Can OPK detect pregnancy?

Question

So i bought a pack of 2 pregnancy tests as I am now 6 days late. Well I used both of them yesterday (messed up on one and other was negative but it was also taken at 9pm) and haven't went to walmart to buy anymore. But i do have a few OPK tests left over and I was wondering if I was pregnant and took one would it detect anything or be positive?

Answer

Yes an opk can be used as a pregnancy test! LH and HCG are also very similar in structure, as they are both glycoproteins. They both consist of a protein with a sugar element attached to it. Proteins can be broken down into chains of (Amino Acids) – they can be broken up into two units or chains called, “Subunits,” one called (Alpha) and the other known as (Beta). HCG’s alpha subunit is identical to the hormones LH, TSH, and FSH which are all produced in the pituitary gland.

In fact, they are so similar that you could almost consider them to be twins! HCG would differ so slightly, which we’ll just say he also wears a white glove. A OPK (Because the two hormones are so similar) can pick up on both LH and HCG! Problem solved, right? WRONG! The only issue with solely relying on a OPK to detect HCG is that you have to keep in mind that it detects BOTH hormones! It is not uncommon for our LH to spike at various times throughout our cycle, including post Ovulation. Many have sworn by the theory that if you’re getting multiple positive OPK’s so many DPO and nearing the end of your cycle, YOU MUST BE PREGNANT! A HPT on the other hand only detects the presence of HCG. (So in a nutshell, both Tests are looking for the twins, but a HPT is ONLY looking for the twin that’s also wearing the white glove!)

Answer

No. OPK will only detect LH surge. You need to take a HPT or go see your doctor for a blood test.

Can OPK detect pregnancy?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey