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Genetic Linkage

How fertile are you? ‘Ovarian reserve’ DTC tests that count your eggs offer mixture of control and misinformation

The direct to consumer testing market comes in many flavors these days, with companies like 23andMe dominating headlines with their genetic/ancestry tests targeting folks eager to learn more about themselves. Also joining the fray are tests designed to help women — in theory, at least — assess fertility by counting the number of eggs left in their ovaries.

 

Sounds like a great idea. Just one problem: egg counts may not be such a great indicator of fertility, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

 

Still, that doesn't mean these tests have no value. A new study suggests they can empower women. And that's especially true for those who do not fit into the binary gender categories that health insurers may require for covering clinical versions of the test that cost ten times as much.

 

 

To continue reading, go to Genetic Literacy Project, where this post first appeared.

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