LONDON - Researchers at the University of Sheffield in the UK have introduced a fertility test for women called Plan Ahead, which will accurately reveal the number of eggs in a woman's ovary. This test could prove to be a valuable boon to women who are not very sure about when exactly to start having babies.
The test available for £179 will assess the number of eggs in a woman's ovaries and provide the fertility figure after comparing it with the normal count for that age. Because the test can assess the total number of eggs available for a woman over a period of 24 months, women can make "an informed decision as to whether, or how long, they can potentially delay before trying to conceive," the researchers said.
The test, which is being marketed by Lifestyle Choices, measures the levels of three hormones in the blood. These are inhibin B and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), which are present in the ovaries and the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland in the brain. Tallying the results of these hormones, the test predicts the number of reserve eggs available to a woman.
This could warn women likely to experience early menopause, that they should start planning for a family early on. “My hope is that Plan Ahead will help many women to avoid the anguish caused by the early or unexpected arrival of declining fertility and menopause,” said Bill Ledger, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, who developed this test.
However, he was quick to point out that Plan Ahead was not a fertility test, "When you get your report back after you do the test, it's been written very clearly that women shouldn't forget about the dignity of the fallopian tubes, the health of the womb and the partner," Ledger said. The test will require a blood sample that should be drawn by a professional and then the sample is sent to the lab for analysis. The results are mailed to the recipient, with detailed analysis. Women can also call a help line if they feel the need to.
The test has been widely welcomed, "It is better for someone to know if there are problems sooner rather than later but they must be aware that the kit does not test for other factors that affect fertility," said Clare Brown, the CEO at Infertility Network.
