How to Use Your LH Ovulation Test Strips

Step-by-Step Video Guide

Watch this quick video to see exactly how the test works, from start to finish.

What Is This Test For?

LH (luteinising hormone) surges just before ovulation, triggering your body to release an egg. This ovulation test helps you detect that surge — so you can accurately predict your fertile window and time insemination more effectively.

When you're trying to conceive (TTC), knowing when you’re about to ovulate is key. A positive LH test means your hormone levels are rising and ovulation is likely within 24–36 hours — the ideal time for home insemination or trying naturally.

💬 For best results, test around the same time each day, and try to limit fluid intake beforehand. This helps prevent hormone dilution and gives more reliable results.

👉 Not sure what a faint line means, or how soon to inseminate after your LH surge?

Best Time to Inseminate – Full Guide

The One Step Ovulation (LH) Test Strip is a rapid test that detects Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in your urine — the hormone that spikes before ovulation.LH surges mid-cycle, and ovulation usually follows 24–48 hours later. That’s your most fertile time.

📦 What’s Inside?

Each pouch contains:

  • One LH test strip
  • A desiccant (throw away after opening)

☝🏽 You’ll also need:
  • A clean, dry urine container
  • A timer or clock here

⚠️ Before You Begin
  • For in vitro diagnostic use only
  • Do not reuse
  • Do not use if pouch is damaged or expired
  • Store at 4°C–30°C
  • Use immediately after opening
  • Keep out of reach of children
  • Do not ingest

When to Start Testing — And Why It Matters

Tracking ovulation starts with knowing when to begin. The chart below helps you figure out the right day to start using your LH test strips, based on your typical cycle length. Your cycle length is counted from Day 1 of your period (first day of full bleeding) to the day before your next period begins.

For example, if your cycle is usually 28 days long, you’ll want to start testing on Day 12. That’s when your LH levels may begin to rise, signalling that ovulation is approaching. Catching this surge gives you the best chance of timing insemination just right.

If your cycles vary from month to month, use your shortest cycle in the last 3–6 months as a guide, and test daily from the suggested start day until your test line becomes as dark or darker than the control line.

The goal is to detect your LH surge, which typically means ovulation will happen in the next 24–48 hours — the ideal time to try.

👉 Not sure what to do after a positive LH result?

Read our full TTC timing guide →

Everything you need to know — from how to take the test, what your results mean, helpful tips for accurate tracking, and where to find the full manufacturer instructions. Whether it’s your first time using ovulation tests or you just need a quick refresher, this section is here to guide you.

📝 How to Use the Test
  • Let the pouch and urine sample reach room temp (15–30°C)
  • Open pouch and remove test strip
  • Hold strip with arrows pointing down and dip into urine for 5 seconds

    → Do not dip past MAX line
  • Lay strip flat on a clean surface
  • Wait 5 minutes to read results

    → Don’t interpret after 10 minutes

🔍 Reading the Results

✅ Positive (LH Surge):

Test line is equal to or darker than control → Ovulation likely in 24–48 hrs

❌ Negative:

Test line is lighter or absent → No LH surge yet

⚠️ Invalid:

No control line appears → test failed, use new strip

💡 Helpful Notes
  • Line strength may vary depending on your LH level
  • Not all women ovulate every cycle — this is normal
  • Avoid excessive fluids 2 hours before testing
  • Test around the same time each day for consistency
  • Not to be used as a method of birth control
  • Some medical conditions or medications may affect results

📄 Need the full manufacturer instructions?

You can download the original factory instruction leaflet as a PDF below:

👉 Download Full Instructions (PDF)

Timing Really Matters

When to try — and why it makes a difference.
We suggest using Maia Baby at the first sign of your LH surge — then again 18 to 36 hours later if you're trying more than once in the same cycle. Sperm take time to travel, so the goal is to have them waiting when the egg is released.

👉 [Start with our TTC timing guide →]


📚 Or explore more blog posts on mindset, sperm health, and ovulation tracking →

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Still Have Questions?

Trying to conceive can feel overwhelming — and it’s completely normal to have questions, hesitations, or need a little extra clarity.Whether you're unsure if this is the right method for you, have specific questions about timing, or just want to feel more supported, we’re here to help.You’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.