At-home fertility tests are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and affordability. They can be purchased at most drugstores or ordered online. However, despite claims of providing valuable insights into a person’s reproductive health, some may question their reliability and effectiveness.
This blog post covers everything you need to know about at-home fertility testing, including its accuracy, limitations, and the importance of consulting a healthcare professional.
How At-Home Fertility Tests Work
At-home fertility tests work by measuring different hormones or markers in the body that are related to fertility. The tests may involve analyzing urine, saliva, blood, or semen samples.
What do at-home fertility tests measure?
At-home fertility tests measure different things depending on the specific test and the person using it.
For example, at-home fertility tests for people assigned male at birth (AMAB) may measure sperm count, motility, and morphology. At-home fertility tests for people assigned female at birth (AFAB) may measure hormone levels related to ovulation and ovarian reserve (or egg quantity).
Forms of At-Home Fertility Tests
Here are some specific examples of at-home fertility tests and what they measure:
Ovulation tests
Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) measure luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in the urine. LH levels surge 24-36 hours before ovulation, so ovulation tests can help people identify their fertile window.
Ovulation predictor test kit brands include Clearblue, First Response, and Easy@Home. These tests work like pregnancy tests. A positive result indicating a surge in LH suggests that ovulation will likely occur within the next day or two.
OPKs are generally accurate, but they may not be reliable for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as they may have constantly elevated levels of LH throughout their cycle. OPKs can also give false negatives or positives, so it’s important to follow the instructions carefully. Testing in the morning may also provide more accurate results.
Using an ovulation-tracking app with OPKs to track symptoms and patterns throughout the menstrual cycle is one way to increase the effectiveness of at-home fertility testing.
Tracking cervical mucus and basal body temperature (BBT) can provide additional insights into ovulation.
Hormone tests
Hormone tests measure the levels of four key female fertility hormones: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, progesterone, and anti-müllerian hormone (AMH). These tests can provide a more comprehensive overview of fertility, including ovarian reserve (the number of eggs a person has) and luteal phase function (the second half of the menstrual cycle).
Some at-home hormone test brands include EverlyWell, MyLABBox, Modern Fertility, and LetsGetChecked.
Here’s some more info on how each test works and what it measures:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): FSH stimulates the ovaries to produce follicles containing eggs. FSH levels start low at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, rise as it stimulates follicle growth, and then decline after ovulation. High FSH levels early in the cycle may indicate low ovarian reserve. The at-home FSH test, sometimes called the at-home menopause test, is a urine or blood test that measures FSH levels to assess ovarian function and potential fertility.
- Estradiol: Estradiol is a type of estrogen that plays a role in ovulation and follicle development. Estradiol levels typically rise in the middle of the menstrual cycle and fall after ovulation. Low estradiol levels may indicate problems with follicle growth. At-home estradiol tests use blood or saliva samples to measure estradiol levels.
- Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH): AMH is produced by ovarian follicles and is a good indicator of ovarian reserve, the number of eggs a person has left. Low AMH levels may indicate diminished ovarian reserve. At-home hormone tests can test for AMH levels using a finger prick to collect blood or saliva samples.
Thyroid function tests
Some at-home fertility tests also include thyroid function testing because an underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can lead to infertility.
These tests measure thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and thyroid hormones, such as free T4 and free T3.
Most at-home thyroid function tests use a finger prick to collect a small blood sample. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis, and the test results are typically available within a few days.
Everlywell, LetsGetChecked, Modern Fertility, and Paloma Health offer at-home fertility tests, including thyroid function testing.
Sperm tests
At-home semen analysis tests measure sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, all of which are important factors in male fertility.
- Sperm concentration: This is the number of sperm in a semen sample. A normal sperm count is 15 million sperm per milliliter or more.
- Sperm motility: This is the percentage of sperm that are moving. A normal sperm motility is 40% or more.
- Sperm morphology: This is the shape of the sperm. A normal sperm morphology is 4% or more.
Some at-home sperm tests provide instant results, while others require sending the sample to a lab for analysis.
Popular brands that offer at-home sperm tests include LabCorp, Legacy, and Proov, which provides a Hers and His Fertility Starter Kit for couples.
Are At-Home Fertility Tests Accurate?
Whether at-home fertility tests are as reliable as in-office tests depends on the type of test and how it’s used.
FDA-approved tests that use CLIA-certified laboratories and are interpreted by a healthcare professional are generally considered the most reliable.
However, even when used correctly, at-home tests may not provide the same accuracy and reliability as tests conducted in a medical setting. User error and improper sample collection can also impact the accuracy of at-home fertility tests.
It’s important to note that at-home fertility tests cannot provide a complete picture of your fertility or diagnose underlying fertility problems. Talk to a fertility specialist if you have any questions or concerns about your at-home test results.
Benefits and Limitations of At-Home Fertility Tests
There are several benefits and limitations to using at-home fertility tests.
Benefits of at-home fertility tests include:
- Convenience: At-home fertility tests can be done in the privacy of your own home, at any time of day or night. This can be especially convenient for people with busy schedules or who live in rural areas.
- Affordability: At-home fertility tests are often more affordable than in-office tests and can be a cost-effective option for people who are uninsured or cannot afford traditional fertility testing.
- Accessibility: At-home fertility tests are available online and in most drug stores and can be easily accessed without a doctor’s appointment or referral.
- Usability: At-home fertility tests are designed to be user-friendly and easy to use. Most only require a urine sample and a few test strips to provide results.
However, there are limitations to consider when using at-home fertility tests:
- Limited information: Infertility is a complex issue that can have various underlying causes. At-home fertility tests typically only provide information about specific markers of fertility, such as hormone levels or indicators of ovulation. A single test result may not be interpretable without the context of the patient’s full clinical picture, which is why reviewing the results with a specialist is highly recommended.
- Potential user error: At-home fertility tests are susceptible to user error, such as improper sample collection or incorrect interpretation of results.
- False positives and negatives: At-home fertility tests may deliver false positive or negative results, meaning they may mistakenly deliver results indicating fertility issues or no issues when the opposite is true.
Comparison with Clinical Testing
In-office clinical testing is considered the gold standard for fertility testing because it’s more comprehensive, accurate, and reliable than at-home fertility tests. In addition to urine and saliva tests, in-office testing may include blood tests, imaging tests, and physical exams.
This additional testing can provide more information about the underlying causes of infertility and help guide treatment options.
Guidance for Prospective Users
While at-home fertility tests can provide some information about fertility markers, it’s important to keep the limitations and potential risks associated with these tests in mind.
Here are some tips for using at-home fertility tests responsibly:
- Choose the right test. Hundreds of testing options are available, so research and choose a reputable and well-reviewed test. Ensure it’s designed specifically for the type of fertility marker you want to measure (e.g., hormone levels, ovulation).
- Follow the instructions carefully. Read and follow the instructions provided with the test kit carefully to get the most accurate results possible.
- Be consistent with testing. Most at-home fertility tests require consistent and regular testing to track hormone levels and ovulation accurately.
- Follow up with a healthcare professional. When in doubt, talk to a fertility specialist. They can provide further clarification and guidance and potentially recommend additional testing.
Conclusion
At-home fertility tests can be a convenient and cost-effective option for monitoring certain aspects of fertility. However, it’s important to understand their limitations and potential for inaccuracies.
While they can provide some information about fertility markers, at-home tests may not be as accurate as in-office tests. They can produce false positives or negatives if used incorrectly. Additionally, the scope of testing may be limited to measuring one or two hormones or markers, whereas in-office tests can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of fertility.
FAQs
Below, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions about at-home fertility tests:
How do I choose an at-home fertility test?
Look for tests that are FDA-cleared and have good customer reviews. Consider the specific needs of your fertility journey and consult with a healthcare professional or fertility specialist if necessary.
When is the best time to use an at-home fertility test?
The best time to use an at-home fertility test depends on the test and its intended purpose. For ovulation tests, it’s typically recommended to start testing a few days before ovulation to increase the chances of detecting the LH surge. This will help determine the most fertile days for conceiving.
How much do at-home fertility tests cost?
The cost of at-home fertility tests can vary, depending on the brand and type of test. Some tests may be more affordable, ranging from $20 to $50, while others can be more expensive, costing over $100.
Does FSA cover fertility tests?
Yes, pregnancy and fertility testing kits are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA). These items may also be eligible for reimbursement through health savings accounts (HSA), but it’s best to check with the provider for details.
Do at-home fertility tests work for everyone?
Anyone can use at-home fertility tests, but they may not be as accurate for everyone. For example, ovulation tests may not be as accurate for people with irregular cycles or PCOS. Sperm tests may not be as accurate for people with low sperm counts or other fertility problems.
Speak with Our Fertility Specialists
At RMA, we’re excited to help you start planning a family. We understand the appeal of at-home fertility tests, but we also recommend scheduling a comprehensive evaluation with one of our specialists.
This way, you can get a complete picture of your reproductive health, including blood tests and other diagnostic tests, and receive personalized guidance and recommendations on all fertility treatment options, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI).
