Q: How accurate are the results from 23andMe?

23andMe’s ancestry results are exceptionally accurate, comparing your DNA to a database of more than 1,500 geographical reference populations to precisely ascertain your ethnicity and geographic roots. The health test identifies genetic markers associated with particular diseases and conditions. While the analysis of these markers is reliable, it’s crucial to understand that possessing a marker doesn’t guarantee the development of the associated disease; it merely indicates your risk level. If you have any concerns regarding your results, it’s advisable to seek guidance from your healthcare provider.

Q: Can I build my family tree for free?

Yes, anumber of family tree builders on this list – including Ancestry – offer unlimited free trials, so you can try out all the software has to offer, risk-free.

Question 1

How accurate are the results from 23andMe?

Accepted Answer

23andMe&#x2019;s ancestry results are exceptionally accurate, comparing your DNA to a database of more than 1,500 geographical reference populations to precisely ascertain your ethnicity and geographic roots. The health test identifies genetic markers associated with particular diseases and conditions. While the analysis of these markers is reliable, it&#x2019;s crucial to understand that possessing a marker doesn&#x2019;t guarantee the development of the associated disease; it merely indicates your risk level. If you have any concerns regarding your results, it&#x2019;s advisable to seek guidance from your healthcare provider.

Question 2

Is a 23andMe DNA test right for me?

Accepted Answer

If you’re really interested in your ancestry 23andMe provides insights that other leading vendors, like Ancestry and MyHeritage, don’t, such as the ancestry of your maternal and paternal lines, and whether you’re descended from Neanderthals.

Its health test also provides excellent value-for-money for those wanting an overall analysis of their disease risk and carrier status. But the insights don’t stop there, you also get trait reports on how your DNA may affect your sleep, exercise, diet, and much more.

Question 3

How long does it take to receive my 23andMe results?

Accepted Answer

Your results are usually delivered within two to three weeks of the lab receiving your DNA samples, which is quicker than most other leading providers. For instance, AncestryDNA&#x2019;s results take between four and six weeks, and MyHeritage takes around three to four weeks from receiving your sample.

Question 4

Can 23andMe diagnose you with a disease?

Accepted Answer

The 23andMe health DNA test cannot detect or diagnose any diseases. It instead tells you if you have any of the genetic markers associated with certain diseases or if you&#x2019;re a carrier for congenital conditions that you may pass on to your offspring.

Question 5

Does 23andMe offer any regular or special discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes! 23andMe has regular special offers, sales, and discounts throughout the year. Check out our 23andMe coupon page to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Question 6

Is there a subscription cost for 23andMe?

Accepted Answer

No, unlike other vendors like MyHeritage and AncestryDNA, which offer services like relative-matching and family tree building.

Question 7

What software and devices work with family tree builders?

Accepted Answer

It’s never been easier to build your family tree. There are many benefits of genealogy software over the old fashioned way, with pen and paper. Not only can you easily rectify mistakes, but you also have billions of historical documents at your fingertips. Most of the best family tree builders on this list can be used online or are compatible with both Windows and Mac. Many also have apps for iOS and Android.

Question 8

Which family tree maker is the best?

Accepted Answer

Each family tree builder has its own pros and cons. Some have large databases of historical records to help with research into your ancestors. Others give you ways to connect with relatives linked to your tree. It’s important to determine what features matter the most to you before choosing your genealogy software.

Our top pick is AncestryDNA as it scores well in all the areas we tested. A subscription lets you access more than 27 billion historical records, connect with other users who are potential relatives, and even link DNA test results to your tree.

Question 9

Can I build my family tree for free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, anumber of family tree builders on this list &#x2013; including Ancestry &#x2013; offer unlimited free trials, so you can try out all the software has to offer, risk-free.&#xA0;

Question 10

How can you protect your privacy when building your family tree?

Accepted Answer

Built into most family tree software is the option to make your tree public (visible to others) or private (only visible to you). However, doing so can limit your ability to connect with other potential relatives.

Always make sure you read a company’s privacy policy before signing up to get an understanding of how it stores and uses your personal data.

Question 11

How can you find pictures of distant relatives?

Accepted Answer

Adding pictures of your distant relatives to your tree the fun part and it can really bring your charts and reports to life. The majority of the family tree builders on our list allow you to add media to your tree, and some even have photo editing software.

What if you only have photographs of relatives going back a couple of generations? Where do you find pictures of your more distant ancestors?

A simple web search may provide you with some images of your ancestors, particularly if they appeared in newspaper articles or submissions to Wikipedia. But, if you don’t get lucky, subscribing to a genealogy – like MyHeritage or Ancestry – may unveil photos of your distant relatives in their archives.

Question 12

How long does it take to receive my Ancestry results?

Accepted Answer

Your AncestryDNA and AncestryHealth results are usually delivered between four and six weeks of the lab receiving your sample. It may be quicker, depending on how busy the lab is.

Question 13

Does AncestryDNA offer any regular or special discounts?

Accepted Answer

AncestryDNA regularly have special discounts, sales, and offers throughout the year. It’s also worth checking for coupon codes, which are frequently available. At DNAWeekly, we keep track of all of the latest deals, so you can be sure that you are getting your test kit at the lowest price possible!

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Question 14

Does AncestryDNA pricing change based on location?

Accepted Answer

AncestryDNA pricing does not change based on location for most options. For DNA testing in Mexico, Sweden UK, and Canada, etc you are redirected to the AncestryDNA website in the relevant country.

Because you are paying to access different records, the subscription cost for Family Tree Builder by Ancestry does vary by location.

Question 15

Does AncestryDNA include shipping?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the pre-paid shipping label is included with your AncestryDNA test kit. Just collect and package your sample according to the directions, and drop the package in the mail!

Question 16

Is there a subscription cost for AncestryDNA?

Accepted Answer

Subscriptions from AncestryDNA are available but not required to receive your AncestryDNA test results. Subscriptions provide access to historical records and family tree services and can be purchased on a monthly, semi-annual, or annual basis. There are different subscription membership levels depending on whether you want access to US-based or worldwide records.

Question 17

What are the symptoms of abnormal vitamin D levels?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient, which helps to keep your bones strong and healthy. Abnormal levels of vitamin D – either too much or too little – can lead to the following symptoms:

Muscle pain and/or weakness
Joint pain
Fatigue, lethargy, or feeling tired
Thinning hair
Mood changes

Question 18

Can an at-home vitamin test diagnose a medical condition?

Accepted Answer

No, an at-home vitamin test cannot diagnose you with any medical condition. They can give you an idea if you have a deficiency in certain vitamins, but they can’t tell you why or the underlying cause.

In your results report, you may also get some actionable insights into diet and lifestyle changes you can make, to improve and maintain your levels. However, if you’re worried about the cause of a deficiency, you should share your results with your healthcare provider who can organize further testing and treatment if necessary.

Question 19

Will insurance cover the cost of my at-home hormone test?

Accepted Answer

At-home hormone tests are not usually covered by your insurance, but it is still worth checking with your provider before ordering. However, a number of providers on this list, including Everlywell, accept FSA/HSA cards as a form of payment.

Question 20

How long does it take to get your vitamin test results?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the provider. With lab-testing companies, you can expect your test results in just a couple of days. Results from at-home vitamin test providers take a little longer, but usually, you&#x2019;ll receive them in 2 to 5 days.

Question 21

What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in neurological function and maintaining a healthy nervous system, as well as producing DNA and generating red blood cells. It is also an essential micronutrient during pregnancy. Symptoms of a deficiency include:

Fatigue, weakness, and lethargy
Joint or muscle pain
Numbness or tingling
Difficulty walking
Irritability, mood changes, and depression
Skin issues

Question 22

What preparations do a vitamin B12 test require?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the provider, so it&#x2019;s important to check the instructions carefully. Generally speaking, it&#x2019;s important to be well-hydrated for a blood test, and you may be asked to fast for a few hours beforehand. If you&#x2019;re submitting a spit or cheek swab DNA sample, you should not eat, drink, or smoke for thirty minutes before preparing your sample.

Question 23

Does insurance cover vitamin B12 testing?

Accepted Answer

It&#x2019;s a possibility. Everlywell, LetsGetChecked, and InsideTracker accept HSA/FSA payments, whereas many competitors do not. Check with your provider before ordering your test.

Question 24

How do you interpret the results of a vitamin B12 test?

Accepted Answer

A blood test will tell you if your vitamin B12 level is in the normal range, and what you can do to improve it if necessary. Low levels of B12 could indicate a larger health issue, such as anemia, whereas elevated levels can be a sign of diabetes or cancer. You should review your results and discuss any symptoms with a medical professional.

Question 25

Who should consider taking a vitamin B12 test? (and how often?)

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 is found in foods like fish, meat, and dairy, and is not naturally produced by the body. The people at the greatest risk for a deficiency are those with strict diets (vegetarian or vegan) as well as older adults and younger children. It is also important for women who are breastfeeding to have their levels checked, to ensure their babies are getting sufficient nutrients. If you find out that you have a deficiency, you can easily take steps to supplement your diet. If you have an existing condition, it might be a good idea to take a test every couple of months to actively monitor your levels.

Question 26

What are common STD symptoms in women?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of physical symptoms that can indicate an STD in women, they include:

Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
Blood in urine
Need to urinate more frequently
Sores or bumps on the vagina, rectal, or oral areas
Unusual vaginal discharge
Unusual bleeding from the vagina
Itching in the vaginal area
Lower abdominal pain
Swollen and sore lymph nodes in the groin and elsewhere
Fever
Rash on the hands, feet, and torso

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should get an STD test as soon as possible. It’s also important to remember that STDs don’t always cause symptoms. So if you have had unprotected sex or engaged in any activity that could result in the contraction of an STD, you should get screened for common infections immediately.

Question 27

What STD can cause a woman to bleed?

Accepted Answer

There are several STDs that can cause a woman to bleed irregularly between periods. They include chlamydia and gonorrhea, which can lead to spotting and bleeding during or after sex.

Although bleeding and spotting between periods may be nothing to worry about, it’s still important to get an STD test for swift treatment, if necessary, and to keep up to date with Pap smear testing.

Question 28

What causes STDs in females?

Accepted Answer

There are three main causes of STDs in women:

Bacterial infection – Such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea
Viral infection – Including herpes simplex, hepatitis B, HPV, and HIV/AIDS
Parasites – As in cases of trichomoniasis vaginalis, crab lice, and scabies mites

There are a number of ways that a woman may contract an STD, including:

Unprotected sexual intercourse or other sexual activity
Sharing contaminated needles or using contaminated tattooing or body piercing equipment

A key part of STD prevention is regular testing – at least once a year – as this prevents the spread of infection between partners and enables you to get swift treatment to avoid complications.

Question 29

Who is more likely to get an STD, males or females?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that the biological risk of catching an STD or HIV is higher in females than males. Plus, there is more probability of men passing on STDs to women than vice versa.

This is because the lining of the vagina is more delicate and thinner and it has a larger surface area than the skin of the penis, making women more vulnerable to sexual secretions and the infections they may contain. Plus, the ecosystem of the vagina is very friendly for bacteria, both the good and the bad.

In addition, women are more likely to be asymptomatic. Many STDs in women –particularly chlamydia and gonorrhea – often don’t present with physical symptoms. Also, women may confuse noticeable changes with a yeast infection or urinary tract infection (UTI).

It doesn’t just come down to biology; research suggests that ownership of getting tested often falls on women. Men are much more likely to never have been tested and less likely to have been recently screened for STDs.

Question 30

What are the common STDs in females?

Accepted Answer

The most common STDs in females include:

HPV – There are over 40 types of HPV, many of which are fairly harmless, but high-risk strains can cause genital warts and even result in cervical cancer.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea – Bacterial infections that often transmit together, but only show symptoms in 20 to 25% of women. Therefore, it’s so important for women to get regularly tested. MyLAB Box has an excellent chlamydia and gonorrhea test for just $79.
Herpes – It’s so common because it’s very easy to catch, taking just skin-to-skin contact of affected areas. Plus, blisters don’t need to be visible for the virus to pass on to others.
Syphilis – It’s important to catch syphilis early, because if it reaches the fourth and final stage, it can cause organ, brain, and nerve damage.
Trichomoniasis – Caused by a tiny parasite and only generates symptoms in 30% of women. Retesting after three months of treatment is important to ensure no parasites remain.
HIV/AIDS – Not only spread through unprotected sex, HIV can also transmit through infected needles. If you’re worried about your HIV status, STDcheck.com and HealthLabs offer early detection HIV tests.

Question 31

How to test for STDs in females?

Accepted Answer

The samples required depend on what STD you want to be tested for. They include:

Blood (finger prick)
Vaginal swab
Rectal swab
Oral or throat swab
Urine

All the at-home STD tests on this list come with easy-to-follow instructions, so you can complete your test in a few minutes in the privacy of your own home and send it back the same day.

Question 32

Can pregnant women get tested for STDs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and they absolutely should! Pregnant women are just as susceptible to STDs as any other woman, and these diseases can have serious implications for the unborn baby. For example, several STDs – including chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and hepatitis C – have been linked to premature birth. Plus, mothers could pass on STDs to the babies, either during pregnancy or during vaginal delivery.

Screening for HIV, hepatitis B, chlamydia, and syphilis is usually carried out during your first prenatal visit. But if you are pregnant, you should also get tested for other common STDs, such as gonorrhea and hepatitis C, at least once during your pregnancy. Any high-risk sexual activity during pregnancy should also be followed up by an STD test, even if you have previously been tested.

Most of the companies on this list, including LetsGetChecked and Everlywell, provide a single kit that tests for a number of the most common STDs, which would be very valuable for pregnant women.

Question 33

What type of sample is needed for at-home fertility testing?

Accepted Answer

If you&#x2019;re testing your current levels of key hormones, you&#x2019;ll need to provide a fingerprick blood sample or small urine sample. For testing the quality of your sperm, you&#x2019;ll need a semen sample, but with YO, myLAB Box, and HealthLabs, you can do this in the privacy of your own home.

Question 34

How do you test your sperm count?

Accepted Answer

A visit to your doctor’s office is one of the most reliable ways to check your sperm count, but it isn’t the only option available. You can also check your sperm count from the comfort of your own home with myLAB Box or HealthLabs — it’s much quicker and cheaper than a typical doctor’s visit.

At-home sperm count tests let you discreetly collect a semen sample when you’re ready. These kits come with easy-to-follow instructions to ensure you get the best sample possible.

After a short processing period (typically less than an hour), you can observe and even record your sperm’s activity on your computer or mobile device. If the count and motility seem low, you can easily retest or share your results with your doctor to determine the next course of action.

Question 35

What does fertile sperm look like?

Accepted Answer

Fertile sperm should have good motility; that is, appear very active. In terms of appearance, the head should be rounded and the tail strong.

Only one viable sperm needs to penetrate the egg for fertilization to occur, so the higher the sperm concentration in your semen sample, the better your chances of conceiving (depending on your partner’s fertility, of course).

If you’re interested in seeing what your sperm looks like in real-time, choose the Male Fertility Test from myLAB Box. You can even record your results to share with your family or doctor.

Question 36

What is a low sperm count?

Accepted Answer

A low sperm count, known as oligospermia, is when your ejaculated semen contains fewer sperm than normal. In terms of numbers, it means you have fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.

The best test for fast, accurate reading of your sperm count is the Male Fertility Test from HealthLabs. After collecting a sample and starting the analysis, you’ll receive results in less than 10 minutes.

Question 37

Can I get my partner pregnant if I have a low sperm count?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your partner can still get pregnant if your sperm count is low. Your chances of successfully conceiving are reduced, but it’s still possible if the quality of your sperm is good.

It’s important to follow up with your doctor if your sperm count tests low, as it could indicate an underlying health issue, or you may find it’s easily fixable with the help of a fertility specialist.

For answers about why you may suffer from low sperm count, consider LetsGetChecked’s test. It checks several hormone levels, including those involved in sperm development.

Question 38

What happens if you have a low sperm count?

Accepted Answer

If you have a low sperm count, it may take longer to conceive. You can get accurate results about your sperm count when you use HealthLabs at-home sperm testing kit

To help boost your fertility, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes that may help to boost your sperm concentration and motility, such as cutting back on alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco. If you’re concerned about your long-term fertility, it’s important that you visit your doctor for further tests and to discuss your options.

Question 39

What are the symptoms of high and low testosterone?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a normal level of testosterone is essential for your health and wellness, playing a key role in fertility, bone health and density, mood, and more. If your level of testosterone is abnormal, it can have a significant impact on your physical and mental wellbeing.

Symptoms of high testosterone levels in males include:

Acne
Infertility
Mood swings
Aggressive behavior
Excessive body hair
Higher than the usual sex drive
High blood pressure

Symptoms of low testosterone levels in males include:

Weight gain
Loss of muscles mass
Low sex drive
Lethargy
Mood swings
Reduced testicle size
Problems sleeping
Loss of body hair

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or are concerned about your testosterone levels and are hoping to start a family, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Question 40

Can women take a testosterone test?

Accepted Answer

Although testosterone is usually thought of as a ‘male hormone’, it’s also vital for women as well, just not at the same levels. In women, testosterone plays a key role in the maintenance and growth of bones, increasing muscle mass and decreasing body fat, the menstrual cycle, and maintaining a healthy sex drive, as well as potentially supporting cardiovascular health.

So, yes women can and should take a testosterone test if they are concerned that their testosterone levels are outside the normal range.

Symptoms of low testosterone in women include sexual dysfunction, thinning hair, drying skin, a loss in muscle mass, increase in body fat, and mood changes. High testosterone in women can cause excess acne, abnormal body hair growth, smaller breasts, menstrual irregularities, deeper voice, and easy weight gain.

Question 41

What are normal testosterone levels?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, blood testosterone levels are measured as ng/dl, and the normal ranges for adults are detailed in the table below.

Age	Males (ng/dl)	Females (ng/dl)
17-18 years	300 – 1200	20 – 75
19+ years	240 – 950	8 – 60

If you’re taking a saliva test – like that from Everlywell – your testosterone level is likely to be measured as pg/ml and for comparison, 1ng/dl = 10pg/ml.

People will have different levels of testosterone within this healthy range depending on age, weight, and other lifestyle factors. If you’re concerned about the results of your testosterone test, it’s advised that you discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Question 42

Who should get a testosterone test?

Accepted Answer

An at-home or lab-based testosterone test is the first step in understanding why you may be experiencing the symptoms of abnormal levels of the hormone. You can take the results of your testosterone test to your healthcare provider who can help determine if health issues, underlying conditions, or lifestyle choices are influencing your testosterone production.

Question 43

What is the difference between blood and saliva testosterone tests?

Accepted Answer

The main difference in blood and saliva tests is the type of testosterone that&#x2019;s measured. A saliva test measures your level of free testosterone i.e. the testosterone that isn&#x2019;t bound to proteins. A blood test measure total testosterone, which is both the free and bound hormone.

Articles by Gemma Davison

Gemma is an Applied Biology graduate who has always had an interest in DNA, spending a few years after her degree researching epigenetics. She always keeps up to date with the latest advancements in DNA technology and has even DNA-tested her puppy.