There are more than 500 million couples of reproductive age worldwide. Of this number, approximately 1 in 6 - or 80m couples - are infertile

In the US, over 9.3 million women use some form of fertility service each year, representing an annual expenditure of c$2bn. The general trend in industrialised countries is for couples to defer childbearing, particularly among middle and high income couples. This results in an increase in infertility rates.

Rates of obesity in men and women are increasing and choice of lifestyle options such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption negatively impact on fertility.

Infertility is a 'couple' issue, and while male infertility is the single most common cause of infertility, female age is the most important indicator for success through treatment. Conception rates halve for women between the ages of 30 and 38.

Currently, physicians recommend that couples continue to try to conceive for at least 12 months before considering infertility treatment or testing.

Early intervention - and fast tracking towards treatment can therefore significantly increase the chance for conception for an infertile couple.

Fertell empowers consumers to take control of their fertility journey as a couple, at the point at which they feel it is helpful to them, conducting the test in the privacy of their own home.