Vaginal Progesterone Level (24-Hour Urine Collection)
This test measures the amount of progesterone found in your vaginal fluid over a 24-hour period. Progesterone is a hormone important for reproductive health, particularly during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
["Progesterone helps regulate your menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy; this test checks levels in vaginal fluid over a day."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14356-0
- Short code
- KOH Prep Vag
- Synonyms
- KOH Prep Vag
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- koh-preparation
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test to evaluate hormonal balance, assess fertility, diagnose conditions affecting the menstrual cycle, or monitor pregnancy-related hormonal changes. It can also help identify issues like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or irregular ovulation.
How the Test Works
You’ll collect vaginal fluid samples over 24 hours, which are then analyzed to measure progesterone concentration. The test measures the hormone’s presence in your vaginal environment rather than in blood or urine alone.
What to Expect During Collection
Collection involves simple daily swabbing of vaginal fluid into a container. You’ll receive instructions on timing and frequency. Avoid douching or using vaginal products during collection to ensure accurate results.
Preparation Tips
Follow your provider’s instructions carefully. Avoid sexual activity, douching, or using vaginal creams or sprays during the collection period. Alcohol and certain medications may affect results, so discuss these with your doctor beforehand.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Progesterone levels in vaginal fluid can indicate ovulation timing, luteal phase function, or hormonal imbalances. Low levels may suggest issues like anovulation or early menopause, while abnormal spikes could relate to conditions like PCOS or thyroid disorders. This test supports diagnosis and treatment planning for fertility, menstrual irregularities, or reproductive endocrinology.
Short name
Vaginal Progesterone
Frequently asked questions
What does a vaginal progesterone test measure?
How is the vaginal fluid collected?
Can I take medications or use products during the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy