Researchers examined 27 websites selling “egg timer” fertility tests and found that most made false or misleading claims about the product. Image: Tima Miroshnichenko via Pexels
A study published by the University of Sydney examined 27 websites selling “egg timer” fertility tests and found that most sites made false or misleading claims about the usefulness of the product.
Known clinically as the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) test, the egg-timer test is used to measure the level of anti-Mullerian hormone in the blood.
AMH is produced by follicles in the ovaries, however, retailers are using this information to make dubious claims about the usefulness of the AMH test for consumers.
Out of the 27 websites that were examined, approximately three-quarters made claimed that the test could be used to measure fertility, the likelihood of conception, indicate the onset of menopause or the risk of premature menopause in women.
Researchers described the information provided on the websites as “poor quality” and that claims made were “not supported by evidence,” as the test cannot reliably predict current or future fertility, or the onset of menopause.
Researchers are calling for greater regulation and oversight of home fertility tests, saying that the misleading marketing information can affect the ability of consumers to make informed decisions about their fertility and reproductive plans.
Dr Rachel Thompson, co-author of the study, shared these concerns.
“False and misleading claims about the usefulness of the AMH test undermine women’s ability to make an informed decision,” said Thompson.
“People may also be worried or reassured by the test results without basis and may change their reproductive plans and behaviour as a result.”
The studies found that information was both misleading and inconsistent, and varied greatly between different websites selling the product, and fewer than half included any mention of the limitations of the tests.
Furthermore, only five of the websites, and only one of three that were based in Australia, provided the option for consumers to consult with a physician to discuss the results of the test.
The researchers at the University of Sydney suggest that better public education about fertility, a greater focus on reproductive health in routine healthcare, and addressing the structural barriers to childbearing are needed to help more people reach their reproductive goals.
You can read the full study on JAMA Network Open.
