Your Guide to Ovulation Tracking
How to ensure you get the timing right
It can be hard to determine when ovulation happens, so we wanted to share some useful information to support you, your ovulation and your Béa Treatment. On this page, you'll find everything you need to put your mind at ease, from when to start testing to how ovulation tests work, plus our recommendations for which tests actually work best.
1. When to start testing for ovulation
You should start testing for ovulation 17 days before your next
period is due and continue testing until you have a positive
reading.
For best results, follow the instructions that come with
your ovulation tests and stick to that throughout this phase.
2. Why we recommend testing for ovulation
Ovulation is the phase in the menstrual cycle where an egg is released from the ovary. It usually happens 12–16 days before your period starts, but it’s important to note that even if you have a very regular cycle – ovulation might not happen on the same day each month.
Testing for ovulation can help work this out, but most importantly – research has shown that urine ovulation testing can increase your chances of getting pregnant. A Cochrane review demonstrated that pregnancy and live birth rates increased from 18% to up to 28% when using urine ovulation tests.
3. How do ovulation tests work?
Luteinising hormone (LH) is the hormone that triggers ovulation and will rise to its peak approximately 36 hours before ovulation. Ovulation tests measure LH levels in urine and will give a positive result when peak levels are reached. In general, you should start ovulation testing 17 days before your next period is due and continue taking them until you have a positive reading. If your cycles vary in length, use the length of the shortest cycle you’ve had in the last 6 months to base your testing on.
For example, if you have a 28-day cycle – you should start testing on day 11. If you have a 32-day cycle – start testing on day 15.
Please note that this can vary depending on what brand of ovulation tests you use, so be sure to read the instructions in advance so you don’t miss a testing day.
Once you have a positive result – you should use the first Béa Applicator. Use the second Béa Applicator on the following day.
4. What tests should you use?
There are a range of different ovulation tests available: digital tests, stick tests and test strips. Digital tests are often more expensive but easier to interpret. Test strips are budget-friendly and often come in bulk, but they can be harder to read.
We don’t have any one brand that we recommend – what’s really important is that you feel comfortable with the test you use, and confident that you can accurately determine a positive result!
To help with tracking, you may want to get a kit that has 5–10 ovulation tests for each cycle. For more information on tests we’ve tried, read this article.
Our Recommendation: Use Urine Tests
We recommend using urine ovulation tests over other forms of ovulation tracking to determine the most accurate information about when ovulation takes place. There is very good clinical evidence proving that detecting ovulation through urine can increase your chances of getting pregnant.
5. Why menstrual cycle apps just don’t cut it
We know a lot of people use apps to track menstrual cycles, but the majority of the tracking apps have been found to provide inaccurate information about ovulation and the fertile window.
Some research studies even highlight the need for greater transparency and warn users that they may not actually be refining their fertility predictions, but possibly missing those important, fertile days.
If you don't think you're ovulating...
If you’ve been tracking your cycles but can’t determine if ovulation takes place, you may want to get in touch with your GP, as they can help assess if there are any tests that should be done to see if there’s an underlying cause. Sometimes, reasons for not ovulating could include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), excessive stress, thyroid conditions or an underlying infection. Monitor the following and bring notes to your GP appointment – this could help your conversation and their assessment!
Menstrual cycle symptoms
- Monitor the length and regularity of your cycle. Make notes of any vaginal discharge, heaviness of your period and presence of clots.
General symptoms
Have you noticed extra hair appear on your face or body? Do you suffer from spots or acne? Do you experience hot flushes, headaches, mood swings or vaginal dryness? Do you experience fatigue, sensitivity to cold, weight gain or loss of libido?
Symptoms related to sex
Make a note of the timing and frequency of sex. Do you experience pain during intercourse? Do you bleed after sex? Do you bleed in between periods?
Discover our other guides
The Sperm Health Guide
Our handy guide to better sperm health features 5 tips detailing everything from lifestyle and diet changes to exercise and making conscious choices.
The Pregnancy Testing Guide
You’ve no doubt already taken a pregnancy test. Still, it’s useful to understand how they work, when you should start testing and what to do when you know the results.
Do you have extra questions before starting your Béa Treatment?
Find further support via our FAQs or speak to a member of the team. We're here to help.