Home Fertility Test GuideIf you’re trying to figure out which home fertility test is right for you, then you know just how confusing it can be. A friend swears by a strange-sounding method called the mucus test. A daytime TV ad touts the benefits of ovulation predictors. But how do at-home tests determine the right time for conception? And which method is right for you? Here’s our rundown of the what’s, why’s and how’s of personal fertility tests. Basal Body Temperature (BBT) How it works: After ovulation the body releases progesterone, a hormone that slightly increases the body temperature. By taking your temperature daily with a thermometer, you’ll be able to pinpoint the temperature changes that happen after ovulation. Why is that helpful? Charting those changes over several months should give you a general idea of when you ovulate during your cycle. Pros: The basal home fertility test is relatively cheap. However, a regular thermometer won’t be able to measure the small temperature variations that indicated ovulation happened. Invest in a digital thermometer that reads to a tenth of a degree. Download a free chart from the web to keep track of your temperature or check out our article on free ovulation calendars. Cons: Whether you already have a houseful of kids or a busy full-time job (or both!), chances are you’re busy. Committing to daily basal charting can be challenging for the on-the-go woman. Cervical Mucus How it works: Around ovulation the cervical mucus becomes thinner to allow sperm to enter the uterus and fallopian tubes. You can determine when you’re ovulating by checking the consistency of the cervical mucus. For this home fertility test, collect cervical mucus between your thumb and forefinger. Spread the fingers apart up to two inches. If you’re ready to ovulate, the stringy mucous will stay intact. Some women use the cervical mucus test in addition to tracking basal body temperature.
Pros: This home test for fertility is free and no special equipment is required. Cons: Some might not be comfortable with the icky factor, while others may not be able to consistently check during the cycle. If that’s the case, this method isn’t for you. There are also several factors that affect the consistency of cervical mucus, including vaginal infections, the presence of semen, using lubricants or spermicides, and using allergy or cold medications that contain an antihistamine or decongestant. Ovulation Predictor How it works: If you’ve watched daytime TV lately, you’ve probably seen the ads for these at-home predictors. But how do they work? This home fertility test measures luteinizing hormone (LH), which increases 24 to 48 hours before ovulation. Simply dip a provided strip into your urine and match it to the color-coded strip that will indicate if you’re ready to ovulate. Pros: Ovulation tests are easy to find in drug or discount stores or on the web. The manufacturers also claim they’re more accurate than other at-home test methods. Cons: This kind of home fertility test is definitely pricier than other methods, with some kits costing as much as $60 for each ovulation cycle. What’s more, ovulation predictors may not work well if your cycle is irregular or if you’re sick or stressed out. They’re also not considered accurate if you’re taking fertility drugs, such as Pergonal or hCG. Start testing your fertility at home. Whether you choose to use basal body temperature charting or an ovulation predictor test, you can find tools to take control of your own fertility. Invest in a home fertility test today.
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