Our Blog
Reserve & Renew: The Fertility Support Bundle I Wish I Had at the Start of My Journey
Sarah looks back on femme’s original Reserve & Renew fertility bundle, what she wishes she had known about ovarian reserve and ovulation tracking, and why ovarian reserve tests, Tempdrop and fertility supplements each need the right context. The original bundle is no longer available.
Learn more
Let's Talk Women's Health, Holistically - Quick(ish) Fire Questions with The Cheshire Acupuncturist
An interview with The Cheshire Acupuncturist, Kate Jackson, about acupuncture, menstrual cycles, fertility and pregnancy, with updated evidence context on what complementary therapy can and cannot claim.
Learn more
Why Health Trackers Are Not Just Another Stressor in Life
Can fertility tracking reduce rather than add to stress? Learn how Tempdrop collects overnight BBT, what temperature can confirm about ovulation, and how to use cycle data without chasing a perfect chart.
Learn more
Accelerate Action: Amplifying Women's Voices for Change
Rebecca reflects on femme’s Accelerate Action campaign and the voices of nine women discussing women’s health, workplace barriers, confidence, equality and the power of community-led change.
Learn more
hCG in Blood: How Pregnancy Testing Works & Why Blood Tests Are More Accurate
hCG in Blood: How Pregnancy Testing Works & Why Blood Tests Are More Accurate Pregnancy tests are an essential tool for confirming pregnancy, and they work by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is produced by the placenta shortly after a fertilised egg implants in the uterus. While both urine and blood tests can detect hCG, blood tests are significantly more accurate. Let’s explore why. What is hCG? Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that plays a vital role in pregnancy. It is secreted by cells in the developing placenta and helps maintain the corpus luteum, which in turn supports progesterone production to sustain the pregnancy. hCG levels rise rapidly in early pregnancy, doubling approximately every 48–72 hours. How Pregnancy Tests Work Pregnancy tests, whether at-home urine tests or laboratory blood tests, work by detecting hCG. However, the method of detection and accuracy differ between the two types of tests. Urine Pregnancy Tests Urine pregnancy tests are the most commonly used home-based tests. They work by detecting hCG in urine through a chemical reaction that produces a visible indicator, such as a line or a digital readout. Pros: Convenient, affordable, and provide quick results. Cons: Less sensitive, may yield false negatives if taken too early or if urine is diluted. Blood Pregnancy Tests Blood pregnancy tests are performed normally in a medical setting and can detect much lower levels of hCG compared to urine tests. However, the NG Precision all in one pregnancy test can now be used at home. There are two types: Qualitative hCG Blood Test – This test simply confirms whether hCG is present or not, much like a urine test. Quantitative hCG Blood Test (Beta hCG Test) – This test measures the exact amount of hCG in the blood, allowing doctors to track pregnancy progression and detect potential complications. Why Are Blood Tests More Accurate? Blood tests provide greater accuracy for several reasons: Earlier Detection: Blood tests can detect hCG as early as 6–8 days after ovulation, whereas urine tests typically require higher levels of hCG and may not be reliable until after a missed period. Lower False Negative Rate: Since blood tests can detect smaller amounts of hCG, they are less likely to produce false negatives compared to urine tests. Monitoring Pregnancy Health: Quantitative hCG blood tests can help track the progression of pregnancy and identify potential issues such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. (This is done within a medical setting) Conclusion While at-home urine pregnancy tests are convenient and widely used, blood tests offer a higher level of accuracy, earlier detection, and better monitoring of pregnancy progression. If you need confirmation or suspect a pregnancy but receive a negative urine test, a blood test can provide a definitive answer. The all in one at home blood pregnancy test can be used at any time and anywhere, you no longer need to wait for your morning urine.
Learn more
Basal Body Temperature Tracking: A Complete Guide for Fertility Tracking
A complete guide to basal body temperature tracking for fertility: how the post-ovulation temperature shift works, what BBT can confirm, its limitations, and how Tempdrop automates overnight temperature collection.
Learn more
Understanding Intimacy: How Emotional, Physical, and Psychological Connections Differ Between Men and Women
What does intimacy mean, and do men and women really experience it differently? Explore emotional, physical and psychological intimacy without relying on gender stereotypes, with practical guidance on communication, vulnerability and connection.
Learn more
Stress: Why Women Experience It and How to Destress Naturally
Why can stress feel especially heavy for women? Explore caring responsibilities, work, health and social pressures, plus practical NHS-aligned ways to manage stress without turning self-care into another obligation.
Learn more
Feeling low in January? Discover the power of Vitamin D
Feeling low in January? Learn why vitamin D matters in UK winter, the NHS recommendation to consider 10 micrograms daily, and why supplements should not be confused with treatment for low mood or Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Learn more
In The Press
Simplify Your Fertility Tracking with Tempdrop
Take the guesswork out of cycle tracking with Tempdrop, the smart wearable thermometer that fits seamlessly into your routine. Designed to learn your unique patterns, it provides accurate, reliable insights without the hassle of early wake-ups or daily charts.
