[At-home fertility tests for women: the future or just an illusion?]

A home kit test to rapidly assess a woman's fertility status sounds ideal and is in line with the current health trends. However, these commercially offered home tests are expensive and provide very limited and potentially unreliable information, leaving room for uncertainty and if falsely interpreted may lead to drastic life choices. The only certainty is that postponing childbearing until after age 30 leads to decreased chances of pregnancy and an increased risk of birth defects, and unwanted childlessness. In an unselected population, fertility tests offer little added value. If women or couples are having concerns or questions about their fertility or family planning, the advised route would be to contact their general practitioner who can determine whether it's indicated to perform specific additional tests or refer to a fertility clinic or hospital. These consultations are covered by the Dutch health insurance. The only correct advice for women with questions about their fertility is: monitor your cycle, live a healthy lifestyle, don't wait too long and contact your general practitioner with concerns or questions.