The Kegg fertility tracker is an in-home device designed to help women pinpoint their fertile window by analyzing cervical fluid. This technology offers an alternative to traditional methods like tracking basal body temperature or using disposable hormone test strips. Understanding the total financial commitment, including the initial purchase price and potential long-term expenses, is crucial for consumers. This breakdown of the Kegg’s cost structure and its value proposition against other tracking methods provides the necessary insight for a purchasing decision.
The Technology Behind Kegg Fertility Tracking
The Kegg device uses advanced technology to sense and interpret the subtle changes in cervical fluid throughout the menstrual cycle. Specifically, it employs electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to measure the electrolyte patterns within the fluid. These electrolytes, which include minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, fluctuate in concentration as a response to changing reproductive hormone levels.
As estrogen levels rise leading up to ovulation, the cervical fluid becomes more hydrated and its electrolyte structure shifts, making the environment more hospitable for sperm. The Kegg’s sensor detects this specific “fertile valley” in the readings, which indicates the opening of the fertile window. The reading process requires an intravaginal insertion for about two minutes daily. The device is a Class I medical device registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The device transmits the collected data wirelessly to a companion mobile application for analysis and display. This allows the user to see a personalized daily fertility status, cyclical trends, and predictions for the upcoming fertile window. By tracking the cervical fluid, Kegg aims to identify the full six-day fertile window, rather than just the one or two days surrounding the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge.
Current Pricing and Available Purchase Options
The Kegg fertility tracker is primarily sold as a one-time purchase, distinguishing it from competitors that rely on recurring consumable sales. The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) typically falls between $259 and $299.95, depending on the retailer and current promotions. This price includes the Kegg device, a complete charging set, a user manual, and access to the mobile app.
The device is often eligible for purchase or reimbursement using flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA). Consumers can also take advantage of financing options, such as installment plans that allow the total cost to be spread out over several months. Some retailers offer payment structures that break the price down into monthly installments, often at a 0% annual percentage rate (APR) for a set period.
The purchase frequently includes a pregnancy guarantee. The company often offers a 12-month guarantee, providing a full refund if a user does not conceive within one year of consistent use, provided specific terms are met. This guarantee, along with the device’s one-time purchase model, is highlighted as a core part of its value proposition. Consumers should verify the most up-to-date pricing and guarantee terms directly with the authorized retailer.
Understanding the Full Cost of Ownership
The Kegg’s business model is centered on a low long-term cost, designed as a durable, one-time investment with no required refills or subscription fees. The accompanying mobile app, which is essential for viewing and interpreting the collected data, is provided at no charge. This means there are no mandatory monthly or annual subscription fees to access the basic functionality and fertility insights.
The device comes with a one-year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship from the original purchase date. Although the expected lifespan is not explicitly stated, the “pay once, use forever” language suggests it is built for long-term use, potentially across multiple pregnancies. If the device is lost or damaged outside of the warranty period, the user must purchase a replacement at the full retail price, as no subsidized replacement cost is advertised.
The only potential ongoing cost is for replacement accessories, such as a charging cable or storage case, though these do not require routine repurchase. Given the lack of recurring expenses for test strips or premium app features, the full cost of ownership is effectively the initial purchase price, making it a fixed, predictable expense. This model contrasts sharply with systems that require continuous spending on proprietary consumables.
Kegg Compared to Alternative Tracking Expenses
The financial comparison between Kegg and alternative fertility tracking methods reveals different cost profiles over time. Kegg represents a high initial outlay, typically between $259 and $299.95, but its annual cost remains near zero after the first year due to the lack of consumables or subscription fees. For women who track their cycles for several years or across multiple conception attempts, this fixed cost model offers long-term savings.
Disposable Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs), which measure the LH surge in urine, are cheaper upfront but incur substantial recurring costs. A pack of 20 test strips may cost around $40, and a user with a regular cycle might need 10 to 15 strips per month, leading to an estimated annual cost of $240 to $360. If a user has irregular cycles and must test more frequently, this annual cost can exceed the Kegg’s initial price within the first 12 months.
Wearable temperature-based trackers and other connected hormone monitors also present a varied financial landscape. Some wearable monitors, such as the Ava Bracelet, have a high upfront cost similar to Kegg (around $279) and often include a subscription for advanced insights. Other systems, like the Mira monitor, require a less expensive starter kit (around $199) but demand the purchase of proprietary test wands, costing approximately $65 for a pack of 20. The continuous need for consumables in these alternative systems means that within 18 to 24 months, the total expenditure often surpasses the one-time cost of the Kegg device.