Port Moresby Medical Laboratories (POMMEDLAB)

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Ovulation Testing

 

Egg release from the ovaries (ovulation) is controlled by a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). Eggs can be fertilized  only if women have sex with a man around the time the egg is released. That is, eggs can be successfully fertilized 12-24 hours after ovulation. However, sperm commonly live for 3 days (and can live for up to 5 days), so a woman could conceive if intercourse took place up to 5 days before ovulation and 24 hours after.

 

LH levels noticeably peaks about 24 to 36 hours before ovulation. By using a home ovulation test to measure the LH levels in their urine, women can find out the most fertile days of their menstrual cycle, and this can help them get pregnant.

 

Many women incorrectly believe they are most fertile immediately after their period: instead, a woman is most fertile around ovulation, which occurs mid-cycle for the majority of women.

Question 1. What is ovulation Testing?

Question 2. How does LH surge before Ovulation?

Question 3. What is the blood tests for ovulation?

Question 5. How is the tests done?

LH is measured to detect time of ovulation. The surge of LH few hours before ovulation gives a good indication of timing and presence of ovulation. 

LH is measured from a small sample of blood taken in the arm. A small blood sample of about 5-10mls is taken. No special preparation is required. Often this is done together with other basic chemistry tests including kidney, liver, diabetes, gout, calcium and cholesterol.

Question 6. What other blood tests are available?

 

While LH surge detection is the definitive way of detecting timing of ovulation, Day 21 progesterone measurement helps doctors detect women who ovulates and those that do not and likely to  be infertile. Low levels of progesterone occurs in infertile women. Other tests that can helps diagnose infertility, menstrual disorders, and hirsutism (excess hair in women) include thyroid tests, prolactin, testosterone and DHEAS. (see male or female infertility Tests).

Question 7. What is the treatment ovulation Disorder?

Treatment depends on your cause of ovulation problem. Your doctor will advice you on specific treatment options available.