How Do Fertility Tests Differ Between Male Females?

image credit

When discussing pregnancy and conception, conversations tend to focus exclusively on women. It’s true that women do most of the work to bring a child into the world, but the role of men should not be discounted. This is especially true when it comes to fertility. For couples who are struggling to conceive, either partner may be responsible. Learn more about a fertility test for couples and how tests differ between men and women.

Hormone Testing for Females

When it comes to a woman’s fertility, there are two important factors — ovulation and hormone levels. Ovulation is imperative because it makes mature eggs available for fertilization, and hormones are important because they create — or jeopardize — an environment that’s hospitable to a growing embryo. Hormone testing for women can provide insights into both of these factors.

A home female fertility test will typically assess the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormones, estrone-3-glucuronide, luteinizing hormone, and progesterone metabolite. All of these hormones are imperative to both ovulation and conception, and hormonal imbalance is one of the most common causes of infertility. Measuring the levels of each of these hormones can help you understand the factors that affect your fertility.

You can also use PdG test strips to assess ovulation — even after it has occurred. This differs from traditional tests that are only able to predict ovulation before it’s happened. This can provide further insight into your ovulation patterns, and this knowledge will help you try to conceive during times of peak fertility. A PdG test works by measuring the concentration of progesterone in your body.

Semen Analysis for Males

While there are many factors that may make it difficult for a woman to conceive, male infertility generally stems from a single problem — a lack of viable sperm. Genetic defects, STDs, and blockages can cause this issue, but the result is the same — you will struggle to get pregnant if your partner does not produce healthy sperm. This is why it’s important to invest in male fertility testing alongside female fertility testing.

Semen analysis is the most common form of male fertility testing. To perform this type of test, men must submit a sample of semen which is then analyzed and processed at a lab. The lab will examine the sample under a microscope, checking for the quantity of sperm it contains as well as the quality of the sperm.

Results will either be normal or abnormal. If a test indicates abnormalities, though, this doesn’t mean that a man is entirely infertile. In this case, the test should be repeated to

confirm the results and determine the best course of action. It may take longer and require some extra planning, but it is still possible to conceive even if your partner’s test reveals an issue with their sperm.

Trying to get pregnant can be an exciting time for couples, but it can also be exhausting if you encounter fertility struggles. Testing for men and women can offer essential knowledge to overcome the most common conception obstacles.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Space NK The Essential Selfcare Gift 2023

Space NK have released so many amazing edits over the last 12 months and 2023 is shaping up to be just as good with the latest launch - The Essential Selfcare Gift.

The theme of self care is going to be a dominant one for 2023 and from Space NK comes a box which is described as being the edit which gives you the perfect excuse to take a moment and focus on YOU. Whether that’s soaking with bath salts, indulging in a luxurious shower, lighting a candle, or simply taking care of your hands. When it all gets too much, come back to this box for a spot of self love.

Contents

• Space NK Flourish Enriching Body Wash (350ml)
• Jo Loves White Rose & Lemon Leaves A Scented Candle (185g)
• MIRROR WATER Soak Bath Salts (400g)
• Nursem Caring Hand Cream (75ml)

Worth £134, it is on sale right now for just £70 and inside there is a lovely mixture of brands and their products.

Find the Space NK The Essential Selfcare Gift on sale now.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Cult Beauty The Healthy Hair Edits 2023

If you love your hair care, then you are going to love the next offering from Cult Beauty because they have announced that there is to be four different boxes as part of their The Healthy Hair Edits 2023.

In the run up to Christmas, Cult Beauty released some pretty amazing 'edits' and more recently the Ultimate Skin Edit, so I have no doubt that this offering will be just as amazing.

The four Edits within this collection is The Hydration Edit, The Volume Edit, The Scalp Edit and the Curl Edit, so pretty much something for everyone and if you enjoy treats such as an MD London Blow Dry or a good hair mask, then these boxes are worth looking at.

Starting with The Hydration Edit which will be worth £145 but will go on sale for just £42!

Described as being the box which will give you that ready made routine to wash, treat and protect thirsty hair strands. Inside the box you will find: 

• Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Extreme
• Olaplex №7 Bonding Oil
• VIRTUE Restorative Treatment Mask
• Living Proof Triple Bond Complex
• Act+Acre Cold Processed Hair Cleanse Shampoo
• Act+Acre Cold Processed Conditioner
• Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner
• invisibobble Sprunchie Spiral Hair Ring Scrunchie – True Black
• Hair Towel

If this sounds like the box for you,  the waiting list is open.

Then we have The Volume Edit which is designed for those who want to dial up the volume and promote new growth,

Once this box is released, it is said to offer a saving of over 75% and products such as:

• Hair Gain Nourishing Miracle Treatment Mask
• Olaplex №7 Bonding Oil
• Grow Gorgeous Hair Growth Serum Intense
• invisibobble Sprunchie Spiral Hair Ring Scrunchie – True Black
• HUM Nutrition Hair Sweet Hair
• Fable & Mane Hair Oil
• VIRTUE Flourish Shampoo for Thinning Hair
• VIRTUE Flourish Conditioner for Thinning Hair
• Hair Towel

If this sounds like the box for you, the waiting list is open.

Up next is The Curl Edit and this one includes everything from wash day staples to nourishing creams and protective accessories.

Once this box is released, it is said to offer a saving of over 70% and products such as Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil is said to be one of the products inside alongside:

• Bouclème Curl Cleanser
• Bouclème Curl Conditioner
• NatureLab TOKYO Perfect Texture Curl Cream
• Living Proof Triple Bond Complex
• invisibobble Sprunchie Spiral Hair Ring Scrunchie – True Black
• Briogeo Curl Charisma
• Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Extreme
• Naturally Drenched Rebalance Pre-Conditioner Hair Treatment
• Hair Towel

If this sounds like the box for you, the waiting list is open.

The final box, the one that has really grabbed my attention is The Scalp Care Booster Box and as the name suggests, inside you will find a united routine of enhancing heroes to nourish and stimulate your follicles.

Said to offer a saving of around £15 when it launches, brands such as Christophe Robin will be found inside alongside:

• VIRTUE Refresh Topical Scalp Supplement
• Boucleme Easy Grip Scalp Massager
• Act+Acre Scalp Detox Treatment

If this sounds like the box for you, the waiting list is open.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Are Period Pants Worth It?

Switching to products which are more sustainable, better for the planet and are generally less wasteful is becoming the norm. From shampoo and conditioner bars, refillable shower gels, PCR plastic, reusable cotton pads and words such as Terra-cycle all being part of everyday life.

The latest switch I made was to period pants. Yes they are a thing. Having tried the Mooncup and genuinely finding it was just not for me, period pants are just genius and having now used them for 6 months, I wish I had switched sooner. For many, periods is a taboo subject, it is mentioned with embarrassment and sniggers but I’ve never found it awkward to talk about, shop for and even share the effects, symptoms - I’m talking cramps and PMS with anyone who asks (or doesn’t).

There is now, I’m pleased to say, many different branded period pant brands. From the highstreet with Primark, M&S and more recently Boots to brands such as Modi Body and Wuka and more that have frequented my inbox. I did a lot of research before making the switch, like choosing your brand of sanitary products that suit your menstrual flow, it is worth taking the time to work out what you need.

I choose the trusted M&S to start with, they had an offer that was too tempting to turn down with a buy 3 get one free deal. The initial outlay is something to bare in mind too. Where a box of tampons might cost between £2-£10, period pants come at differing prices starting around £12 rising upwards to £30 depending on the brand. But… they are reusable and can be washed, dried and worn over and over again.

For me, I have a medium to heavy flow and one thing that has always made me self-conscious is “have I leaked” the age old - sanitary towel has moved and I’m not protected or have I changed my tampon, I don’t want Toxic Shock Syndrome… none of this I’ve had since I switched. There is no “smell” that I’ve seen some refer too on social media, if you choose right there is no leaking, there is no need to panty liners, no need to carry around extra products - all you need is that one pair of pants per day, two if you feel more comfortable and you are good to go. Depending on your brand, period pants have what is referred to as a three-layer gusset and it’s job is to draw moisture away from the body, within that three-layer is an absorbent, anti-odour middle layer and a protective outer layer

The average pair of period pants is said to hold up to 3-5 tampons worth of fluids - so depending on your flow, depends on the type of pants you will need. For me, I wear them from showering in a morning until I shower in an evening and then change to a fresh pair for overnight. What’s more, they’re easy to wash and dry:

• Soak or rinse your pants in cold water immediately after removing them.
• Next, wash at 30 to 40 degrees with your other clothes and normal detergent.
• Once washed, do hang up to dry, rather than tumble drying.

Whether you favour hipster, high-waist or full brief, there is a whole range of period pants available and so far, it’s been worth every single penny I’ve paid and I’m glad I made the switch. They’re comfortable, easy to wash, easy to wear and are much better for the planet than sending products to landfill. 

See the entire Period Knickers range from Marks & Spencer here

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.