Written by: Dr. Amy Beckley, PhD, Founder and Inventor of the Proov test — the first and only FDA-cleared test to confirm successful ovulation at home.
It’s no secret there are a bunch of different types of at-home fertility tests on the market. While it is so great that women and couples trying to get pregnant have access to many different fertility tests, sometimes the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming!
Here at Proov, we want to make fertility testing accessible and simple, so you get the information you need to get pregnant faster. Today we want to break down the difference between the Proov Hers & His Fertility Test and the Everlywell Women’s Fertility Test.
Keep reading to learn how these tests are similar and different, so you can determine which is right for you!
What are at-home fertility tests?
At-home fertility tests are exactly what they seem to be — tests you or your partner can take from the comfort of your own home to learn more about your fertility status. That said, there are different types of at-home fertility tests.
Some involve a blood draw to directly measure hormone levels in blood, while others measure hormones or hormone markers in urine. Some are only taken at one point in your menstrual cycle, while others require multiple tests throughout the cycle. It really just depends!
Regardless, at home fertility testing can provide valuable insight into your hormones, your ovarian reserve, or his sperm without requiring a visit to a doctor’s office. They are a convenient, inexpensive way to learn more about your fertility and chances of pregnancy.
Proov Fertility Tests
Proov provides two comprehensive fertility tests within the Hers & His Fertility Starter Kit: the Complete Testing System for women and the Sperm Test for men. It also includes one Check pack of 10 early pregnancy tests. The entire Hers & His kit costs $159.
Complete is a urine-based testing system that requires taking many tests throughout your cycle. It sounds like a lot, but we promise the free Proov Insight app will walk you through exactly when and how to test, throughout your entire cycle.
Throughout a cycle of testing with Complete, you’ll identify several things:
- Insight into your ovarian reserve, a.k.a. an estimation of your remaining eggs.
- Up to 6 fertile days, which is 4 more than the average ovulation test.
- Whether or not you ovulated successfully during the implantation window. Studies show successful ovulation can increase pregnancy rates by up to 75%.*
At the end of your Complete testing cycle, you will have unlocked your unique Proov Insight report, including your Ovulation Score and key hormone balance ratios. This is actionable hormone, cycle, and ovulation information you can bring to your doctor to determine if any additional treatment is needed to help you reach your goals faster.
The Proov Sperm Test measures his motile sperm count in a given semen sample. Many at-home sperm tests only measure sperm count and fail to assess sperm motility.
While sperm count refers to the amount of sperm present in a given semen sample, motility refers to the sperm’s ability to swim where it needs to go — to the egg! The Proov Sperm Test measures both and provides an actionable motile sperm concentration score after testing, so he can see how he stacks up.
Additionally, the free Yo app provides video footage of his swimmers along with tips and tricks from improving motile sperm count if necessary.
Types & How to Use Them
The Complete kit contains 20 urine-based hormone test strips: 3 follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) tests and 17 multihormone tests, which measure E1G (a urine marker of estrogen), luteinizing hormone (LH), and PdG (a urine marker of progesterone). Here’s what the hormones and hormone markers will tell you:
- FSH: Insight into ovarian reserve
- E1G & LH: Up to 6 fertile days
- PdG: Confirms successful ovulation during the implantation window
Before your next period begins, you’ll want to get set up with the free Proov Insight app and input some simple cycle data. This will help the app create your unique testing protocol and provide reminders for you when it’s a testing day.
It’s important to note that each and every complete cycle begins on cycle day 5, the 5th day after the start of your period. On each day the app tells you it’s a testing day, you must test with first morning urine.
Below is an example of a testing cycle with Proov Complete. While baseline multihormone and FSH testing days will always be consistent, the rest of the testing cycle may vary based on your unique cycle stats. For more information about testing with Complete, check out this blog.
The Proov Sperm Test contains 2 motile sperm concentration tests for him. Note that your partner may want to avoid ejaculation for 2-5 days prior to taking the test to allow for the most accurate results.
The free Yo app will lead you through the testing process, step-by-step. When you’re ready to start testing, your partner will first need to collect his sample, following the instructions provided within the app.
You’ll then add the sample to the slide, and insert the slide into the Yo device. From there, the Yo device will record a video of the sperm and will also analyze the sample to determine your unique Yo score, which factors in count and motility.
Once you’ve collected your test results from both the Complete kit and the Sperm Test, we recommend bringing these results to your doctor to explore further testing or treatment to help you get pregnant faster!
Everlywell Fertility Tests
The Everlywell Women’s Fertility Test is an at-home blood fertility test that measures 5 different hormones that regulate ovarian function. It costs $149 for a single blood testing kit. Unlike the Complete kit, the Everlywell test measures hormones at one point in your cycle, rather than throughout the cycle.
The hormones the Everlywell test measures are:
- Estradiol: The main form of estrogen, which is one of the main hormones responsible for ovulation, reproductive health, and pregnancy.
- LH: Responsible for stimulating and maturing follicles to prepare an egg to be released during ovulation.
- FSH: Elevated baseline FSH levels can be a sign of diminished ovarian reserve.
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Considered a screening marker for thyroid-related diseases and conditions.
- Total Testosterone: Testosterone is converted to estrogen in women, and plays a role in bone density, libido, muscle mass, and fat distribution.
When you receive your Everlywell kit, you will collect a blood sample per the directions found within the kit. You will then send the sample to the Everlywell lab to be tested and a physician will review your test results. From there, Everlywell will be in contact with your test results.
At the end of testing, you will understand your level of each of the 5 hormones tested, including whether or not they fall within the normal range for that hormone.
How to Choose the Best Fertility Test for You
The best fertility test for you depends on your unique goals and journey!
Often, we find Proov customers use the Hers & His Fertility Test Starter Kit once they’re actively trying to get pregnant. Full-cycle fertility testing can provide insight into potential hormonal imbalances that may be making it more difficult for you to get pregnant.
If you’re not yet actively trying, or maybe just started your trying to conceive journey, you may be looking for more of a screening tool. One-time blood screening tests may be a better option for you.
Regardless, having more hormone information is always better. The more you know about your cycle and hormones, the more empowered you can be on your journey.
Should I get fertility testing?
While we believe everyone trying to get pregnant should look into some sort of at-home fertility testing, there are certain people who may benefit from it more than others.
You may want to consider at home fertility testing if you:
- Have been trying without success for several months
- Have known hormone disorders, like PCOS
- Experience irregular periods or spotting
- Have suffered one or more miscarriages
Have questions about whether or not Proov testing is right for you? We’d be happy to help! Please send us a note at info@proovtest.com.
