Superdrug has unveiled its new fertility test service, which is set to help women easily access information about their own fertility, enabling them to take greater control over their own reproductive health.
The new service consists of five different fertility blood tests, which can be ordered through an online doctor, taken at home and then sent off for results.
The tests currently being offered are:
- AMH test, £76.99 - this will test if the number of eggs you have is normal for your age.
- Progesterone test, £39.99 - this tests if you have released an egg during your menstrual cycle.
- AMH and progesterone test, £97.99 - this is a combination of the two above test kits.
- Pituitary profile test, £84.99 - this will test whether the pituitary gland is producing the right level of hormones. An abnormal level of hormones can affect the ways in which the ovaries work.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), £65.99 - this test will check whether you may have PCOS, which can affect the release of eggs
If unsure of which test to pick, customers can book an online consultation for £5, where Superdrug's team of online doctors will work with patients to discover which test is right for them.
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Superdrug state that their aims with these tests are to give women greater accessibility and control over their own reproductive health.
Caris Newson, head of healthcare services at Superdrug, said: "We want to make it as convenient as possible for people to get professional advice and support when it comes to their fertility.
"Our new service will allow women to take control of their health and have a better, more informed understanding of their fertility."
Dr Sara Kayat, Superdrug's medical ambassador, says: "For women that have been trying to get pregnant and not succeeding, or for those who are just curious about their fertility, easy access to blood tests may help provide answers and signpost them in the right direction."
However, some fertility experts are not as convinced about the reliability of these tests.
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Dr Geeta Nargund, from Create Fertility, has said:
"While it is certainly positive to see fertility testing become more widely available, I would like to see comprehensive fertility testing become available on the NHS, to ensure it is available to all women. Pro-active fertility testing is important because it provides women with the necessary information to take measures that prevent infertility where possible, and plan for their future families.
"It is essential that fertility testing should include a detailed pelvic ultrasound scan to assess the uterus, egg reserve and rule out any conditions or illnesses that might impact fertility. I support the provision of fertility testing in a medical setting where there is access to counselling and expert opinion, which allows for a referral to treatment where needed."
Similarly, Gwenda Burns, chief executive of national patient charity Fertility Network UK, said: "People need to be cautious and be aware of the limitations of tests done outside a healthcare setting, both from an interpretation and emotional support point-of-view."