I have a positive OPK (ovulation test). Have I ovulated?

An OPK (ovulation predictor kit), or ovulation test, are a great addition to your ovulation tracking regime. These urine testing strips detect the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that typically precedes ovulation.  A positive result can signal that ovulation could occur within the next 12-36 hrs. However, a positive ovulation test does not guarantee that ovulation actually occurred.

Does an LH surge guarantee that ovulation will be successful? 

No. If hormone levels are not quite ideal, an ovulation attempt can fail even if LH surges. This is especially true for individuals with PMOS (formerly known as PCOS), who may experience multiple LH surges or constantly elevated LH levels without actually releasing an egg. Tempdrop helps you confirm if that positive ovulation test resulted in true ovulation by tracking your basal body temperature.

How can we validate that ovulation was successful? 

While a positive surge in LH can signal that an ovulation attempt is underway, temperatures help confirm that ovulation was successful. If temperatures fail to rise (temperature shift) within a 5/6 day window after a positive OPK, it is best to keep testing and watch for ovulation later in the cycle.