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What Is an At-Home Fertility Test?

Clara Siegmund
Clara Siegmund

At-home fertility tests analyze your hormone levels to evaluate your fertility. How effective and useful these tools are often depends on your reason for using them.

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May 19, 2023
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At-home fertility tests analyze your hormone levels to evaluate your fertility. How effective and useful these tools are often depends on your reason for using them.

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At-home fertility tests analyze your hormone levels to evaluate your fertility. How effective and useful these tools are often depends on your reason for using them.

At home fertility tests offer a wealth of information from the comfort of your own home. These tests analyze various hormone levels to help you paint a picture of different aspects of your fertility.

There are lots of different types, and the vast majority are convenient and easy to use. With some at-home fertility tests, you prick your finger and send your blood sample to a lab for testing. With others, you pee on a stick and test your urine yourself.

Whatever the type you use, it’s important to keep in mind that at-home fertility tests are both an empowering source of information and a tool with limits like any other.

How they work     Why people use them     When to use them     How much they cost

How do at-home fertility tests work?

At-home fertility tests help you get a look at your fertility by analyzing hormone levels. Different at-home tests check different combinations of hormones. Some common hormones that tests may analyze include:

  • Estrogen
  • Luteinizing hormone (LH)
  • Progesterone
  • Prolactin
  • Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
  • Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH)
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

These hormones all play a role in your reproductive functions, and analyzing them can give you insight into your fertility.

>>MORE: 8 Signs Your Hormones May Be Out of Balance – And What to Do Next

For example, AMH, FSH, and estrogen levels can offer information about your ovarian reserve. TSH levels influence the length of your menstrual cycle and the regularity of your periods. LH and progesterone levels indicate ovulation.

The type of at-home fertility test you use will partly depend on which aspects of your fertility you want to explore.

Why do people use at-home fertility tests?

At-home fertility tests can be pretty appealing. These tools offer you easy access to information about what’s going on in your body. For many people, it can feel empowering to be armed with knowledge about their reproductive health.

Like any tool, at-home fertility tests have pros and cons, and how you weigh them depends on your unique situation.

The pros

Convenient

You can use at-home fertility tests on your time, when you feel ready, from the comfort of your own home. There’s no need to make a doctor’s appointment or fit medical visits into your busy schedule.

Non-invasive

At-home fertility tests either use a blood sample obtained through a finger prick, or analyze urine. This makes them pretty non-invasive, particularly compared to certain types of in-person fertility testing like medical procedures.

While additional in-person testing may be necessary depending on your case, at-home tests can still be a useful, non-invasive starting point.

Painless

Some at-home fertility tests, like Oova, use urine samples instead of blood samples. In this case, the at-home testing experience is non-invasive and painless: all you have to do is pee on a test strip, then wait a few minutes while your results are analyzed.

Low cost

At-home fertility testing can be less expensive than doctor’s appointments and in-person testing. However, this may depend on whether or not you have insurance, what your coverage is, and how much at-home or in-person testing you need.

The cons

Hard-to-understand results

The results you get from an at-home fertility test can be difficult to interpret. You may not know which hormones to look at, or what their different levels might indicate. Even if you do understand what you’re looking at, you might not be sure how to use this knowledge to your benefit.

Some at-home fertility testing kits aim to help bridge this knowledge gap, offering things like:

  • Phone consultations to discuss your results with a registered nurse
  • Personalized insight concerning your results, available through additional features like smartphone apps
  • Options to send your results directly to your doctor in real time

Potential inaccuracy

How accurate is an at-home fertility test? While many companies advertise their product as 99% accurate, like any tool, at-home fertility tests have the potential to be unreliable.

For example, if you don’t follow testing directions carefully, you may get misleading results. For people with irregular cycles or hormone levels outside of average ranges, certain at-home tests may not be adapted to fit their particular situation. This can also be a source of inaccurate results.

Some at-home fertility tests, however, have moved away from the “standard” 28-day cycle as a baseline for testing. These tests may be able to offer more accurate results for people with irregular cycles or abnormal hormone levels.

Information limits

It’s important to remember that at-home fertility testing has its limits. These tests can’t diagnose or offer treatment plans; rather, they provide a more or less developed snapshot of different hormone levels throughout your cycle. Any underlying factors that might be influencing these levels remain unknown with at-home testing alone.

Addressing the cons

Looping in your doctor, or a fertility specialist, can be a good option for combatting these cons and boosting the efficacy of at-home fertility tests. A doctor can help you interpret your at-home testing results, determine if more tests need to be run (including in-person tests), and begin to understand what could be causing your results.

When can you use at-home fertility tests?

Anyone can use an at-home fertility test at any time. That being said, this type of testing may be more useful in some cases than in others. How useful and effective at-home testing can be for you likely depends on why you’re using it.

When you’re trying to conceive

If you’re trying to get pregnant, at-home fertility tests can be a great tool for understanding your cycle. These tests can help you:

  • Know when you’re ovulating
  • Find your fertile window
  • Determine when you should have sex to increase your chances of conceiving

At-home fertility tests may be particularly useful for monitoring your ovulation after stopping birth control. Depending on the type of contraception you were using, you may start ovulating again (and be able to conceive) immediately after stopping use. It can sometimes be hard, however, to recognize signs of ovulation post-birth control on your own. At-home fertility tests come in handy here: they may tell you that you’ve started ovulating sooner than you would have expected.

>>MORE: How To Get Pregnant Quickly After Birth Control

You can think of an at-home fertility test as a starting point. It’s great to have information about your hormones at your fingertips, and for some people, this is enough to be able to get pregnant.

When you’re dealing with infertility

Depending on your body, needs, and timeline, your situation may call for something more in-depth than at-home fertility tests after a certain point. This is particularly the case with infertility.

Infertility is generally defined as the inability to get pregnant after one year of unprotected sex, or six months of unprotected sex if you’re over 35. If you’ve been struggling to conceive for a while and suspect you may be dealing with infertility, at-home fertility tests likely won’t be able to give you the answers or the help you need.

Turning to a fertility specialist, like a reproductive endocrinologist (REI) or a reproductive urologist, can be the next step in addressing fertility issues. While you can certainly share with your doctor any data that you received through at-home fertility tests, you will very likely need to undergo more comprehensive in-person testing.

When you’re dealing with a reproductive health condition

If you have certain medical diagnoses, such as PCOS, at-home fertility tests can help you keep track of changes in hormone levels. Monitoring these changes in relation to your treatment plans may help you and your healthcare provider manage your symptoms.

Many people with reproductive health conditions have irregular cycles. If you’re trying to conceive, irregular cycles can make it tough to track your ovulation and hormone levels by yourself. At-home fertility tests may make it easier to understand when in your cycle you’re most likely to get pregnant.

When you want to knowing your baseline

At-home fertility tests can also serve as another tool for tracking your menstrual cycle and hormone levels in general. This information can help give you a sense of what’s normal for you.

Knowing your baseline can be useful for picking up on changes. If you’ve already been tracking your cycle and hormone levels for some time, you may be able to notice if something is suddenly different. This could help you understand sooner if and when it’s time to turn to a doctor for help.

Alternatively, if you’ve been feeling off and want to begin tracking your menstrual cycle more closely to relay information to your doctor, at-home fertility tests can be a useful option. Even though your doctor will likely have you undergo in-person testing, data on your cycle may still be useful.

How much does an at-home fertility test cost?

Fertility tests typically cost between $150 and $200. For this cost, you’ll usually get insights into your various hormone levels. Depending on the specific test, you might get an app to track your hormone levels and symptoms; you may also get a consultation with professional to discuss your results.

Oova’s test kit costs $159.99 (or less if you subscribe for monthly refills). You can test your luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone levels with urine test strips and smartphone app, then review these findings in a hormone report and during a consultation with an Oova expert.

At-home fertility tests: the takeaway

Depending on your situation and your goals, at-home fertility tests can offer an easy-to-use, inexpensive, and non-invasive option for evaluating your fertility. Like any tool, these tests have their limits and they may not always be adapted to your particular needs.

To decide if at-home fertility tests are a useful tool for you, consider thinking about what you want to know about your fertility and researching test types that can give you this information.

About the author

Clara Siegmund
Clara Siegmund is a writer, editor, and translator (French to English) from Brooklyn, New York. She has a BA in English and French Studies from Wesleyan University and an MA in Translation from the Sorbonne. She is passionate about literature, reproductive justice, and using language to make information accessible.‍

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perimenopause-periods
Should I still see my gynecologist if my periods are just "weird" but not painful?
Yes. Annual visits remain important during perimenopause. Your provider can help determine if your "weird" periods are typical perimenopause changes or something requiring attention. They can also discuss management options to improve your quality of life.
perimenopause-periods
How long do irregular periods last before menopause?
Irregular perimenopause periods typically last 4 to 8 years before your final period, though this varies greatly. Some women experience irregularity for just a few months, while others have irregular periods for over a decade before reaching menopause.
perimenopause-periods
Is it normal to have two periods in one month during perimenopause?
Yes, this can happen, especially in early perimenopause when cycles shorten. You might have a 21 day cycle, meaning you could have a period at the beginning and end of the same calendar month. Track these patterns to distinguish between short cycles and abnormal bleeding.
perimenopause-periods
Why are my periods suddenly so heavy in my 40s?
Heavy perimenopause periods often result from estrogen dominance. When progesterone drops but estrogen remains high, your uterine lining builds up more than usual, causing heavier bleeding when it sheds. This is common in perimenopause but should be evaluated if it affects your daily life.
perimenopause-periods
Can I still get pregnant if my periods are irregular during perimenopause?
Yes. As long as you're having periods, even irregular ones, you may still be ovulating. Pregnancy is possible until you've gone 12 full months without any period. If you don't want to become pregnant, continue using contraception throughout perimenopause.
perimenopause-and-weight-gain
Can you prevent perimenopause weight gain completely?
While you may not prevent all weight changes during perimenopause, you can minimize gain through proactive strategies. Starting strength training before perimenopause, maintaining consistent sleep habits, and managing stress can help your body adapt to hormonal changes more smoothly. Remember, some body changes during this transition are normal and healthy.
perimenopause-and-weight-gain
At what age does perimenopause weight gain typically start?
Perimenopause weight gain can begin in your late 30s or early 40s, often coinciding with the first hormonal changes. Many women notice gradual changes starting 5 to 10 years before their final period. The timing varies greatly based on genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
perimenopause-and-weight-gain
Does everyone gain the same amount during perimenopause?
No. Perimenopause weight gain varies significantly. Some women gain 5 pounds, others 20 or more, and some maintain their weight. Factors include genetics, starting weight, activity level, stress, sleep quality, and how dramatically hormones fluctuate. Your experience is unique to your body.
Is perimenopause weight gain different from regular aging weight gain?
Yes. While metabolism naturally slows with age, perimenopause weight gain has distinct characteristics. The hormonal shifts cause fat redistribution to the midsection, even if overall weight doesn't change dramatically. This abdominal weight gain pattern is specifically linked to declining estrogen and progesterone, not just aging.
perimenopause-and-weight-gain
Will the weight come off after menopause?
Perimenopause weight gain often stabilizes after menopause when hormones level out, but the weight doesn't automatically disappear. The metabolic and body composition changes that occur during perimenopause tend to persist. However, with consistent healthy habits, weight management becomes more predictable post menopause than during the fluctuating perimenopause years.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Can I take progesterone if I'm breastfeeding?
Yes, progesterone is generally safe while breastfeeding and doesn't significantly affect milk supply. However, always discuss with your healthcare provider before starting any hormone supplementation while nursing.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Is it safe to take progesterone throughout pregnancy?
Yes, when prescribed by your healthcare provider. Progesterone supplementation in early pregnancy is safe and can reduce miscarriage risk in women with low progesterone or a history of pregnancy loss. Most providers continue supplementation through the first trimester (weeks 10-12) when the placenta takes over.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Can progesterone supplementation cause weight gain?
Progesterone can cause temporary water retention and bloating, which may show up as a few pounds on the scale, but it doesn't cause true fat weight gain. Most women don't experience significant weight changes from progesterone supplementation.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Can I switch from pills to suppositories or vice versa?
Yes, but only under your doctor's guidance. The dosing and timing may need adjustment when switching between forms since they're absorbed differently. Never switch on your own, especially if you're pregnant or undergoing fertility treatment.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Will progesterone supplementation delay my period?
Yes, progesterone keeps the uterine lining intact, so if you're not pregnant and continue taking progesterone, your period will be delayed. Once you stop taking it, your period should start within 2-10 days. If you are pregnant, progesterone helps maintain the pregnancy and you won't get a period.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
Should I take progesterone pills orally or vaginally?
For fertility and pregnancy support, vaginal progesterone is usually preferred because it delivers higher concentrations directly to the uterus. For perimenopause or general hormone balance, oral progesterone often works well and is more convenient. Your doctor will recommend the best route based on your specific needs.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
When should I start taking progesterone after ovulation?
Typically, progesterone supplementation for luteal phase support starts 2-3 days after ovulation (confirmed by LH surge or temperature rise). Your doctor will give you specific timing based on your protocol. Some women start immediately after a positive ovulation test.
https://www.oova.life/blog/progesterone-supplementation-guide
What's better: progesterone cream or pills?
Pills (oral micronized progesterone) are generally more effective and reliable than creams because absorption from creams is inconsistent. For medical conditions like fertility issues, low progesterone, or HRT, prescription pills or suppositories are strongly recommended over over-the-counter creams.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
How can I tell if I have low or high progesterone?
The only definitive way to know is through hormone testing via blood tests or at-home urine tests that measure progesterone metabolites. However, symptom patterns can provide clues: anxiety and irregular periods suggest low progesterone, while bloating and extreme fatigue suggest high progesterone.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
When during my cycle should I test progesterone levels?
Test progesterone levels during the luteal phase, typically 7 days after ovulation or around day 21 of a 28-day cycle. This is when progesterone should be at its peak, making it easier to identify if levels are too low or too high.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
What are the main differences between low and high progesterone symptoms?
Low progesterone typically causes irregular or heavy periods, anxiety, hot flashes, and sleep issues. High progesterone causes bloating, fatigue, intense breast tenderness, and depression-like mood changes. Low progesterone symptoms persist throughout your cycle, while high progesterone symptoms are most intense during the luteal phase.
https://www.oova.life/blog/low-vs-high-progesterone-symptoms
Can you have symptoms of both low and high progesterone?
Some symptoms like breast tenderness and mood changes can occur with both low and high progesterone, making it confusing. However, the timing, intensity, and accompanying symptoms differ. Hormone testing is the best way to determine which imbalance you're experiencing.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Can stress affect 10 DPO symptoms?
Yes, stress can worsen or mimic 10 DPO symptoms. Stress increases cortisol, which can cause cramping, fatigue, and mood changes similar to both PMS and early pregnancy. During the two-week wait, try stress-reduction techniques like gentle exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Is it better to test at 10 DPO or wait?
It's better to wait until 12–14 DPO for more accurate results. Testing at 10 DPO often leads to false negatives because hCG levels may still be too low. If you absolutely can't wait, use a sensitive early detection test with first morning urine, and be prepared to retest in 2–3 days if negative.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What does implantation bleeding look like at 10 DPO?
Implantation bleeding at 10 DPO is typically light pink or brown, much lighter than a period, and lasts 1–2 days. It's often just spotting when you wipe or a few drops on a panty liner. However, only 15–20% of pregnant women experience implantation bleeding—most don't have any bleeding at all.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Why am I cramping at 10 DPO?
Cramping at 10 DPO can be caused by elevated progesterone (whether you're pregnant or not), implantation (if you're pregnant), or premenstrual cramping. Unfortunately, cramping alone can't tell you if you're pregnant since progesterone causes similar symptoms in both scenarios.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What are the chances of a BFP at 10 DPO?
If you're pregnant, you have about a 50–60% chance of getting a positive test at 10 DPO. This means there's a 40–50% chance of a false negative even if you conceived. Chances improve significantly by 12–14 DPO.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What DPO is most accurate for pregnancy testing?
14 DPO (the day of your missed period) is the most accurate time to test, with 99% accuracy. 12 DPO offers 80–90% accuracy. 10 DPO has only 50–60% accuracy. For best results, wait as long as you can—ideally until 12–14 DPO.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Is 10 DPO too early to test?
10 DPO is considered early for pregnancy testing. While some women get positives at 10 DPO, accuracy is only 50–60% if you're pregnant. For best results, wait until 12 DPO (80–90% accuracy) or 14 DPO/missed period (99% accuracy).
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Can you have implantation at 10 DPO?
Yes, implantation can still occur at 10 DPO, though 84% of women have already implanted by this point. Late implantation at 10–12 DPO is normal. If implantation happens at 10 DPO, you won't get a positive pregnancy test for another 2–3 days.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
What does a negative test at 10 DPO mean?
A negative test at 10 DPO does not mean you're not pregnant. It's very common to get negatives at 10 DPO even if you conceived. Your hCG levels may still be too low, or implantation may have occurred later. Wait until 12–14 DPO to retest for more accurate results.
https://www.oova.life/blog/10-dpo
Can you get a positive pregnancy test at 10 DPO?
Yes, but only about 50–60% of pregnant women will get a positive at 10 DPO. The other 40–50% have hCG levels that are still too low to detect. If you test negative at 10 DPO, wait 2–3 days and test again.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
Can high progesterone cause weight gain?
Yes, elevated progesterone can cause temporary weight gain through water retention and bloating. This is a normal part of the luteal phase and early pregnancy.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
Does stress affect estrogen levels?
Yes, chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can suppress estrogen production and disrupt hormonal balance. Stress reduction through meditation, yoga, adequate sleep, and self-care practices helps maintain optimal estrogen levels.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
When should I consider medical treatment for low estrogen?
Consider medical intervention if natural methods don't improve symptoms after 3 months, if symptoms severely impact quality of life, if you're experiencing early menopause (before 40), or if you have fertility concerns. Hormone replacement therapy may be appropriate in these cases.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
What are the signs that my estrogen is increasing?
Signs of rising estrogen include more regular menstrual cycles, reduced hot flashes, improved vaginal lubrication, better mood stability, increased energy, and improved skin elasticity. You may also notice reduced symptoms that originally indicated low estrogen.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
Can exercise increase estrogen levels?
Yes, moderate exercise stimulates estrogen release and helps maintain hormonal balance. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate cardio weekly plus strength training twice per week. However, excessive exercise can actually lower estrogen, so balance is key.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
How long does it take to increase estrogen naturally?
With consistent dietary and lifestyle changes, you may notice improvements in symptoms within 4-8 weeks. However, significant hormonal changes typically take 2-3 months. Tracking your cycle and symptoms can help you monitor progress.
https://www.oova.life/blog/how-to-increase-estrogen
What foods increase estrogen levels naturally?
Foods high in phytoestrogens can help increase estrogen naturally. The best options include flax seeds (high in lignans), soy products (tofu, tempeh, edamame), lentils, chickpeas, whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice), and garlic. These plant compounds mimic estrogen's effects in the body.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
What helps relieve hot flashes quickly?
Cool environments, layered clothing, herbal teas, and medical treatments like gabapentin or HRT may help—depending on severity. Lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine and alcohol can also provide relief.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
Are there tests to confirm perimenopause?
Yes. Tests measuring estradiol, LH, and FSH levels can indicate hormonal shifts—but diagnosis is often symptom-based since hormone levels fluctuate widely during perimenopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
How do I know it's perimenopause and not something else?
A doctor may recommend hormone testing (like LH, E3G, and PdG) and track symptom timing. Diagnosis is often based on symptoms combined with age and menstrual pattern changes.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
What's the earliest age perimenopause can start?
Some women begin experiencing symptoms as early as their mid-30s, though perimenopause typically starts between ages 38-45.
https://www.oova.life/blog/perimenopause
Does perimenopause affect mental clarity?
Yes. Brain fog and difficulty concentrating are common during hormone fluctuations in perimenopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
What happens after the last sign of perimenopause?
After your final period, you enter postmenopause. You'll need 12 consecutive months without a period to confirm menopause. Many symptoms gradually improve, though some like vaginal dryness may persist without treatment.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
When do perimenopause symptoms finally stop?
Some symptoms like brain fog improve after menopause, while others like hot flashes may continue for up to 10 years post-menopause. Vaginal symptoms often persist or worsen without treatment. Each person's timeline is different.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
Is high progesterone a sign of pregnancy?
Yes, high progesterone is one of the earliest indicators of pregnancy. Progesterone levels rise significantly after conception to support the developing embryo and reach their peak during the third trimester.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
Can you still get pregnant in late perimenopause?
Yes, you can still get pregnant during perimenopause as long as you're having periods, even if they're infrequent. Continue using birth control until you've gone 12 consecutive months without a period and have officially reached menopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
Do symptoms get worse before perimenopause ends?
Yes, most perimenopause symptoms intensify in the final 1-2 years before menopause. Hot flashes peak around your final period, vaginal symptoms worsen, and mood changes increase. However, brain fog typically improves in late perimenopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
How long does late perimenopause last?
Late perimenopause typically lasts 1-3 years before your final period. However, the exact duration varies significantly from person to person. You've reached menopause after 12 consecutive months without a period.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
What are the symptoms of high progesterone?
High progesterone symptoms include fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness, weight gain, anxiety, depression, headaches, and food cravings. During pregnancy, you may also experience increased nipple sensitivity and muscle aches.
https://www.oova.life/blog/TBD-10-symptoms-and-how-to-get-relief
What are the first signs that perimenopause is ending?
The earliest signs include longer gaps between periods (60+ days), intensifying hot flashes that peak around your final period, and worsening vaginal dryness. These symptoms typically increase in late perimenopause before you reach official menopause.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
When should I be concerned about high progesterone?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience high progesterone symptoms outside your luteal phase when not pregnant, or if symptoms include severe pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or rapid weight gain while on hormone therapy.
https://www.oova.life/blog/high-progesterone-symptoms
How do you test progesterone levels?
Progesterone can be measured through blood tests at your doctor's office or at-home urine tests that measure PdG (a progesterone metabolite). Testing is typically done during the luteal phase, about 7 days after ovulation.

About the Oova Blog:
Our content is developed with a commitment to high editorial standards and reliability. We prioritize referencing reputable sources and sharing where our insights come from. The Oova Blog is intended for informational purposes only and is never a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before making any health decisions.