A new study conducted by researchers from Penn Medicine found that consumers who opt for at-home fertility tests, commonly known as direct-to-consumer (DTC) tests, aren’t always getting the most accurate readings. As a result, the researchers say users could receive mixed results about their fertility status.
“Consumers continue to desire these tests, and they’re attractive, but they don’t deliver on their promise,” said researcher Moira Kyweluk, PhD. “I view DTC testing as an entry point into what I term the ‘new (in)fertility pipeline’ for women today. Because it is low cost and widely available, it’s reaching a larger demographic, people of diverse identities and backgrounds, and raising awareness of more advanced procedures and technologies like egg freezing.”