What is the function of ovulation test strips?

• A. They assess the surge of LH that occurs before ovulation to indicate the fertile window
• B. They monitor progesterone levels after ovulation
• C. They assess estrogen levels only
• D. They measure sperm motility in cervical mucus

Answer: (A)

Ovulation test strips detect the pre-ovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone in urine. That LH rise is what triggers ovulation, which usually occurs about 24 to 36 hours after the surge. By identifying this surge, the test indicates the fertile window is approaching, helping you time intercourse or fertility treatments for the best chance of conceiving. They aren’t used to monitor progesterone after ovulation, which is a different type of test used to confirm that ovulation occurred or to assess luteal phase function. They also don’t measure estrogen levels exclusively, and they don’t assess sperm motility or semen characteristics, which are separate evaluations.