Released on = June 5, 2007, 1:19 pm

Press Release Author = FRetel

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = Findings from a comprehensive research programme¹ held on
behalf of Fertell, pioneers in the at-home fertility testing market, show that some
women face considerable levels of stress when they are trying to conceive. While
most couples start off confident and excited about the prospect of starting a family
many women revealed that their initial buoyancy can soon evaporate the longer they
have to wait to become pregnant.

Press Release Body = The women from the Fertell research groups described how they
had quickly fallen into a vicious circle of worrying about not becoming pregnant
making them feel stressed which they felt would adversely affect their chances of
conceiving. They also reported becoming anxious that sex was more of a chore than a
pleasure.

As the months passed and the couples did not fall pregnant, the women showed how
their response fell into one of three distinct groups that characterised their
approach that enabled them to deal with the situation in different ways. Fertell
discovered that these groups can be characterised as the panickers, the ostrich's or
the decisives.

The panickers are the women who have been trying to conceive for the least amount of
time but their predisposition is to worry that it is not going to happen for them.
They tend to fear the worst and are the most likely of the three sets to become
obsessed with information and seek medical help. They have no patience to let
'nature take its course' and insist on immediate intervention even if that means
lying to healthcare professionals about how long they have been trying. Some of
these women explained that not being pregnant felt like the 'end of the world' for
them that this behaviour had created tension in their relationship.

As the name suggests the ostrich's prefer not to confront or even acknowledge the
situation but opt to let things happen naturally. They do not feel that they have
the power to seek a suitable solution for themselves and are reluctant to seek help,
often not knowing where they would start to find appropriate advice. While they may
be extremely stressed at the failure to conceive they try very hard not to show it
and don't even confide their worries to their partner.

The decisives occupy the middle ground between the two other types and when they
have decided to face up to the facts - whatever they may be - they are confident and
calm in formulating a plan of action. They gather the information they need and
discuss with their partner how best to tackle the problem. But the worries they have
remain a private matter and they are unlikely to involve family and friends while
they are researching their options. As the decisives are more likely to be
professional women and are the oldest of the three groups they feel the most
optimistic about finding a solution that will suit them.

Each method of coping also comes with its own unique timetable for taking action.
The panickers look for answers as soon as they can while the decisives wait for up
to six months to see what happens and the ostrich's can delay for as long as a year.

Commenting on the differing approaches Paula Patmore, marketing manager for Fertell,
said: "The women were very candid in the discussions and made it clear that not
falling pregnant after four or five months really altered how they viewed their
situation and what they did next. While they all admitted that eventually they would
seek help and advice - be it from a fertility test or their GP - they were also
concerned about what the outcome would be."


To help women decide on the next best steps for them Fertell has recently launched
the Ovarian Reserve test, which expands its range and combines enhanced choice with
a high level of accuracy. The new single test, launched in response to substantial
consumer demand, is 95% accurate compared to tests carried out in a laboratory. It
provides a quick and simple way for women to measure fertility status in the privacy
of their own home. It will be obtainable over-the-counter from larger Boots stores
and online through www.boots.com and www.fertell.co.uk for £24.99.

Previously, Fertell pioneered the at-home fertility testing market with the launch
of the couples test last year. While the couples test continues to sell well through
Boots;many female consumers have suggested a separate ovarian reserve test would be
of great benefit to them so they can assess their fertility levels when it suits
them.

Unlike any other test that is available for use at home, Fertell assesses the
quality of the eggs released. Almost a third of fertility issues are due to female
factors2 and early detection of such problems increases a woman's chances of getting
pregnant. The earlier potential fertility issues are identified, the quicker help
can be sought and the more options a woman may have open to her. In addition, if a
woman has been trying to conceive without success, it may enable her to be reassured
quickly so she can continue to try and be more relaxed about it.


Currently, there is a 12 month period before women can be referred for doctor-led
tests to pinpoint potential issues. The Fertell Ovarian Reserve Test is an
easy-to-use, one step urine test which measures follicle stimulating hormone (FSH),
a measure of ovarian reserve. If ovarian reserve is outside the normally expected
level, a woman's ability to conceive may be decreased. The results are available in
30 minutes, which means that you don't have to wait days or weeks for laboratory
results.

Web Site = http://www.fertell.co.uk

Contact Details = 01483 774050