the LH Band is lighter than the Control Band then the LH Surge has not been detected and this is considered a negative result.

Pros
36-hour notice
Easy to use
Accurate LH detector
Evening testing

Cons
Urine samples/streams can get messy
Results may not be clear
Cannot reuse tests
Can get costly



Saliva Testers – These will show a change in a woman’s saliva prior to ovulation. These are compact devices about the size of lipstick tubes and are easy to carry and conceal. The saliva patterns will show the increase in estrogen. When estrogen starts to increase the saliva will show a “Furning” pattern that resembles crystals. Saliva Testers can determine ovulation within a 72-hour window. Around 3 days prior to ovulation a furning pattern will take place. As ovulation gets closer the furning will increase. These tests can be taken any time, day or night. Morning is recommended. If unable to test in the morning testing should be done 2 hours after eating, drinking, brushing, etc. Saliva Testers have about a 98% accuracy rate.

Pros
Portable
98% Accuracy
Can be taken any time… day/night
Reusable

Cons
Cannot be taken until 2 hours after eating or drinking
Furning can be complicated to determine
Runs on batteries
Have to produce a “Good” saliva sample.


Looking to purchase one of these tests? Please visit: http://www.early-pregnancy-tests.com