Should I Choose An At-Home Fertility Test or a Clinic Test?

How do at-home fertility tests work?

At-home fertility tests come with a set of instructions that direct you on how to use them. Here’s an overview of how it typically works: 

1. Order your at-home fertility test online - Browse the options, click "buy," and wait for your package to arrive at your place.  
2. Collect your sample - Most kits require a finger-prick blood sample to test your hormones.
3. Package it up - Follow the instructions to prepare your sample to be sent to the lab for analysis
4. Mail it back - Send your sample to the lab using the prepaid shipping label. Some brands offer free shipping and delivery as well.
5. Wait for results - Typically, within a few days to a week, you'll receive your results online or via an app.

It's worth noting that different tests have different collection requirements. 

Some might need to be done on specific days of your cycle, while others can be done anytime. 

Hence, it’s important to always read the instructions carefully- to ensure you get the most accurate results. 

Pros and cons of at-home fertility tests

Here’s the thing. At-home fertility tests solve the issue of long waiting lines at the doctor's office and provide results sooner. But like every medical at-home test, they have their pros and cons as well. Let's get real about them:

Pros ✅

• Convenience - Test from the comfort of your home, no long waiting lines, referrals from your GP or appointments needed
• Privacy - No need to fill out lengthy paperwork 
• Affordability - Generally less expensive compared to GP and clinic visits
• Accessibility - Great for initial screening, especially if you live far from specialists

Cons ❌

• No physical examination - Some fertility issues can only be identified through ultrasound or physical exam
• Doesn’t match the accuracy of clinic tests - Finger prick blood samples provide accurate results for some hormones, such as FSH, AM,H but not all 
• No expert interpretation - Understanding what those numbers really mean for YOU can be tricky, or require routing results to a GP or specialist
• Lack of follow-up - If something's abnormal, you'll need to book that clinic appointment anyway‍
• Acceptance by fertility clinics - Even when at-home test kits are assessed via accredited labs, not all tests are accepted by medical professionals or fertility clinics

Additionally, not all hormones can be tested on any day of your menstrual cycle. While AMH can be tested anytime, hormones such as oestrogen, LH and FSH are more accurate when tested on Day 2 or 3 of your cycle.

If you’re on birth control, the results may slightly vary as well. Some clinics require you to stop birth control and go through a “cool off period” before testing your hormones. 

The Difference Between At-Home Fertility Tests and Clinic Fertility Tests

Here’s the thing: both have value, but you’ll definitely get your money’s worth with better insights or details.

In fact, here’s a quick breakdown to help understand the differences:

At-home vs in-clinic fertility testing: A comparison

When to choose an at-home fertility test

At-home testing might be your cup of tea if:

• You're just starting to think about your fertility and want basic insights
• You're not actively trying to conceive yet, but are planning ahead
• You want to track changes in your hormones over time
• You're uncomfortable with clinic visits, or live far from specialists
• You're looking for an affordable first step
• You value privacy and convenience 

When to go for an in-clinic fertility test

It's time to book that clinic appointment if:

• You've been trying to conceive for 6+ months (if you're over 35) or 12+ months (if you're under 35)
• You have irregular periods or other symptoms that concern you
• You've had recurrent miscarriages
• You have a medical condition that might affect fertility (like PCOS, endometriosis, or thyroid disorders)
• You need a definitive diagnosis rather than just screening
• You're considering fertility treatments like IVF
• You want expert guidance on the next steps
• Your at-home test showed abnormal results that need further investigation

Let's be honest - if you're serious about understanding your fertility, especially if you're experiencing challenges, the clinic route is ultimately the way to go.

Ultimately, it's also about how it's accepted across clinics

Here's something the websites don't always mention: not all fertility specialists or clinics will accept at-home test results.

Many clinics have specific labs they work with and trust. They may want to repeat tests using their preferred methods before making treatment recommendations. This means your at-home results might not necessarily be actionable from a treatment perspective.

As a routine screening tool, at-home kits can be fine, but they don't tell the whole story. They don't give a definitive diagnosis for some hormones, and sometimes the sample of blood collected isn't sufficient for reliable results.

Also, not all kits are processed by accredited labs across the UK, which can raise questions about their validity in a clinical setting. 

When it comes to making important fertility decisions, many specialists prefer data they can fully trust.

Affordable fertility testing in the UK, via Amilis

At Amilis, we understand that fertility testing is an important step that shouldn't break the bank. That’s why we created accessible options that bridge the gap between basic at-home testing and comprehensive clinic assessments.

Infact, when you opt for fertility testing via Amilis, here’s what you get:

• Zero waiting times, and the option to book a fertility test anytime, at your convenience (via Randox and accredited labs across the UK- aka, they get accepted by most fertility clinics)
• An AMH test at just £80 and a full hormone panel at just £130 (50% cheaper than fertility clinics)
• A personalised report on your hormone levels and what your hormone levels could mean for your fertility 
• Book a free consultations with expert doctors, and with the best fertility clinics across the UK

Our approach combines the convenience you need with the clinical validity you deserve. 

We work with accredited laboratories and provide personalised reports of your reports (along with a stellar team that’s here every step of the way 👋), so you're never left wondering "what does this actually mean for me?"

Figuring out where to get started? Book a free call, or take our personalised fertility quiz to know more!

We’re making healthcare accessible and affordable in the UK, one day at a time 💪🏻