Women's fertility test launched
Wednesday, 25, Jan 2006 11:51
A new test has been launched today that promises to help women plan when to have children by indicating how many eggs are left in their ovaries.
The Plan Ahead test works by measuring the levels of three hormones in blood, taken from the arm, on the second or third day of a woman’s cycle.
After posting the sample off to the laboratory of Lifestyle Choices, which has launched the test, the woman receives an analysis of the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries compared with the average population at that age.
The woman's ovarian reserve for the following two years can also be forecast, helping her to decide whether she should risk delaying trying for a baby.
The test was developed by Professor Bill Ledger from the University of Sheffield who hopes the test will "help many women avoid the anguish caused by the early or unexpected arrival of declining fertility and menopause".
The average age for British women trying to conceive for the first time was 27 years in 2004. This is more than three years later than the average in 1971. Deferring pregnancy increases the risk of infertility.
The chief executive of Infertility Network UK Clare Brown has described Plan Ahead as a good method for women to check out whether their ovarian reserve is diminishing. But she pointed out there are other factors that may cause problems with conception.
Last September leading obstetricians warned women who wait until their late 30s to start a family are risking heartbreak.
One of the specialists, Dr Susan Bewley from Guy's and St Thomas' hospital, has warned fertility test kits can offer false reassurance, as the only reliable test of fertility is trying to get pregnant.
The new kit costs £179 and is available by mail order, although the company hopes to roll out the test to chemists, pharmacies and private clinics in the coming year.