US diagnostics company Proov announces fourth patent to identify fertile window

The US diagnostics company Proov has announced its fourth utility patent to pinpoint the fertile window in women.

The patent covers progesterone (PdG) testing via urine test – a method for identifying the fertile window by testing PdG and other hormones – and a multi-hormone test that includes testing for PdG and one or more other hormones associated with the menstrual cycle.

Progesterone is a critical hormone produced by the ovary after ovulation. One of the primary roles of progesterone is to prepare the uterine lining for implantation.

Without enough progesterone after ovulation, it can be more difficult for implantation to properly occur.

Prior to Proov’s offerings – the only FDA-Cleared urine PdG test – no diagnostic test could confirm successful ovulation.

Successful ovulation is defined as sustained, elevated PdG levels during the implantation window, and gives the best chance at conceiving.

Proov says its fourth patent adds to the company’s patent portfolio, related to the testing of PdG in urine in women.

This patent protects a system for at-home testing, with the ability to detect both PdG and luteinising hormone (LH), while providing users protection when displaying results for PdG and LH tests on an external device that has a graphical user interface.

The new patent encompasses a system that measures follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH), oestrogen, LH, and progesterone markers in urine to pinpoint the fertile window in women.

“As Proov continues to expand one of the most important patent portfolios in hormone signalling for women’s health, we will continue to build upon our efforts to aggressively enforce our patents and deter others from infringing upon the PdG and other testing technology that Proov has created,” says co-founder, Dr Amy Beckley.

Beckley launched Proov to empower women with critical information about their menstrual cycle, ovulation health and PdG levels after she was diagnosed with unexplained infertility.

“Most women don’t check their hormonal health because there’s no help available,” the co-founder says.

“Blood testing misses a lot of issues, so by simply giving women that insight and the actual hormone value we want to help them learn about their cycle and understand it.”

The Proov tests are available on Amazon and proovtest.com.