Can Oova detect pregnancy?

While trying to conceive, we know it's just as important to detect pregnancy as it is trying to time intercourse. Oova's test can help with BOTH!

Before we get into how Oova can help, it's important to understand what you're trying to measure and how typical pregnancy tests work. Home pregnancy tests check your urine for the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Women only make this hormone when pregnant. HCG is released when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus lining, signaling that pregnancy has begun.
Another hormone critical for helping you get pregnant is luteinizing hormone (LH). LH is the hormone that indicates the ideal time to have intercourse to optimize your chances of getting pregnant.

HCG is structurally and functionally similar to LH. This is the primary reason the Oova test can "unofficially" tell you if you have successfully conceived. Oova's LH antibody non-specifically binds to beta-hCG (the pregnancy hormone).

If you timed intercourse correctly, confirmed ovulation with Oova, and now want to detect an early pregnancy, there is a specific pattern you should look out for. You will want to see if your LH and progesterone remain elevated after ovulation. The LH may reduce to your baseline for several days after ovulation, but the LH should begin to increase once ovulation is confirmed. If this pattern is detected, it would be best to get a pregnancy test to confirm!

Here is an example of the hormone pattern you may see:

In the above image, ovulation occurred on CD15 and was confirmed on CD18. Notice how the LH levels drop back to baseline for 9 days after the peak. On the 10th-day post ovulation (10DPO), the LH begins to rise again while the progesterone remains elevated. This indicates that the Oova test is now binding to the HCG present in the urine versus LH.

If you have questions about your data or if you would like an Oova team member to review your Oova data, schedule a free consult with us!