Pregnancy & Fertility Tests

Fertility Tests at Walgreens

If you’re planning or trying to conceive, fertility and pregnancy tests can help you determine fertile times during your cycle and plan for pregnancy. Walgreens offers a variety of fertility tests, pregnancy tests, and supplements online and in stores.

For pregnancy to occur, sexual activity must take place around the time an egg is released from the ovaries, a process known as ovulation. Ovulation occurs around the middle of a woman's cycle, about two weeks before menstruation. If you have irregular periods, it may be hard to predict when ovulation will occur. Fortunately, ovulation prediction tests may help predict when ovulation is about to happen so you can time sexual activity in order to increase your chances of conceiving. You can also use other fertility tests such as home sperm count tests to determine if there are other factors affecting conception.

How do Ovulation Tests Work?

Ovulation tests can give you an idea of when you're most fertile. Most tests check for an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH), a hormone released prior to ovulation. These tests measure LH in your urine using a special test stick. This type of test can identify your two most fertile days.

The tests are available in an easy-to-interpret digital form. Other tests measure LH and another hormone called estrogen, which rises as you near ovulation. By measuring both hormones, these tests can identify up to six of your most fertile days so you can plan sexual activity around the times you're most fertile.

Fertility watches are another option for getting an idea of your most fertile days. These wristwatch-type devices may be able to pinpoint ovulation and identify your four most fertile days. They're comfortable to wear and do not require a urine sample.

Sperm Count Tests

Are you having trouble conceiving? If your partner has a low sperm count, it can make it hard for you to conceive. Fertility home sperm tests include everything you need to see if your partner's sperm count is likely high enough for conception. The test is easy to interpret. A positive result may mean your partner's sperm count is above the range considered sufficient for conception to occur. A negative result may mean the sperm count is below this range. This easy-to-use test can be performed in the comfort of your home. If the results show a low sperm count, your partner may need to see a healthcare provider to address possible infertility issues.

Dietary Supplements for Fertility

Supplements are available that may support healthy sperm production. These supplements often contain vitamins, amino acids and natural botanicals that may have the potential to boost sperm motility. Supplements are also available to help women maximize their fertility. These supplements contain an array of nutrients that may help prepare your body for pregnancy. More research is needed to confirm the benefits and effectiveness of these supplements.

Other fertility supplements for women may provide hormonal support. These supplements may help to maintain a healthy balance of hormones for overall health and fertility. The supplements are formulated with a special mixture of vitamins, minerals and herbs like chasteberry. A few small studies show this type of nutritional support may improve fertility in women although more studies are needed.

Dietary supplements have the potential to interact with medications and other supplements and may not be appropriate for certain individuals. Always get your healthcare provider's approval before taking any kind of supplement.

Pregnancy Tests

If you think you might be pregnant, a home pregnancy test is a quick way to confirm. Home pregnancy tests are available with a choice of digital or developed results appearing as words, lines, or symbols.

How do home pregnancy tests work?

Most home pregnancy tests use a dipstick to test your urine for a certain hormone present in urine during pregnancy called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). You will be able to read the test results directly after waiting the amount of time instructed on the product package.

How accurate are pregnancy tests?

Home pregnancy tests are usually up to 99% accurate if used correctly as directed by the package instructions and before the product’s expiration date. False negative results are possible with home pregnancy tests, so it’s important to contact your healthcare provider if you experience delayed or absent periods. Missed or late periods can be caused by other health conditions as well.

How soon can you take a pregnancy test?

You can take a home pregnancy test as soon as the first day of a missed period. Some early home pregnancy tests can be taken a few days sooner than a missed period but the results may be less accurate. If you have irregular periods, you may need to take a home pregnancy test three weeks after intercourse instead of waiting for a missed period.

When should you take a pregnancy test?

It is recommended that you take a pregnancy test first thing in the morning. This can help ensure the most accurate results.

Health and Fertility

If you are having trouble getting pregnant or experiencing any abnormal symptoms with your menstrual cycle including missed or absent periods, be sure to see your healthcare provider in order to find out the cause. Your healthcare provider can suggest a plan for increasing your chances of conceiving.

Walgreens is proud to offer fertility support and fertility specialized pharmacy services including supportive counseling, interactive educational tools, medication training and 24/7 pharmacy support to help individuals navigate fertility treatment.