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Test Counts 'Good Eggs' to Track Fertility

Offers $350 check-up of biological clock; some docs skeptical

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 24, 2008 12:33 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Women wondering how much time is left on their biological clocks have a new option, the Chicago Tribune reports. A new test called Plan Ahead, on the market for $350, claims to measure how many high-quality eggs a woman has remaining and thus some indication of childbearing potential. But some doctors are leery of offering it, saying the test could be unreliable, and doesn’t predict actual fertility.

“We don't use it, and we won't use it clinically until it's FDA-approved,” one doctor said of the test; no peer-reviewed research has been released. Others say the information could be very valuable to women, especially those who have had trouble conceiving and want to see if they are good candidates for in vitro fertilization. “You plan your career, you plan your retirement—why not plan your family?” said one woman taking the test.

Many women want to know when their biological clock is running down, so they can better plan their careers and families.
Many women want to know when their biological clock is running down, so they can better plan their careers and families.   (Shutterstock)
The test might give women a better view of their biological clocks - or it could be useless.
The test might give women a better view of their biological clocks - or it could be useless.   (KRT Photos)
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fertility • women's health • reproduction • children • fertility treatment • biological clock

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