Trying to get pregnant can be an exciting yet stressful time for many couples. With roughly 12-15% of couples facing infertility challenges, a helping hand can make a big difference. A new study suggests that timing intercourse with the help of a simple urine test may increase your chances of conception. 

Understanding Your Fertile Window 

The key to getting pregnant lies in the fertile window – the period when conception is most likely. This window is generally around five days leading up to ovulation and a few hours after. There are various ways to track ovulation, including ultrasounds, hormone-level urine tests, and natural family planning methods like cervical mucus monitoring or period tracking apps. 

New Study on Timing Intercourse 

This recent review, considered highly reliable within the scientific community, analyzed data from seven studies to see if timed intercourse based on ovulation tracking methods improved conception rates. The analysis suggests that couples who don’t use ovulation tests might have an 18% chance of pregnancy per intercourse session. With urine ovulation tests to guide timing, those odds could rise to somewhere between 20% and 28%. While the study doesn’t confirm if this method shortens the time it takes to conceive, it does offer a potential benefit. 

Why This Matters 

Tatjana Gibbons, lead author of the study, highlights the empowering aspect of this finding. “A simple and accessible urine test can increase a couple’s chance of conception,” she states. This empowers couples to take charge of their fertility journey and potentially avoid unnecessary infertility investigations or treatments. 

Using Urine Ovulation Tests 

The good news is that urine ovulation tests are readily available at most drugstores and come in packs of usually five to seven test sticks. If your cycle typically lasts 28 days, you can start testing around day 11 after your period begins. This translates to roughly three to five days before your expected ovulation, based on your cycle length. 

A positive test result, often indicated by a color change on the stick, typically suggests ovulation will occur within the next 24-36 hours. Always double-check the specific test instructions for accurate result interpretation. 

Trying to get pregnant can be a rollercoaster of emotions. This new study offers a beacon of hope for couples on their journey to parenthood. While more research is needed, urine ovulation tests might be a simple and effective tool to increase your chances of conception.