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His and Hers Home Fertility Tests
Week of February 18 - Want-to-be-parents may not have to go far to test their fertility. A new at-home kit promises answers-- discreetly. But is it really accurate? Dr. David Winter tells us in tonight’s HealthSource report.
DR. WINTER
Your fertility answers in a box?
DR. J. MICHAEL PUTNAM
Reproductive Endocrinologist
Baylor University Medical Center
“That’s where the appeal may be. “
DR. WINTER
‘Fertell’ is the first of its kind—an at-home fertility test for both men and women.
DR. J. MICHAEL PUTNAM
“You may be able to get some early information that may get you to the doctor sooner.”
DR. WINTER
The FDA-approved dual test kit is now being sold over-the-counter for around a hundred dollars. Experts say it may be attractive to those who can’t afford to visit a specialist.
DR. J. MICHAEL PUTNAM
“It may have benefit for people who are pretty shy or embarrassed to go to the doctor and they want to try to do this in the privacy of their home.”
DR. WINTER
But the tests—which measure the levels of follicle stimulating hormone in women and looks at sperm motility in men—are not nearly as comprehensive as those usually given at doctors’ offices.
DR. J. MICHAEL PUTNAM
“The pitfall with this is that you may think everything is fine and you may actually delay getting to a physician for an evaluation and the most important thing that we see is that age matters.”
DR. WINTER
Experts say especially women who are over the traditional reproductive age and are having trouble conceiving would be best served by skipping the home test and going straight to their doctor.
DR. J. MICHAEL PUTNAM
“If you’re over 30, you really shouldn’t wait more than six months.”
DR. WINTER
Fertell claims the accuracy of these tests is above 95%. But again, the potential problem isn’t with this tests’ accuracy, it’s with the tests’ limits. They simply looks at a woman’s ovarian reserve, and a man’s sperm count and motility. But keep in mind that a couple who has positive readings in both areas may still be unable to conceive because of other issues.