A fertility assessment is a medical evaluation that helps identify factors that may affect your ability to conceive. It provides a clearer understanding of your reproductive health and guides you toward the best steps for planning a pregnancy, whether you're trying to conceive now or in the future.
Who Should Consider a Fertility Assessment?
You may benefit from a fertility assessment if:
- You have been trying to conceive for 12 months (or 6 months if over age 35) without success
- You have irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- You or your partner have a known medical condition affecting fertility
- You’ve had multiple miscarriages
- You are considering fertility preservation (e.g., egg freezing)
- You are in a same-sex relationship or single and exploring options to start a family
What Does a Fertility Assessment Involve?
Fertility assessments typically include discussion of your medical history, a discussion of fertility investigations, and appropriate options for you at your stage of fertility planning
- Medical and Reproductive History will consider menstrual cycle patterns, past pregnancies or miscarriages, sexual history, contraceptive use, chronic health conditions or previous surgeries, and any family history of reproductive issues
- Blood Tests: To assess hormone levels and ovarian reserve (egg supply),blood tests may include;
- FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
- LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
- AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)
- Thyroid function
- Prolactin
- Progesterone (to confirm ovulation)
- Pelvic Ultrasound: An internal scan (transvaginal ultrasound) may be ordered to check:
- Ovarian function and follicle count
- Uterine structure (e.g., fibroids or polyps)
- Fallopian tube issues (if using contrast imaging)
- Semen Analysis (for male partners)
- Sperm count
- Motility (movement)
- Morphology (shape)
- Optional Additional Tests: Depending on your individual situation, further tests may include:
- Hysterosalpingo Contrast Sonography (HyCoSy){link to ultrasound service}: Ultrasound to check for blocked fallopian tubes
- Laparoscopy {link to procedure = laparoscopy}: Keyhole surgery to examine pelvic organs
- Genetic testing: If a hereditary condition is suspected
What Happens Next?
After your assessment your Your doctor will explain your results in detail and advise on lifestyle changes, treatment options, or referrals if needed. If necessary, a plan for fertility treatment such as IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation), or other assisted reproductive technologies will be discussed
When to Seek Help
You should consider a fertility assessment if:
- You’ve been trying to conceive for 6–12 months without success
- You have irregular, absent, or painful periods
- You’re over 35 and planning to conceive
- You or your partner have a known fertility issue or chronic health condition
