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For over 25 years, the makers of FIRST RESPONSE? have been a pioneer in women’s health, with a portfolio of innovative at-home fertility, ovulation and pregnancy tests kits.
Ovulation and fertility can be a very sensitive subject. Forget about actually giving birth to a kid, just trying to get pregnant can be an intense labor of love. Like most women, I’ve had my scares before actually trying to get pregnant, but, when the real question of starting a family with my husband came up, it seemed like fate. We got pregnant right away. [Although, in the course of ten minutes at our confirmation visit to the OBGY-N, the word miscarriage was said to me about a dozen times.] I was only 23 at the time and never thought getting pregnant could be anything but that easy. Now that I have a three and a half year old and with 28 looming a few months away, the subject has been brought up again. Over the past year alone, I have had months go by without a positive test, missed periods that got our hopes up, and one miscarriage. I am okay, but, it made me realize how important it is to keep track of the whole getting pregnant process, not just the trying to get pregnant.
First Response has a whole line of test products that you can use from the comfort and privacy of your own home. I was lucky to get their three core products to try out.
The First Response Fertility test helps you answer the burning question, “Can I get pregnant?” When used correctly, the test is over 95% accurate. On day three of your period (start from Day 1 of cycle, which includes spotting) you use the test just like a pregnancy test. You must use your first morning urine and then wait 30 minutes to read the test. The fertility test will read the Follicle Stimulating Hormones (FSH) to assess your ovarian reserve. This is one of the indicators on whether or not your can conceive. The test is also easy to read. You’ll have your standard reference line. If after 30 minutes you have no second line, or a second line lighter than the reference line your FSH levels are normal and your reserve is adequate. You can continue to try and conceive as normal. If a second line appears and it is darker than your reference line, your FSH levels are elevated or your reserve is low. This is when you should consult a physician. This test does not detect all fertility issues.
I found the test easy to use. I went ahead and made breakfast while waiting to see how my FSH levels were. Much less intimidating than a doctor’s waiting room. After the allotted time, I came back to find no second line had appeared. With that off my shoulders, I moved on to the second product.
The First Response Daily Digital Ovulation Test is amazing. And kind of dummy proof to use. You get a reusable Digital Reader that keeps track of your luteinizing hormone (LH) level from the previous day.
You take one of the twenty test stick, a one month supply, and insert it into the reader. An arrow tells you which way to put the stick in, so you’re not left wondering. There are approximately two days a month where you are likely to get pregnant. This tests, when used properly, can help you determine your own unique LH surge. On day 5 of your period, use your first mornings urine to take the test. Wait a whole five minutes and an easy to read Yes+ or No- pops up on the screen. If you get the o-kay, you should try to conceive in the next 24 to 36 hours. If you’re told not today, then retake the test at the same time the following day until you get the Yes+. In laboratory studies, the ovulation test was found to be 99% accurate at detecting the LH surge!
If you got the green light from your Ovulation test or your physician and you’ve tried to conceive, the hardest part now is the waiting. Unlike my favorite PC game, there is no sudden play of music to let your know the moment you’ve made a baby. You have to wait until close to the date of your next period. Luckily though, First Response has the only test that can tell you 6 days before you’re missed period, when used correctly! The test is so sensitive it can detect the pregnancy hormone, hCG, six days before your period and can be used at any time of day! I can attest to the fact that this is true. I used First Response with my first child and tested about a week early, I couldn’t wait anymore, at 10:30 at night after a long shift at work. It was one big fat, life changing positive!
First Response Pregnancy Test uses First To Detect? Technology to capture low levels of pregnancy hormones. In one clinical study, 68% of the samples tested positive for pregnancy early. Knowing as soon as possible when you’re pregnant is important. The first few weeks are a critical part of fetal development and knowing for sure can help you change or make better health choices for yourself and the baby! Just like the other tests, you use the stick first thing in the morning or at any time of day. Wait three minutes and check. Two lines means a positive test result and one line means a negative result. Pretty simple!
Fertility is complex. Women under 35 years old who have been trying to get pregnant for over 12 months or women older than 35 who have been trying to get pregnant for 6 months should consult a physician. These tests do not detect all fertility issues.
If you’re ready to try and conceive, then I highly recommend having these three products in your home. The ability to test yourself at home, with privacy, can be a less stress inducing activity. It can mean less time at your physician’s office and more time at home knowing you’re ready to conceive.
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I received products, free of charge, to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own and/or families. Take it or leave it. Click here to view the whole disclosure policy.
