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What is Proov test?
Proov an FDA cleared test for PdG, which is a metabolite of progesterone. Good progesterone production is essential for successful conception but can be difficult to test for in the sense that it normally requires blood tests on specific cycle days. Not only can these be hard to organise but can also be costly if not covered by your healthcare provider. Proov is a urine test that can be done at home that can help you to establish whether ovulation has occurred and whether progesterone levels would be sufficient for conception (if that is your goal).
How does it work?
Proov PdG testing is completed via a series of 5 urine tests. Much like taking a pregnancy test, you pee into a cup, dip the stick and read your results according to the package instructions within the required timeframe. The protocol relies on using the tests at specific times in the cycle. Firstly, you take a baseline test – this is taken on cycle day 5 or the day after your period ends, whichever is later. You only need to take a baseline every 6 cycles if using Proov regularly. After this, you continue to track your ovulation signs – in my case, this was via cervical mucus, cervical position and basal body temperature – until peak is identified. Following peak, you then take 4 tests between 7 and 10 days post-peak.
Why I’m using it
I’d been watching Proov tests for a long time. Initially, they weren’t available for shipping to the UK but recently, Proov very kindly gifted me a pack for me to write this review. To me, they provide a really exciting development in the femtech space as I don’t think there’s anything similar out there at the time of writing this. Lots of people aren’t able to access complex blood work and would prefer an at-home solution for getting that initial idea of how their reproductive health is doing. Of course, if concerned, it is vital to work with your doctor to explore any potential health issues but in our busy world, Proov is an amazing product to have available.
I have never done any sort of fertility testing besides the odd LH test (I find them confusing to read and would often miss my window to use them) or generally just practising FAM according to my method’s rules. Being able to get an insight into my ovulation quality (as opposed to only seeing whether I ovulated or not via FAM), was something I was incredibly interested in.
My experience using Proov
Using Proov was a fairly seamless experience. The package contained 5 PdG tests, instructions, and a card to photograph your tests on for upload to the app. The instructions provided in the pack were clear and easy to follow and I liked that they provided the photographing card so you don’t have to worry about finding the right colour background to take a picture on (the card is grey/white). The tests themselves were well-packaged in easy to open foil packets (much like HCG or LH tests) with a silica gel pack inside each one to keep them in good condition.
To take my tests, I simply collected first-morning urine in a cup, dipped the test strip then waited for the required time to read the results. The instructions clearly tell you how to interpret your results, or you can upload a photo into the app for it to automatically analyse for you.
My results
I’m pleased to report that my result came out as positive for the cycle, meaning that my ovulation was of sufficient quality to conceive, had that been my goal. I’m personally trying to avoid pregnancy so I took this outcome as a sign that I’m heading in the right direction with the healthy lifestyle changes I’ve been making lately and that my current actions are in line with good hormonal health. As you can see from my chart during the cycle I tested, I had a clear thermal shift as well as a good pattern of cervical mucus – these signs fitted within my own method’s rules so I was able to confirm successful ovulation here as well as with the Proov PdG test.
Note: unfortunately, during the time I was testing and the time of writing/releasing this article, the Proov app hasn’t been working for me to be able to get further insight into my results. Normally, I would be able to upload photographs of the tests to receive a numerical output of my PdG levels. During the cycle I tested, the brilliant support team helped me to determine that my tests were positive manually and advised me that I will be able to retrospectively upload the photographs for numerical data. I will update this post when I’m able to do this to share screenshots.
Update: I was able to obtain quantitative values for my ovulation score for the 4 days in my luteal phase. They were positive with a value of 5.1, positive with a value of 7.0, positive with a value of 6.0 and positive with a value of 7.0. According to the team, this is indicative of a healthy ovulation which was great to hear!
Update – a few cycles later
To follow up, I was able to plug my results into the app a few cycles later with a new pack of tests. Unfortunately, this ovulation wasn’t as strong given that I had been unwell during this cycle (illness can impact ovulation quality). I really love how interesting the insights are and definitely think they could be helpful if you’re undergoing medical tests as they provide that bit more information.
Would I recommend?
Overall, I would recommend Proov to anyone interested in understanding where they are with regard to their hormonal health. More specifically, I think it would be a great tool for someone who is trying to conceive to assess whether they may need to link in with their healthcare provider if ovulation quality is shown to be lower via the test. I really enjoyed using it myself as, even though I am TTA, I think it’s amazing to be able to take a snapshot of your reproductive health with such technology.
If you’re interested in trying a Proov PdG kit (or any of their other offerings), head to their website for a discount via this link.
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