How to read strip-style ovulation test results
As a first step, please remember to always check the manufacturer's instructions on how to read the results of your ovulation tests. Below, you will find general instructions that most strip-style tests tend to follow.
When analyzing your strip-style ovulation test, the test is usually positive if the test line is as strong as or stronger than the control line.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is always present in the body, so you can often see a light test line on the strip when testing. As long as the test line isn't as strong as the control line, the test is negative.
In the image below, you’ll find examples of positive and negative results on strip-style ovulation tests.
The three tests at the top of the picture, marked LH-, are negative. The test line (left) is not as strong as the control line (right). You can log this as a negative ovulation test in the app and test again later in the day (at least two hours later).
The test at the bottom of the picture, marked LH+, is positive. The test line (left) is as strong as the control line (right). You can add this as a positive ovulation test in the app.
How to read Clearblue® & Natural Cycles° Digital Ovulation Tests
If you’ve purchased the Clearblue® & Natural Cycles° Birth Control Kit, here's how you can read the results of your Clearblue® & Natural Cycles° Digital Ovulation Tests:
- If the test shows a surge icon, it is positive. Other types of digital tests may show a smiley face or another icon.
- If the test shows a flat line, it is negative. Other types of digital tests may show a blank circle or another icon.
The flat line on the left represents a negative ovulation test.
The surge icon on the right represents a positive ovulation test.
We also recommend that you check the instructions included in the pack for more information on how to interpret the results.
Note: At this time, the Clearblue® & Natural Cycles° Birth Control Kit Digital Ovulation Test Refill Pack are only available for US users.
What if I have a negative and positive ovulation test on the same day?
If you get a negative and positive ovulation test result on the same day, you should log the positive ovulation test in the app. This way, the algorithm will know that you had an LH peak that day.
What if I only get negative ovulation tests?
A negative ovulation test doesn’t mean that you're not fertile, and it also doesn’t mean that ovulation won’t happen – this is important to remember. A negative test only means that no LH surge was detected at the time of the test.
Because the LH peak happens in such a short window, it’s common to get negative ovulation test results, and some people may struggle with getting a positive result. This is highly individual, and depending on your body and medical history, the LH peak may be harder to catch for you than for others. To prevent the LH levels in the urine from diluting, you can try limiting the intake of fluids for a couple of hours before testing.
Ovulation can still occur, even if you've only gotten negative ovulation tests. Remember to continue logging your temperature every day, and the algorithm will still confirm your ovulation if your temperatures indicate ovulation has happened.
Read on to understand how each result affects ovulation detection, why you should take ovulation tests, and how to do an ovulation test.