ovulation strips

Ovulation strips detect luteinizing hormone (LH) in urine. An LH surge signals that ovulation is about to occur, so detecting that surge helps identify your most fertile days.

Most ovulation strips detect the LH surge, which typically appears about 24–48 hours before ovulation. A positive result therefore indicates the window when you are most likely to conceive.

Dip or hold the absorbent tip in urine for a few seconds, lay the strip flat, and read the result after the manufacturer’s specified wait time—most products show results in about 3–5 minutes.

Many product listings state a sensitivity of 25 mIU/mL for LH detection.

For dip-style ovulation strips, a positive result shows two visible lines with the test line equal to or darker than the control/reference line — this indicates an LH surge.

Ovulation tests come as color-indicator (dip) strips that show control and test lines—where line darkness is used to indicate an LH surge—and as digital tests that present clear icons or messages on a display. Some digital options also reference additional hormone-tracking features in their descriptions.

Some kits offer companion apps that record and chart test results, let you upload or photograph tests to track progression, and provide cycle or fertility predictions.