Home Fertility Testing (Fertell) - Does it work?

[earplugs]

Has anyone used any of the home fertility tests such as Fertell and found them reliable?

I'm starting to get that very panicky feeling that after many months of trying, something may not be right.

At 35 I know I probably should be heading for the docs, but just, as a very last ditch attempt wondered if these kits might give us a clue.

Have you ever tried one? Any good?

Thanks!

[earplugs]

Am I nuts to be thinking about home FSH testing?

[pointsmakeprizes]

Hi I used some kind of test when TTC #1, it said everything was fine for me, it took me a year to conceive though, in that year I had tests at the Dr and everything also came up fine. So in that respect they may be reliable but if the tests come up with bad news then you will prob need to go the Dr anyway and have all the tests repeated so I think you should just go to the Dr - it will also feel like you are being pro-active and it just helps to talk about it with someone, it's very stressful. I am TTC #2 and only on cycle 2 but am already beginning to get stressed and worked up and overwhelmed by the thought of many months of TTC ahead.

[earplugs]

Thanks points, I'm also TTC #2 and have just reached the 6 month mark and starting to get worried. DH wants to us to keep trying a few more months before going to the docs (think he's also a bit worried about what we might find) so thought this might give us clue if we need to act now.

The stress of it all is mad isn't it! I just don't see how you can not get stressed with each passing month!

[chubbymummy]

Also TTC#2 (or #4 if you count 2MMC's) and it's been 2 years of trying now! To be honest my doctors have been useless, the attitude was "what's the problem? you already have a DC and have had 2 miscarriages so you can obviously get pregnant!" Home testing might be the way to go for me then

[earplugs]

Hi Chubbymummy, I'm affraid that will be the reaction of our docs as well which isn't helping. I've always avoided the docs even at times when I should have gone as they've always made me feel like I'm time wasting.

I figured that if the home test says something is wrong then its time to bite the bullet but if not, then give it til xmas.

I take my hat off to you, I think after 2 years I would have lost the plot. I can't believe how the desperation grows with each month.

Good luck if you decide to go with the tests, just for info I'm not sure that Fertell is available anymore. Boots no longer stock it, its not available from their website to order and no one answers their helpline tel no. There are other less well known ones online tho.

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Would agree with Londonlottie here; save your money and get GP to run tests instead(along with referring you to the hospital subfertility unit). Both of you should be tested in tandem (it is little point you having tests only for them to test him much later and find there is a male factor problem). Gynaes generally like to see women of 35 and over after six months of ttc.

Don't use fertell and these other home testing kits; they are not reliable and are a waste of money.

[earplugs]

Thanks ladies, appreciate the advice. Will make an appointment this afternoon, it usually takes weeks before one is available anyway.

Sorry chubbymummy, knowing how stressful TTC is and then to have it all swiped from under your feet by MC must be devastating. I really hope that you can find a GP that is understanding.

I have already ordered the home kits (How impatient am I????!!!) but will do a little study of my own & compare the results with those of the GP (although the GP will test for many more criteria).

Will report back with results...

[glasgowlass]

Totally agree with others, forget the home tests, go to GP and ask for referral to subfertility unit where you and your partner will be tested. You may need to voice this as most GP's are useless when it comes to fertility issues (trust me on that one )

All the best, the threads here are great and there will always be someone about with experience advice should you need it so dont hesitate to ask anything.

slight hijack Attila received my appt for further investigations for my PCOS I mentioned on other thread, 20th Oct! Will let you know how I get on....

[lovechoc]

I got the Fertell test from Boots, DH tried it and his results were 'normal' and I was just about to test when I had the urge to do a HPT and then found out I was pg with DC1! Big shock. Had been trying but not really trying IYKWIM.

If you have the money then go for it but if the results aren't good as others have said, you'll need to see your GP anyway to discuss this.

Good luck and I hope everything works out well for you.

[earplugs]

Congrats Lovechoc! Great news, I hope you have a trouble free pregnancy.

DH is insisting that we try a few more cycles and if nothing by Xmas then we'll go straight to the docs (or pay to be seen private - this is how he has convinced me to wait!)

I haven't been able to get hold of Fertell but my internet kits have arrived. I can't say I'm impressed. I have done a FSH test strip which didn't detect FSH which is meant to be a positive sign but need to repeat in a weeks time apparently to be sure.

The sperm test looks suspect and consists of some test tubes, and a bottle of blue dye that you add to the sample, keep warm for an hour and then look for a colour change.Won't be placing much confidence in this!

[lovechoc]

Oh that was 3 years ago, currently trying for no2, but not with great success

Earplugs, I definately agree, go to GP if nothing happen by the end of the year. In the meantime, it will be fun trying out the kit you bought, although if you have any worries I would still contact your GP all the same IMHO.