The tests are all used in basically the same way. After collecting your urine, you drop it on a test pad which contains a small amount of monoclonal antibodies that act like a sponge and soak up LH. Next, reactive agents are added to the pad in timed succession, taking five minutes to complete. If LH is present, the testing spot on the pad will turn a certain shade of blue, which becomes darker as the amount of LH increases. The test result is compared to the reference spot, and recorded. The test is repeated every day until the LH surge is detected.

The CONCEIVE, THE CLEAR PLAN and OVUDATE LH are based on the same principles but are one step tests where you just add urine and read after three minutes, with nothing else to do.

Using Lh Kits As An Aid In Treating Or Diagnosing Infertility

These kits can be used to test the effectiveness of fertility drugs that are used to bring on ovulation. The kits also allow women advance warning in order to plan for artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization.

As well, some infertility clinics use these tests to plan the timing of diagnostic procedures in the investigation of infertility such as vaginal ultrasound, hormonal blood tests, uterine biopsy, examination of cervical mucous, and the post-coital test, which tests activity of the man's sperm in the vagina after sex.

How To Buy Lh Tests

The tests are available without a prescription, but are sometimes kept behind the counter. In smaller centers the tests will have to be ordered. The tests may be cheaper with a prescription. Check with your local pharmacist. All five tests cost about the same, $40.00 to $60.00 for five day tests.

Conclusion

In spite of these technological advances, babies continue to confound the best laid plans. Women who don't want to get pregnant seem to get pregnant a lot easier than women who desperately want to conceive.

For women who are dealing with the difficult problem of infertility, temperature and mucous observations can help some pinpoint the cause of the problem. For certain infertility problems, ovulation prediction kits can help women detect ovulation accurately 24 to 36 hours before it happens.

Sometimes it is better for infertile couples to wait longer than the usually recommended one year of trying to get pregnant, before going through expensive and invasive infertility investigations. This will allow them more time to become more familiar with their cycles and to improve their overall health.

For women wanting a safe natural method of birth control, temperature and mucous observations are the key. And for women with irregular cycles, knowing whether they are ovulating will enable them to find out whether they need medical help to keep their bones healthy.

Further Information

YOUR FERTILITY SIGNALS (Smooth Stone Press, 1989), by Merryl Weinstein. This book has lots of drawings, with step-by-step instructions. It is also easy to understand.

THE JUSTISSE METHOD FOR FERTILITY MANAGEMENT (1988), by Geraldine and Elaine Matus. Counselling and training in this method are provided by:

• THE JUSTISSE GROUP, PO Box 441, Stn P, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S9. 416-656-7659.

Copies of their book as well as telephone consultations are available. In addition, the group offers detailed information on how to enhance fertility through the use of diet, vitamins and herbs.

INFERTILITY - PROBLEMS GETTING PREGNANT, by the Vancouver Women's Health Collective (1989). #302-1720 Grant St, Vancouver, BC, V5L 2Y7. 604-736-5262. A very clear and easy to understand manual with a lot of drawings on all aspects of infertility. The collective also offers a selection of books on birth control and fertility awareness.

MISSED CONCEPTIONS, by Anne Mullens. This is a clearly written book on all issues surrounding infertility and outlines exactly what your medical and surgical options are.