Tracking fertility helps many people understand their cycles for planning pregnancy or monitoring health. Modern technology offers several devices to assist with this process. Inito, Mira, and Kegg are three advanced fertility tracking systems available today.
Each uses a different method to provide insights into your cycle. This post compares Inito, Mira, and Kegg. We will look at how each device works, its benefits, and its limitations. This will help you choose the tracker that fits your personal needs.
Key Takeaway:
- Inito:
- Uses a mobile-connected test strip reader.
- Tracks multiple hormones (LH, E3G, PdG) for full-cycle insights.
- Best for those wanting lab-grade fertility data from home.
- Mira:
- Smart analyzer with AI-powered app.
- Measures LH, E3G, PdG, and FSH (depending on test wands).
- Ideal for users with irregular cycles or PCOS.
- Kegg:
- Vaginal sensor detecting electrolyte shifts related to cervical fluid.
- Predicts fertile window based on cervical fluid quality.
- Great for users looking for hormone-free, non-invasive tracking.
Overview of Inito
Inito is a fertility monitor that attaches to your smartphone (currently iPhone only). It analyzes urine test strips to measure the actual numerical values of key fertility hormones. Specifically, Inito tracks Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Estrogen (E3G), Progesterone metabolite (PdG), and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) using a single test strip. By measuring these four hormones, Inito aims to identify up to six fertile days per cycle and confirm that ovulation occurred by detecting the rise in PdG. The results, including hormone concentration levels and charts, are displayed in the Inito app within about 10 minutes.
Pros and Cons of Inito
- Pros:
- Measures four key hormones (LH, Estrogen, PdG, FSH) from one test strip.
- Provides actual numerical hormone values, not just threshold results.
- Helps identify the full fertile window and confirms ovulation via PdG.
- Useful for users with irregular cycles or conditions like PCOS due to comprehensive hormone data.
- App displays clear charts and data that can be shared with doctors.
- HSA/FSA eligible.
- Cons:
- Currently only compatible with specific iPhone models; requires removing the phone case.
- Requires purchasing test strips regularly (around 12-15 per average cycle), adding ongoing cost.
- Higher initial cost compared to basic ovulation tests.
- Requires daily testing with urine during the testing window.
Overview of Mira
Mira is another at-home fertility tracker that measures hormone concentrations in urine. It uses test wands inserted into a small, egg-shaped analyzer. Mira provides quantitative (numerical) results for Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Estrogen (E3G) to identify the fertile window. Separate wands (or combination wands like Max/Clarity) are available to also measure Progesterone metabolite (PdG) for confirming ovulation and FSH for ovarian reserve insights. The Mira analyzer syncs with a smartphone app via Bluetooth, displaying hormone curves, numerical scores, and cycle predictions based on AI analysis of your data. Results take about 16-21 minutes.
Pros and Cons of Mira
- Pros:
- Measures quantitative levels of key fertility hormones (LH, E3G, PdG, FSH options).
- Provides numerical data and hormone curves via the app.
- Uses AI to learn cycle patterns and personalize predictions.
- High accuracy (claims 99%) in detecting hormone levels, similar to lab tests.
- Helpful for irregular cycles, PCOS, and perimenopause monitoring.
- Portable analyzer with a travel case.
- HSA/FSA eligible.
- Cons:
- Requires ongoing purchase of test wands, which can be expensive ($50-$100+ per cycle).
- Testing takes longer (16-21 minutes) compared to Inito.
- Initial starter kit cost is significant.
- Potential for app syncing issues (mentioned in some user reviews).
Overview of Kegg
Kegg takes a different approach by tracking fertility through changes in cervical fluid. It is a small, egg-shaped intravaginal device inserted daily for a brief reading (about 2 minutes). Kegg uses impedance sensing technology to detect the electrolyte changes in cervical fluid that correspond to the shift from non-fertile to fertile fluid before ovulation. Fertile cervical fluid (like egg white consistency) has different electrical resistance than non-fertile fluid. Kegg identifies this transition to predict the fertile window. The device syncs data to an app and can also function as a Kegel exerciser.
Pros and Cons of Kegg
- Pros:
- Tracks fertility via cervical fluid changes, predicting the fertile window in advance.
- Requires only a 2-minute daily reading (when not menstruating).
- No ongoing costs for test strips; it’s a one-time device purchase.
- Hormone-free tracking method.
- Doubles as a Kegel exerciser for pelvic floor health.
- Offers a supportive online user community.
- HSA/FSA eligible.
- Cons:
- Requires daily vaginal insertion, which may not appeal to everyone.
- Accuracy relies on consistent daily readings within a specific time window.
- May be less effective for highly irregular cycles or certain vaginal conditions.
- Predicts fertility based on fluid trends, but doesn’t measure specific hormones or confirm ovulation like PdG tests.
- High initial purchase price.
- Currently only ships within the US for direct purchases.
FAQs
What is the main difference between Inito, Mira, and Kegg?
Inito and Mira are hormone-based fertility trackers, while Kegg is a cervical fluid-based device. Inito uses test strips analyzed by a phone-mounted reader to detect multiple hormone levels, including LH, E3G, and PdG. Mira works similarly but uses a handheld analyzer and app to give quantitative hormone readings, with optional tests for FSH.
Kegg, on the other hand, is a vaginal sensor that tracks electrolyte changes in cervical fluid, helping to predict ovulation based on fluid quality rather than hormones. Each tool offers unique insights into the fertile window, depending on the method of measurement and the user’s needs.
Which device is best for users with irregular menstrual cycles?
Mira is widely considered the most helpful for women with irregular cycles, including those with PCOS. Its AI-backed app and advanced hormone quantification allow for highly personalized fertility predictions.
Inito also tracks multiple hormones and offers cycle tracking insights, but Mira’s ability to analyze and adapt over time makes it particularly strong in cases of hormonal imbalance. Kegg, while useful for monitoring cervical fluid patterns, may be less reliable on its own for those whose cycles vary significantly, since cervical fluid can fluctuate unpredictably in irregular cycles.
How does each device measure fertility?
Inito uses urine test strips that are scanned with a small device attached to your smartphone. It measures four fertility hormones to provide in-depth cycle analysis and ovulation confirmation. Mira uses single-use wands inserted into a portable analyzer, then synced to an app. It gives numeric values for hormones like LH, E3G, PdG, and sometimes FSH.
Kegg, in contrast, is inserted into the vagina for a couple of minutes daily. It measures electrolyte changes in cervical fluid, which correlate with the fertile window. While Inito and Mira rely on hormone levels, Kegg focuses on cervical fluid quality.
Are the devices easy to use on a daily basis?
Kegg is perhaps the most user-friendly, requiring just a few minutes of daily use and no test strips or waste. It’s comfortable and quick once incorporated into a routine. Inito and Mira, while more involved, offer powerful data. Inito requires peeing on a strip and scanning it with your phone. Mira involves inserting a wand into the analyzer.
Both offer mobile apps for syncing and viewing results, though Inito requires precise lighting conditions for accurate strip scanning. Mira’s process is more automated but may feel bulky for daily use. Overall, ease of use depends on personal preference and comfort with different testing methods.
Can any of these devices confirm ovulation?
Yes, both Inito and Mira can confirm ovulation. They do this by measuring PdG (Pregnanediol Glucuronide), a progesterone metabolite that rises after ovulation. Mira provides numeric hormone trends, offering visual confirmation of the luteal phase. Inito similarly charts hormone shifts, helping users confirm ovulation after it happens.
Kegg does not confirm ovulation directly. It helps users predict their fertile window by monitoring cervical fluid, but cannot confirm whether ovulation occurred. Therefore, for users who want post-ovulation confirmation, Inito or Mira would be the more suitable choices.
Which device is most cost-effective?
Cost varies depending on how often you plan to test and what data you need. Inito is generally more affordable upfront, with test strip refills being less expensive. Mira’s analyzer is pricier, and its test wands are also more costly per use, especially if tracking multiple hormones. Kegg has a higher one-time cost but no ongoing expense for strips or wands.
Over time, Kegg may be more economical if you’re looking for non-hormonal fertility tracking, while Inito offers a good balance of price and hormone insight. Mira is a premium option for those wanting in-depth hormone analysis and long-term data tracking.
Which tracker is best for someone new to fertility awareness?
Kegg may be ideal for beginners due to its simplicity and non-invasive, hormone-free approach. It offers a gentle introduction to fertility awareness by highlighting your fertile window based on natural cervical fluid changes.
However, if you’re interested in learning about your hormones and cycle patterns in more detail, Inito offers a straightforward, app-supported experience with easy-to-read results. Mira, while very advanced, may have a steeper learning curve and higher cost but provides the most detailed hormonal data for those ready to dive deeper into fertility tracking.
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Conclusion
The best choice between Inito, Mira, and Kegg depends heavily on your tracking preferences, budget, and specific needs.
- Inito is excellent if you want comprehensive hormone data (including PdG and FSH on one strip) delivered quickly to your iPhone, providing numerical values for detailed cycle analysis and ovulation confirmation.
- Mira offers lab-like accuracy for hormone levels (LH, E3G, PdG, FSH options) with sophisticated AI predictions, suitable for those wanting deep hormonal insights despite higher ongoing costs and longer test times.
- Kegg is unique for its focus on cervical fluid tracking, offering a hormone-free prediction method with no recurring costs, ideal for users comfortable with an intravaginal device who prioritize predicting the fertile window based on fluid changes.
Consider what you want to track (hormone levels vs. cervical fluid), your budget for initial and ongoing costs, and your comfort level with different testing methods (urine tests vs. internal sensor) when making your decision.