How Accurate are Home Fertility Tests?
Fertility tests that can be performed at home are gaining popularity, and they are an excellent innovation for people interested in their fertility health. The question is, are they accurate? Is it worth relying on them to assist you in your fertility journey? Here are the details about these tests, their accuracy, their risks, and what to do after you find out the results.
Home Fertility Test Accuracy
Do at-home fertility tests work? In short, yes, but with some limitations. The results of these tests are fairly accurate for what they’re testing for since they look for specific markers. However, these tests are limited. It is impossible to determine your fertility status with one test alone, and stacking multiple tests will still not paint a comprehensive picture.
The reliability of at-home fertility tests can still vary, even if they’re used appropriately and according to instructions. Many tests claim to be 99% accurate, but these figures are based on lab conditions, and they are difficult to replicate at-home fertility tests. Fertility markers vary slightly from person to person, so at-home tests may not be accurate because of these differences. Tests may be accurate for certain people, but not all – and if you don’t use them correctly, their accuracy drops even further.
If you are going to send tests to a lab, look for tests approved by the FDA and performed by laboratories that follow Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) guidelines and that are interpreted by health care professionals. They are generally considered to be the most reliable.
Home Fertility Tests: Types
There are several at-home fertility tests available, each testing for a different factor. Using these at-home tests can help you better understand your fertility, or direct you to your healthcare provider for further information. It can be difficult to determine the accuracy of a home test, depending on what medical conditions you have or when you are using the test. The most popular fertility tests for home use are sperm tests, ovarian reserve tests, and ovulation predictor kits.
Ovarian Reserve Test (FSH test):
Using an at-home ovarian reserve test, you can measure your blood follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level at home. If you have high levels of this hormone, it may mean your ovaries are working extra hard, which would suggest fewer viable eggs remain. Although these at-home tests can give you false hope or unnecessary worry, they do not provide enough information to understand what is really going on with your eggs.
Ovulation Predictor Kits:
If you have a regular cycle and want to use an alternative to taking your body temperature every day or monitoring your cervical mucus every day, then this test may be helpful to you. The use of ovulation predictor kits isn’t appropriate for everyone, however. This test may be unreliable if your levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), the fertility hormone these tests detect, are outside of normal ranges due to irregular cycles.
Sperm Test:
When checking fertility health, three aspects of sperm are measured: movement (motility), shape (morphology), and number. The at-home sperm test only tells you if your sperm count is low, medium, or high, but it doesn’t tell you how healthy your sperm is. A semen analysis at home doesn’t provide any actionable information about male fertility because it provides such limited information.
Risks Associated With Home Fertility Testing
There are no health risks associated with at-home fertility testing, but the process can pose other risks. Firstly, the cost. At-home fertility tests are often thought to be cheaper than fertility clinics, but when you combine different tests or try multiple times, the costs can add up quickly. Moreover, you will need to consult a fertility specialist and start treatment. You can save money by starting your fertility health evaluation at a fertility center instead of taking the extra steps and paying for the extra tests.
Other risks include emotions and time. There is no problem with taking at-home fertility tests if you have extra time! If you were not able to conceive and had concerns about your reproductive health, taking at-home fertility tests could slow down the time between your first fertility appointment and when you receive fertility assistance. No doubt waiting times can add stress to fertility health, which certainly doesn’t help. In addition to being emotionally draining, waiting for and receiving results can also be a financial burden; however, if you consult a fertility specialist, you can get your results quickly and more comprehensively, as well as a hand to hold to help you understand them.
A Word from Hegde Fertility:
Despite their limitations, these tests can be used as a starting point for discussing fertility health with your fertility doctor in greater detail. Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about the results of your at-home fertility tests. A fertility test performed at home should not be a substitute for in-depth testing by your healthcare provider, but rather a complementary test. It’s best to talk to your healthcare provider about your fertility for more detailed information.
At Hegde Fertility Center, we are happy to support your fertility journey. We will guide you through the process, provide you with comprehensive fertility test results, and help you plan the best possible treatment to ensure that you are on the right path to starting a family. Make an appointment with us today at 8880 747474 to start speaking to a fertility specialist!
