The Truth About Ovulation Predictor Kits: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly

If you’re actively trying to get pregnant, chances are you’ve heard of ovulation predictor kits (OPKs). Maybe you’ve used them. Maybe you’ve pinned your hopes on them. And maybe—like many women—you’re wondering why, despite the lines or smiley faces, you’re still not seeing two pink lines on a pregnancy test.

As someone who’s supported hundreds of women on their fertility journeys—and walked the road of unexplained infertility myself—I want to pull back the curtain on OPKs. Because while they’re often seen as a go-to fertility tool, there’s more to the story...

What Are OPKs, Really?

Ovulation Predictor Kits, called "OPKs" for short, are over-the-counter tests designed to detect your body’s LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) levels. These hormones rise before ovulation to help an egg mature and release from the ovary.

To use them, you simply use the strips leading up to ovulation to understand if your body is producing an increased amount of LH and/or FSH hormone. It is important to read the instructions for the particular test kit that you purchase, because while similar, they are all a bit different. It is also important to understand how to read the results, so that you know what to look for!

In theory, OPKs help you identify your “fertile window” so you can time intercourse for conception. Sounds simple, but it's not always that straight forward.

Let's break down the good, the bad and the ugly around ovulation predictor kits so that you can bypass the amount of time it takes some women to understand these tools.

The Good: They Can Be a Helpful Starting Point

• If you’ve never tracked ovulation before, OPKs can provide a basic guide.

• They’re widely accessible and easy to use with a little practice.

• For some women, they’re enough to successfully time conception.

The Bad: They Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Here’s what I wish more people knew:

• They don’t confirm ovulation—they only predict ovulation through your surge in hormones.

• They don’t work the same for everyone. If you don't have a standard, healthy cycle, the tests might show results that are confusing. It is important to remember that hormonal patterns can vary cycle to cycle - and from person to person. So if your friend used them with ease, but you're not having the same luck...there might be something bigger going on. 

• They can get expensive and repetitive. Buying new kits every month adds up.

• They can turn your love life into a chore. “We have to try tonight”—sound familiar?

The Ugly: Obsession Is Real (And It’s Not Your Fault)

Let’s talk about the emotional toll a little more deeply...
I’ve been there—checking tests, charting cycles, anxiously waiting for the little smiley face that meant "go." Over time, OPKs stopped feeling supportive and started feeling like pressure. And that’s the danger.

When trying to conceive (TTC) becomes all-consuming, it’s easy to tie our worth, our success—even our relationships—to test results. That’s the part no one warns you about. And if you’re in that space now, I see you. You’re not broken—and you’re definitely not alone.

So, Should You Use OPKs?

That depends on you.
Ask yourself:

• Are they helping me feel more informed?

• Or am I more anxious, frustrated, or overwhelmed?

If it’s the latter, it might be time to explore additional support. In my next podcast episode, I’ll share ways to track ovulation without spending another dollar on kits—and how to tune in to what your body is already trying to tell you.

Final Thoughts
OPKs aren’t bad. They just aren’t the full picture. They’re one tool among many—and your body has far more wisdom than any test strip.

If you’re navigating infertility and want clarity, connection, and real support—I’m here. Let’s talk about the deeper layers that actually move the needle on your fertility.

With care and compassion,
Jess Tims
Fertility Doula + Host of Her Fertility Podcast: listen now
@fertilityjess