A full medical history will be taken during your consultation and we will plan the investigations that are necessary for you.

The purpose of preliminary fertility investigations is to determine if there is an egg produced each month, if the sperm quality is good and if there is any anatomical reason that could make it more difficult for you to conceive.

Your investigations will include

For the female partner:

Bloods taken between day 2 & 5 of your cycle

These blood tests will investigate your hormonal function to give us an idea of your ovarian reserve and monthly ovulation cycle & your thyroid function to determine if your body can support an implanting fetus.

Day 21 Blood

A Progesterone test taken as this time will tell us if you are ovulating or not.

Pelvic Ultrasound

It is performed to determine the anatomy of ovaries and uterus.

Chlamydia Test

Some sexually transmitted infections can impair fertility. Patients can be positive for Chlamydia and have no symptoms. Taking the test now will avoid problems in future if you have to undergo more invasive investigations.

For the male partner:

Sperm count, swimming motion and shape of the sperm cells.

If your tests are all normal we will inform you of the result and then it is up to you to decide what to do, with our advice. Depending on age and years of trying to conceive most patients just need reassurance and are happy to give themselve’s more time once they know that everything is normal.

What can you in the meantime?

• Your lifestyle has a deep influence on your fertility.
• Lifestyle factors are something you can have complete control over.
• Alcohol and smoking decrease your fertility.
• If your body mass index is over 30 your chances of conception are decreased and if you get pregnant you are more at risk of miscarriage, foetal abnormalities & other serious obstetric complications.
• Make sure you are taking folic acid.
• It has also been shown that antioxidants in the diet can improve fertility.