A NEW, over-the-counter test could mean couples will be able to see how fertile they will be in the coming two years.

The Plan Ahead test, devised by Professor Bill Ledger, measures three hormone levels via a blood test. This shows the number of eggs in the ovaries and can predict what fertility levels will be in two years' time.

This could give couples the freedom to choose whether they can afford to wait if their fertility is predicted to be strong in two years or to start trying sooner if the levels are not so promising.

It advises couples to wait until after one to two years of trying before they seek help and take fertility tests.

Although Plan Ahead is not supported by the NHS, or by any official clinical evidence, Dr Robert MacDermott consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist for Darent Valley Hospital believes the test could help the NHS by reducing the number of couples appealing to their GP for fertility treatment when it could be too late.

He said: "Any kind of information regarding your fertility can never be bad for you in this situation.

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