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.
Written on 9/8/20
Any couple trying to conceive is likely familiar with the agonizing period known as the two week wait (2WW). These 14 days between ovulation and an expected period can feel like a black box with few answers as to whether or not you even had a good chance at getting pregnant.
But luckily, Proov is here to take some of the mystery out of the 2WW! PdG tracking allows women to confirm healthy ovulation at home, letting you know if your levels are sufficient to even allow for a chance at conception.
What is the two week wait?
The two week wait is the time period between ovulation and your next period or when you can take a pregnancy test. This period is also known as the luteal phase, or the second half of your cycle.
After ovulation it takes approximately one week for an egg to travel from the ovary through the fallopian tube and into the uterus. If an egg is fertilized, it will implant during the second week of the two week wait. If not, the uterus will shed its lining and you’ll get your period.
The 2WW is also the time when progesterone is on the rise. After ovulation, the empty follicle (corpus luteum) starts producing progesterone, which prepares the uterine lining to receive an embryo. Without sufficient progesterone levels during the second week of the 2WW, it can be more difficult for successful conception to occur.
How do I know if I’m in the 2WW?
Understanding the 2WW starts by understanding your cycle! There are several ways to track your cycle, including cycle tracking apps and basal body temperature tracking. You can also track your cycle by predicting ovulation, since the 2WW starts after ovulation. Some ovulation prediction methods include LH tests, cervical mucus monitoring, and BBT.
What happens during the 2WW?
As we mentioned, the two week wait occurs during the luteal phase of your cycle. After ovulation occurs, the corpus luteum releases progesterone. This important hormone stabilizes the uterine lining and makes it the perfect environment for an embryo to thrive.
While an estrogen boost keeps you energized during the first half of your cycle, a rise in progesterone during the 2WW will likely make you feel much more calm and relaxed. However, lower progesterone levels can lead to symptoms such as breast tenderness, bloating, or mood swings.
After circulating through the bloodstream, progesterone is metabolized by the kidneys and released into urine as PdG. PdG testing can give you insight into your ovulation and chance at conception during the 2WW!
How does Proov demystify the 2WW?
Proov allows you to confirm successful ovulation during the 2WW, letting you know if you even have a chance at successful conception that cycle. Proov measures PdG on days 7 to 10 after suspected ovulation. Four positive tests during this window confirm “successful” ovulation, meaning an egg was released and PdG levels remained adequately elevated for a long enough period of time to allow for the best possible chance at conception.
If you get one or more negative Proov tests during the testing window, this could be a sign of “suboptimal” ovulation which could be hurting your chances of getting pregnant. If you never get a positive Proov test, you may be experiencing an anovulatory cycle, in which case we recommend consulting your doctor.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to help boost PdG production and improve ovulation health, including diet changes, herbal supplements, or medications from your doctor.
What else can I do during the 2WW?
We know all too well that the 2WW can be stressful. This is why we are huge advocates for taking care of yourself and your mental health by doing things you enjoy during the 2WW. Here are a few of our favorite activities you can try:
Yoga: Yoga is a great way to build strength and relieve stress — which can actually impact fertility! There are plenty of free classes and flows you can try online from the comfort of your home.
Cooking or baking: Cooking and baking might be some of the most rewarding activities out there because you get to eat what you make! Grab your partner or a friend, turn on some tunes, and try out a new recipe. We even have some delicious, PdG-boosting recipes you can try here.
Date night: Enlist your partner in some fun! Some one-on-one time is great for relieving stress and strengthening your relationship. Try catching a movie, going out for dinner, or having a relaxing night in!
Get support: Above all else, it can be helpful to talk to women who are going through the same thing as you. We have an amazing community of Proovers in our private Facebook group who are there to offer support and encouragement. Also, the entire Proov team is always just a message away and we are more than happy to answer Proov-related questions or simply chat.
With Proov, you can learn more about your ovulation and take some mystery out of the two week wait — helping you get pregnant faster!
