At-home Fertility Testing: Everything You Need to Know

In today's world, we crave convenience and control in every aspect of our lives, and our reproductive health is no exception. Thanks to at-home fertility testing, gone are the days of waiting for doctor's appointments and lab results to gain insights into our reproductive health. Thanks to advancements in medical technology, we now have the power to test our fertility hormone levels from the comfort of our own homes. 

At-home fertility testing has emerged as a game-changer, offering convenience, privacy, and valuable information to those who want to take charge of their reproductive journey. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of at-home fertility testing, exploring its benefits, the top tests available, and why testing your fertility before considering options like egg freezing is crucial.

What is fertility testing?

When you hear “fertility testing,” this generally refers to tests that help indicate your ovarian reserve. As we age, our fertility naturally declines. This is totally normal, and due to fewer eggs in the ovaries, a decrease in egg quality, and an increase in chromosomal abnormalities of the remaining eggs. These collective factors contribute to lower pregnancy rates and higher miscarriage rates as we approach age 40.

While the decline in fertility happens to ALL of us, the specific age when we can no longer conceive varies from individual to individual. And in some cases, it may be earlier than we expected.

To assess your fertility potential, including your ovarian reserve, several tests are available that can give us clues to our reproductive capabilities. These tests can also help fertility doctors evaluate the likelihood of a successful pregnancy, and guide you in making informed decisions regarding family planning and fertility treatments.

Ovarian reserve testing is just one type of fertility testing. A full fertility assessment involves assessing various aspects of reproductive health to determine your fertility potential. These tests help identify any underlying issues that may affect fertility and guide individuals in making informed decisions about their reproductive choices. 

Should I test my fertility before egg freezing?

Absolutely. Before freezing your eggs, you will undergo a battery of tests to evaluate your ovarian reserve, hormone levels, and overall reproductive health. This can help you make informed decisions about the optimal timing for the procedure, setting realistic expectations, and maximizing the chances of successful outcomes.

By undergoing fertility testing before egg freezing, you gain insights into your ovarian reserve, which refers to the quantity of eggs remaining in your ovaries. Ovarian reserve testing typically involves measuring hormones such as Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). These hormones play a pivotal role in follicle development and the maturation of eggs within the ovaries. Understanding your ovarian reserve gives you a realistic understanding of your reproductive potential and helps determine the optimal timing for egg freezing. In fact, your hormones (including AMH) are correlated with egg retrieval outcomes, even more so than your age. 

Fertility testing before egg freezing also allows you to identify any underlying reproductive health issues that may affect the success of the procedure. For example, testing can reveal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal imbalances that may impact ovulation. By addressing these issues before undergoing egg freezing, you can maximize the chances of successful egg retrieval and future fertility treatments.

Best at-home fertility tests of 2024

If you’re not yet ready to see a fertility doctor and would prefer to do some at-home testing first, that’s totally possible. In this section, we review three of the top at-home fertility tests available in 2024, considering their features, pricing, hormones tested, and benefits:

LetsGetChecked Ovarian Reserve Test

Cost: $139 

Hormones measured: AMH

Why we like it: While it only tests one hormone, the test is simple and fast. It’s also the least expensive of the three, plus you can get 25% off with code COFERTILITY25.

Oova Fertility Hormone Kit

Cost: $159 one-time kit, $129 per month for membership

Hormones measured: estradiol, LSH, progesterone

Why we like it: Although this test is designed to give a peek at cycle insights vs. ovarian reserve, we’re suckers for data. Oova’s continuous testing model helps track hormone data over time — important information to know when planning for your fertility future. To score 10% off your first order, be sure to follow our link here.

‍Natalist Women’s Fertility Test 

Cost: $149

Hormones measured: estradiol, LH, FSH, TSH, and total testosterone

Why we like it: Natalist provides comprehensive insights into ovarian reserve, empowering individuals to assess their fertility potential in the comfort of their own homes. Plus, it’s a woman-owned and woman-run company. Use Cofertility20 for 20% off your entire purchase.

Choosing the right at-home fertility test

When it comes to at-home fertility testing, you’ll want to find the right test that meets your specific needs and provides accurate and reliable results. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an at-home fertility test:

Hormones measured

Different at-home fertility tests measure varying combinations of hormones. Consider which hormones are most relevant to your fertility concerns. Commonly tested hormones include Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Understanding which hormones are included in the test can help you assess if it aligns with your fertility goals.

Testing method 

At-home fertility tests utilize different testing methods, such as urine-based tests or blood spot tests. Consider your preference and comfort level with the testing method. Urine-based tests are convenient and non-invasive, while blood spot tests require a small finger prick for blood sample collection. Choose the method that suits you best.

Accuracy and reliability

Look for at-home fertility tests that have been validated and proven to provide accurate and reliable results. Read customer reviews and check for any certifications or endorsements from reputable organizations. Accuracy is crucial when making important decisions about your fertility, so opt for tests that have a track record of producing reliable results.

Cost 

Consider the cost of the at-home fertility test. Prices may vary depending on the brand and the number of hormones tested. Determine your budget and compare the prices of different tests to find one that offers good value for money. Keep in mind that fertility testing is an investment in your reproductive health and future, so prioritize quality and accuracy over cost alone.

Bonus features

Some at-home fertility tests offer additional features or services that can enhance your testing experience. For example, some tests provide personalized reports with detailed explanations of your results and recommendations. Others may offer access to fertility experts or provide educational resources to help you understand your fertility better. Consider these additional features and, if you think you’ll use them, choose a test that aligns with your preferences and needs.

What can an at-home fertility test tell me?

Fertility tests are powerful tools that provide valuable insights into your reproductive health and potential. They offer a comprehensive assessment of various aspects of your fertility, allowing you to understand your body's unique dynamics and make informed decisions about your reproductive future. 

Ovarian reserve testing measures the quantity of eggs remaining in your ovaries. In particular, hormone tests that examine your AMH and FSH levels provide information about the quantity of eggs available for fertilization. These tests can give you an indication of your ovarian reserve and help determine the optimal timing for egg freezing, fertility treatments, and family planning options.

Fertility tests assess the levels of various hormones involved in reproductive health. Abnormal hormone levels can indicate something that may affect your fertility down the line. For example, conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders can impact fertility and require targeted treatment. By identifying any issues early on, you and your healthcare provider can proactively tackle any underlying issues.

Keep in mind that fertility tests provide a snapshot of your reproductive health at a specific point in time. They offer valuable information but do not guarantee future fertility or pregnancy outcomes. You’ll want to discuss the results of your fertility tests with your doctor who can interpret the findings in the context of your individual circumstances.

What *can’t* an at-home fertility test tell me?

While fertility tests can provide valuable insights into your reproductive health, it's important to understand their limitations. 

One of the common misconceptions is that fertility tests, particularly AMH, can predict your chances of getting pregnant unassisted. In fact, studies have shown that AMH is not related to time to pregnancy. 

Fertility tests cannot provide a definitive prediction of your ability to conceive without assistance. Beyond just ovarian reserve, fertility is a complex interplay of various factors, including egg quality, sperm quality, uterine health, and overall reproductive function. The test results can give you an indication of your ovarian reserve and potential response to egg freezing or IVF, but they cannot guarantee unassisted conception.

Fertility tests provide insights into your current fertility status but cannot predict your fertility potential in the future. Your reproductive health will change over time due to various factors, including age, lifestyle choices, and underlying medical conditions. So even if your fertility test results are within the normal range, it does not guarantee that your fertility will remain the same in the future. Regular monitoring and discussions with your healthcare provider are essential to track any changes in your fertility health over time.

Understanding the limitations of fertility tests can help manage expectations and help you make informed decisions. It's important to view these tests as tools to assess certain aspects of your fertility health, but not as definitive predictors of your reproductive journey. Consulting with a fertility doctor can help you interpret the test results in the context of your individual circumstances and guide you through the next steps in your fertility journey.

Summing it up

By understanding what fertility tests can and can’t tell you, you gain valuable knowledge about your reproductive health and fertility potential. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about family planning, seek appropriate medical intervention if necessary, and take proactive steps to optimize your fertility. Fertility tests are a vital tool in the journey towards building the family you desire, providing valuable insights that can guide you on the path to reproductive success.

However, it's important to remember that fertility tests have their limitations. They provide a snapshot of your fertility health at a specific point in time and cannot guarantee future outcomes. It's crucial to interpret the test results in the context of your individual circumstances and consult with a fertility doctor for a comprehensive evaluation of your reproductive health.

Ultimately, knowledge is power, and by understanding your fertility health, you are better equipped to make decisions that align with your personal goals and aspirations. Embrace the opportunities offered by at-home fertility testing, stay informed, and engage with fertility doctors who can provide guidance and support throughout your reproductive journey. With the right information and support, you can take charge of your fertility and empower yourself.

If you are interested in freezing your eggs, we can help! Our Freeze by Co platform is making egg freezing more empowering, positive, and accessible — even free — when you give half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.