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 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 7/19/21
The patented Proov PdG testing protocol can provide you with powerful information to help you move forward.
If you’re here, you’re probably gearing up to take your 4 Proov PdG tests — yay! We are so excited for you to have powerful information to help you move forward (in a few days, of course).
We get a lot of questions about our patented Proov PdG testing protocol such as, “Why do I need to test all 4 days?” and “Do I keep testing after a positive Proov test?” These are great questions that we’re going to answer in this blog so you have a better understanding of why following the protocol is so important. Let’s dive in!
What is the patented Proov PdG testing protocol?
Our patented Proov PdG testing protocol is what we created to confirm successful ovulation and help you get the most valuable information out of your Proov PdG test results. The good news is that the Proov Insight app will guide you on when to use Proov test according to the Proov PdG testing protocol.
First, we recommend testing your PdG levels on cycle day 5 or the day after your period ends (whichever comes later) to establish a baseline when your levels should be low. This test will be negative, but also may look different for everyone as our natural PdG levels are all slightly different.
Then, you’ll track peak fertility using the method of your choice. Proov Predict tests can be read directly in the Proov Insight app, which will give numeric LH levels and identify your “peak day” for you. Otherwise, you can set your peak day manually in the menu on the top right corner of your screen.
Finally, the Proov Insight app will automatically count out 7 days and prompt you to take a PdG test on days 7, 8, 9, and 10 past peak fertility. Remember to always use first morning urine and to scan your result between 5 and 10 minutes after dip!
You must test all 4 days during the PdG testing window in order to get your Ovulation Insights and score. We like to see 3-4 positive PdG tests during the testing window to confirm that ovulation was in fact successful. Without all 4 PdG tests, the app cannot analyze your ovulation or calculate a score.
What does testing PdG levels tell me?
Testing PdG levels using the Proov PdG testing protocol can give insight into your overall ovulation success. In order for ovulation to be considered “successful,” an egg must be released and PdG levels must remain adequately elevated for several days during the luteal phase (the second half of your cycle). If PdG levels don’t rise to an optimal level or drop too soon, we consider this to be “weak” ovulation, which can make it more difficult to successfully conceive.
PdG is the urine metabolite of progesterone — the hormone released only after ovulation occurs and is necessary in making the uterus “sticky” enough to allow for an embryo to implant. Studies show that implantation most commonly occurs on days 7 through 10 past peak fertility, with the most common implantation day being day 9 past peak. This means having elevated levels during that window is critical for supporting implantation.
In fact, PdG is so important that recent studies show that elevated and sustained PdG levels during the luteal phase increase chances of successful pregnancy from just 19% to 92%! That’s a pretty powerful hormone marker.
So why do I need to take all 4 Proov PdG tests?
Great question! Simply put, without all 4 PdG tests we cannot get a good enough picture to confirm whether or not it was successful.
Let’s talk through an example: PdG levels can fluctuate day by day and have been known to dip slightly on 8 or 9 DPP, but will then increase again on 10 DPP. This pattern is super common and can still result in a successful ovulation, as long as you get a positive on 10 DPP.
However if you miss a test, it would be hard for us to tell if a negative on day 8 or 9 was just a slight PdG dip, or if your PdG levels aren’t staying elevated for the entire 7-10 DPP window (meaning they’re either rising too late or dropping too soon). The dip could either be a totally normal PdG fluctuation or it could be a sign of suboptimal levels — we just wouldn’t be able to tell.
Because of this, we wouldn’t be able to provide you with accurate information, insights, or “Improovments” based on your results. The Proov Insight app will not provide your Ovulation Insights or score unless all 4 tests have been recorded in the app. We’d hate to give you inaccurate information based on incomplete testing!
If I get a positive PdG test, can I stop testing?
This is another common question we get, and hopefully by now you know the answer is no — even if you get a positive PdG test, we still recommend you continue testing. While a single positive does confirm that ovulation occurred, you must test all 4 days in order to confirm ovulation was successful.
Even if you get a positive result, it’s totally possible that your PdG levels could drop later in the window, which can make it more difficult to successfully conceive. While it is possible to conceive since you did ovulate, we still think more information — especially in this case — is better!
Now that you understand the importance of the 7-10 DPP PdG testing window, you’re ready to start testing! Feel free to reach out to us at info@proovtest.com with any additional questions.
