Fertility Testing for Women — Everything you need to know - Arva Health

Are you more familiar with the term “infertility” than “fertility”? Us too. 

It’s crazy that infertility clinics don’t tell us about fertility testing and only offer it to married partners struggling to conceive. At this point in their journey, the couple has already experienced emotional distress, pain, and quite a bit of shame (especially the woman, since “something might be wrong with her”). Their next steps would involve seeking specialist treatment, like trying artificial procedures, and, you guessed it, spending a lot of money. 

What is fertility testing?

When it comes to our health, why do we take action only once something goes terribly wrong? 1 in 6 couples in India experience infertility today. As the womxn of today are waiting longer to have kids, that number is rising rapidly. 

Infertility is not being able to conceive naturally, get pregnant, and have kids. So Fertility is the opposite, and Fertility Testing, are medical and physical assessments that test your ability to conceive, get pregnant, and have kids naturally. 

Fertility testing today lacks awareness, is inaccessible, and leads to expensive outcomes if approached too late. This is why Arva Health was born. We want to give women information about their fertility before they get to the trauma of experiencing infertility.

Since fertility declines with age, tracking it over time means you have more power and data to make choices that align with your goals, whether starting a family earlier or freezing your eggs. 

Factors affecting fertility

Before we dive into testing, let's talk about what can impact your fertility. It's not just about age (though that's a biggie). Your lifestyle, stress levels, and even that extra cup of coffee can play a role. Here are some key factors:

• Age (yep, we had to mention it)

• Weight (too high or too low can mess with your hormones)

• Smoking (not great for your eggs)

• Alcohol consumption (moderation is key)

• Stress (it's not just in your head)

• Medical conditions like PCOS or endometriosis

Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about your fertility journey. But remember, everyone's body is unique, so don't stress if you tick a few boxes – that's where testing comes in handy!

How is a fertility test done?

Now, you might be wondering, "Do I need to go to a clinic and get poked and prodded?" Not necessarily! At Arva Health, we've made it super simple. Here's how it works:

1. Order your test kit online (no awkward conversations needed)

2. Receive your kit at home (discreet packaging, we promise)

3. Follow the instructions to collect your blood sample (it's easier than you think)

4. Send it back to us (we've got prepaid shipping covered)

5. Get your results and personalized report (no medical jargon, just straight talk)

It's that easy! No need to take time off work or explain to anyone why you're going to a fertility clinic. Just you, in the comfort of your home, taking charge of your fertility.

Hormones are our body’s secret sauce.

Ah, hormones. Our friend that we love and hate but hardly understand. Hormones are chemical messengers responsible for regulating various functions in our body—like getting your period on time or ovulating. 

For example, Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is in charge of developing ovarian follicles (which house your eggs) and maturing one every month, so you ovulate. If your FSH levels are high, your body works extra hard to develop follicles and mature an egg. This can signify that your ovarian reserve (the number of eggs left in your ovaries) is low. 

An even better predictor of ovarian reserve is the Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH). The amount of AMH detected correlates with the number of eggs in your ovaries. If your AMH is high, it could mean you have many immature follicles—eggs that aren’t maturing and, therefore, irregular ovulation. This could be a sign of Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Getting this hormone tested, in conjunction with FSH and Estradiol (E2), along with an ultrasound if you want to go all the way, will give you a clearer picture of your fertility. 

Blood tests for infertility

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what we're actually testing. When it comes to fertility, it's all about those hormones, baby! Here are the key players we look at:

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): This hormone stimulates your ovaries to produce eggs. High levels might indicate that your ovaries are working overtime.

• Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH): This is the superstar of fertility testing. It gives us a good idea of your ovarian reserve (aka how many eggs you've got left in the bank).

• Estradiol (E2): This estrogen hormone works closely with FSH. We look at both to get a clearer picture of your ovarian function.

These tests give us a snapshot of your fertility at this moment. But remember, it's not just about the numbers – it's about understanding what they mean for you and your future plans.

Arva Health offers a Fertility Test that you can take yourself, in the comfort of your home. It's a simple blood test developed with India's best gynecologists and infertility specialists. You get access to the same test offered at a clinic and physician-approved reports that break down three fertility hormones.

The report is presented in easy-to-understand language, breaks down all the medical jargon, and explains how your fertility hormone levels should be interpreted for your age. If you still have questions, a vetted, non-judgemental doctor is just a call away.

But let's take a step back for a second. Why should you test and track your hormones over time?

As mentioned, fertility declines with age. This is why hormone testing is so important—whether you're trying for kids or not—because keeping tabs on your hormones alerts you of any red flags or gives you peace of mind if things are working the way they should. It's the ideal baseline for people who aren't trying for kids now but might want them in the future or are curious about egg freezing.

How much does a fertility test cost?

Now, let's talk money. We know that's probably on your mind. The cost of fertility testing can vary widely depending on where you go and what tests you get. At a clinic, you could be looking at anywhere from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 or more. Yikes, right?

But here's the good news: at-home testing, like what we offer at Arva Health, is typically much more affordable. Our comprehensive fertility test kit is priced competitively, making it accessible to more women.

At the cost of a fancy dinner out, you get valuable insights into your fertility. Plus, you're avoiding those pricey clinic visits and time off work. We'd call that a win-win!

Remember, investing in your fertility now could save you a lot of heartache (and money) down the road. It's not just about the cost – it's about empowering yourself with knowledge about your body.

An empowering first step.

At Arva, we want to ensure women and people who menstruate have enough information and resources about their fertility so they never have to go to an infertility clinic. That means having the fertility conversation with yourself and your partner now, avoiding huge expenses later.

By keeping track of your hormone levels, you truly have the freedom to plan and achieve your desired future—whatever that may be. Empower yourself with the first step.