In order to get the most helpful and empowering information from your Proov PdG tests, we recommend following our patented Proov PdG testing protocol. We’ve developed this protocol so you can get the best possible picture of the success of your ovulation, something critical for conception and overall health.
The protocol is pretty straightforward — take a baseline PdG test the day after your period ends, then take the remaining 4 PdG tests on days 7, 8, 9, and 10 past peak fertility — but don’t worry, the Proov Insight app will guide you on when to use Proov test!
However if you’re here, you’re likely at the beginning of your cycle gearing up to take your baseline PdG test. We get a lot of questions like, “If we already know my baseline is going to be negative, why do I need one?”
Well today we’re going to dive into the importance of when to take Proov PdG test and best practices. Keep reading to learn more.
What is a baseline PdG test and when do I take it?
The baseline PdG test is the first test taken during our patented Proov PdG testing protocol. You take the baseline during the phase of your cycle when PdG levels should be low so we can see what your natural levels look like.
You’ll want to take your baseline on cycle day 5 or the day after your period ends (whichever comes later) using first morning urine. If you still experience some light spotting on cycle day 5, no worries — just go ahead and take your baseline the next day.
If your Proov Confirm kit comes slightly later in your cycle than anticipated, you can still take a PdG baseline as long as you have not observed your estimated fertile window (calculated by the Proov Insight app). If your estimated fertile window has already started, you’ll need to wait until your next cycle to get a baseline — don’t worry, the app will let you know once it’s too late to take a baseline. You can still test your PdG levels and use the Proov Insight app without a baseline, but keep reading to understand why having one is so critical!
Why are baseline PdG tests important?
As we know, everyone and their cycle is different. That also means that everyone’s natural PdG levels will be different too.
You’ll remember that in order to confirm successful ovulation, we like to see elevated and sustained PdG levels during the 7-10 days past peak fertility (DPP) testing window. To understand what “elevated” means for you, we first need a good idea of what your natural levels look like so that later on we can tell whether or not your PdG levels reached an adequate level in order to allow for the best possible chance at conception.
Additionally, baselines can help us confirm whether or not you ovulated, in the event that your 7-10 DPP tests weren’t quite positive. If there is a significant enough change in intensity between the test line on your baseline test to your 7 DPP test — meaning your 7 DPP test is significantly lighter — then we can confirm that ovulation did in fact occur.
However we know that “significantly lighter” can be a little subjective. What you think is significantly lighter may not seem that way to us and vice versa!
Luckily, the Proov Insight app helps with this subjectivity since we have calibrated the app to match your test Proov test results to a numerical PdG level. The app will measure the difference in levels between your baseline and 7 DPP test to ensure enough PdG is present to confirm ovulation. Without a baseline, the app cannot confirm ovulation unless you get a positive PdG test, which some women may not get if their ovulation is weak.
But, as we know, confirming an egg was released is only a small snapshot of the successful ovulation picture. Baseline PdG tests can also help us ensure your PdG levels remain elevated to a high enough amount over the entire 7-10 DPP window.
If one or a few of your 7-10 DPP tests drop down to a PdG level close to your baseline, then that can be a sign your levels may be dropping too early in order for ovulation to be truly “successful.” If the change from your baseline shows that ovulation occurred but PdG doesn’t rise higher than that, we can also assume your ovulation is on the weaker side.
The entire PdG testing protocol matters!
By now, hopefully we’ve convinced you that your baseline PdG test is really important for gathering insight into your overall ovulation success. Without your baseline, you may not get the complete picture of your ovulation and PdG levels. Needless to say, it’s really important that you get a baseline test!
But remember that a baseline is only one piece of the Proov PdG testing protocol. In order to get your Ovulation Insights and score in the Proov Insight app, you must test on day 7, 8, 9, and 10 past peak fertility. Studies show that this testing window in the luteal phase is the time during your cycle when having elevated PdG levels is critical as it’s when implantation most commonly occurs.
If you miss one or two tests during this window, it can be difficult for us (and the app) to make a good assumption about the success of your ovulation. We’d hate to give you incomplete information!
Now that you understand how to use Proov PdG test that is baseline, you have set yourself up for success for the rest of your cycle. Happy testing!
If you have additional questions about your baseline or the Proov Insight app, please reach out to us at info@proovtest.com.
