Fertility Tests

What Are Fertility Tests?

Fertility tests designed for use at home are a simple, affordable way to understand more about your fertility. Home tests require a urine or semen sample to help male and female partners check whether there might be any issues with hormone levels, egg maturation and ovulation, or sperm production. 

What are Fertility Tests for women?

The normal menstrual cycle requires hormones to rise and fall to support egg maturation and release, as well as to encourage the lining of the uterus to thicken. This provides the correct environment for an egg to be fertilised and to implant in the uterus as part of the very earliest stages of a pregnancy. 

Home fertility tests for women require a urine sample. A female fertility test checks for levels of the hormone follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). If the level of this hormone is higher than usual, this could indicate that the reserve of eggs in the ovaries is lower than might be expected. If fewer eggs remain, this can make it harder to conceive. 

Another form of fertility testing for women involves tracking ovulation. Ovulation tests also require a urine sample, but rather than testing for FSH, they test for luteinising hormone (LH). A rise in LH indicates that ovulation is about to occur. A woman’s most fertile window starts before ovulation occurs, as sperm can survive in the uterus for several days while the egg is released and travels to the uterus. You may therefore want to use ovulation tests for a few months to work out when your fertile window starts, as this is likely to also include the days before the ovulation tests detect the rise in LH.

What are Fertility Tests for men?

Testing kits for men require the production of a sperm sample. The test detects the concentration of sperm produced, before providing a result to indicate whether there is a normal sperm concentration or a low concentration. If the concentration is low, this indicates a lower sperm count, which could make it more difficult to conceive.

How accurate are Fertility Tests?

By accessing fertility tests, a couple can check their fertility from the comfort and privacy of their own home. It is reassuring to note that the accuracy of home fertility tests is excellent.

Babystart FertilCheck Female Fertility Tests have been proven to be 99% accurate compared to other commercially available tests. It is recommended that the test is performed on day 1 of your menstrual cycle, as this is when FSH levels are highest. However, you can perform the test throughout your cycle to get an overview of your FSH levels. If the level is high, it is wise to seek advice from your GP who may request further fertility testing.

Babystart FertilTime Ovulation Tests are over 99% accurate. However, it is important to remember that your fertile window starts before ovulation occurs. It can therefore take a little time to get used to tracking ovulation. By using the ovulation tests for a few months, you will be able to more accurately predict when your fertile window will begin.

Babystart FertilCount Male Fertility Tests are 99% accurate and give results within just 15 minutes. For best results, you are advised to wait three days since your last ejaculation before producing a sperm sample for the test. 

These at home testing kits all give a good indication of your fertility, especially when both partners use the tests. However, if you are struggling to conceive but the tests appear to indicate normal fertility, you should seek advice from a doctor. They may request more detailed hormone blood tests, scans, or a laboratory assessment of a sperm sample to assess your fertility further.