What is hCG? Beta hCG, tests and levels

Illustration of a person with hands on hips next to a medical shield icon; feature art for “What is hCG?”

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone made mainly by placental tissue after implantation. It has an alpha part and a beta part. Labs measure the beta part to avoid cross-reaction with other hormones, so clinical reports and our tools refer to beta hCG. Beta hCG is detectable in blood before most urine tests. Levels … Read more

Conception date vs intercourse date explained

Illustration of a woman presenting a calendar with icons to show that conception and intercourse dates can differ.

Key points Conception means fertilisation near ovulation, not the day you had sex. The fertile window spans six days and ends on ovulation day. Sperm can survive in the reproductive tract for up to five days, so sex before ovulation can lead to conception later. Implantation happens later again, most often 8–10 days after ovulation. … Read more

Do Ovulation Apps Work? Evidence, Limits & Better Ways to Time Intercourse

Illustration of a woman comparing an ovulation app on her phone with an LH test; headline reads “Do ovulation apps work?”.

Ovulation “prediction” sounds straightforward—until you look at real cycles. Many popular apps lean on calendar math, but ovulation varies by person and by month. Below is what independent studies and guidelines say, where tracking goes wrong, and practical (evidence-based) ways to time intercourse without overcomplicating your life. What the research actually says Key takeaways from … Read more