What the faint line on your ovulation test really means
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Content EditorDiscover what a faint line on your ovulation test REALLY means, plus other ways to find out if you're ovulating.
Many women who are trying for a baby use ovulation tests to track their fertility throughout the month (also known as ovulation predictor kits or OPKs).
But what if you take an ovulation test, and the second line is much fainter than the control line?
We see this happen every month in the Netmums Forum, so we've dug into the research to find out what a faint line on an ovulation test really means.
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Why use an ovulation test?
Using an ovulation test is really helpful in giving you insight into what's happening inside your body so that you can make the most of opportunities to get pregnant.
They tell you when your ovaries will release an egg, and this information helps you to prepare so that you can ensure the eggs have the best chance of being fertilised.
This is important because eggs have a very short lifespan – they only have 24 hours to get fertilised. Knowing when your eggs are being released means you can have sex before and during ovulation to increase your chances of getting pregnant.
One to UK's most popular is Clearblue, used by millions of women. It not only has a reputation for being reliable and easy to read; depending on the test you choose, you can even predict up to 4 of your most fertile days every month!
Ovulation tests help you ensure you don't miss this window of opportunity!
There's a faint line on my test – am I ovulating?
It's possible, but it's not likely.
Ovulation tests check for a hormone called luteinising hormone (LH). Levels of this hormone rise shortly before you ovulate, however we all have a little bit of this hormone in our systems throughout the month.
If the line on your ovulation test is fainter than the control line, it's probably just picking up the normal, low levels of LH that are always present in your body, meaning that you're likely not ovulating right now.
What should I do next?
If it's fairly early in your menstrual cycle, it might be that you still haven't ovulated yet. Keep taking a new ovulation test every day, until the line is as dark as the control line.
If it's later in your cycle, it might be that you've already ovulated this cycle. On your next cycle, you might want to try testing earlier in the month, to ensure you don't miss your 'surge' (the surge of LH that signals ovluation).
For tips on understanding your menstrual cycle, see our article: Can you get pregnant at any time of the month?
If you've taken multiple tests throughout your cycle, and the test line is always fainter than the control line, speak to your GP. It's possible you may have a hormonal imbalance or other condition that's affecting your ovulation. Many ovulation issues can be treated, so the sooner you seek medical advice, the better.
How to avoid a faint line on your ovulation test
If you want accurate results from an ovulation test in an easy to read version, look no further than the Clearblue Ovulation Test Advanced Digital.
This is the first and only test that identifies 4 or more fertile days per cycle, AND it tracks 2 key fertility hormones so you can plan for your high and peak fertility days.
PLUS – and this is the best part if you're unsure about the results after squinting at faint lines on test strips – this digital test provides ultra-clear results with a little smiley face icon. Look for the smiley face in the results window to identify your best days to get pregnant.
The reusable reader also means you can use it for your next cycle if you're not already pregnant.
What does a faint line on an ovulation test look like?
If you want to compare your test with others, check out these photos from members of our Netmums Forum.
Because the test lines are lighter than the control lines, these tests are all considered to be negative.
What does it look like when an ovulation test is positive?
Some super helpful members of our Forum have posted pictures showing multiple tests, so you can easily see the difference between a negative ovulation test and a positive one.
In both cases, only the final (bottom) test is positive – the rest are all negative.
If you're still not sure whether your ovulation test is positive or negative, why not pop a picture in our friendly ovulation support forum? Other members will be happy to take a look and give you a second opinion!
How else can I tell if I'm ovulating?
Aside from using an ovulation test, there are a few telltale signs and symptoms that might give you a clue about when you're ovulating.
The main signs and symptoms of ovulation are:
- A rise in body temperature
- A change in cervical mucus (vaginal discharge)
- Other physical symptoms, such as tender breasts
Learn more about these signs and how to pinpoint your most fertile time of the month in our article on signs and symptoms of ovulation.
This article was medically reviewed by Netmums' midwife Sarah Joy Owen on 17/01/2022.
Alternatively, find out more about ovulation tests – including our picks of the best ones to buy – or get more Trying to Conceive advice in our friendly Forum.
Last updated: 26 April 2023
