Fertility Assessments
Are you considering having a baby?
There are many different factors that can affect the fertility of both women and men. Even if you are not currently trying for a baby you may be wondering, or have concerns about your fertility health. There are various screening tests that can be done to evaluate fertility for both women and men.
At Beacon CARE Fertility we offer a Fertility Treatment Assessment to look at some of these key issues, hopefully at an early stage when any problems found can be investigated in detail and acted on, (we know from experience that many patients wait too long to seek specialist help).
Important Note: The Fertility Assessment is designed to give a general indication of lifestyle and other health issues, which may have a bearing on an individual’s, or a couple’s fertility health. The tests are not intended to replace formal comprehensive diagnostic testing, and further diagnostic testing may be advised, once the Fertility Assessment results are known.
Female Fertility Assessment
The key elements of our assessment are:
Body Mass Index (BMI). Studies have shown that women can experience fertility problems when their BMI is in the underweight, overweight or obese category, even if they are ovulating regularly.
Anti – Mullerian Hormone (AMH) or ovarian reserve test. This can be helpful for women to try to work out how much fertile time they have left, particularly because more and more women are leaving it later to start a family. Women have a fixed number of eggs that decline with age. The AMH test is helpful in indicating the number of eggs a woman has left and therefore, her fertility potential.
Pre-Treatment (Vaginal) Ultrasound Scan. An assessment of your uterus and ovaries by ultrasound scan. This is not meant to be diagnostic, however, if abnormalities are noted, further diagnostic testing will be required.
Medical History review. Existing medical conditions, gynaecological history and any known problems such as endometriosis, menstrual and ovulatory irregularities will be noted and medical advice recommended as necessary.
Lifestyle/Nutritional advice A healthy lifestyle is important when you’re trying to conceive. The nurse will discuss exercise and diet to help prepare you both physically and mentally for the journey ahead. If desired we can recommend a nutritionist
Additional Female Fertility Assessment
Fertility infection screening. A test for Chlamydia will be carried out – this infection can cause severe damage to the reproductive system leading to damage in the fallopian tubes (the tubes that allow the eggs to swim to your womb each month), causing them to become narrowed or blocked. It is extremely important if infection is present that it is diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.
Please let reception know if you wish to have either of these tests carried out at the time of your appointment, and the cost will be advised.
Tubal Patency Check. A Hycosy procedure is available if recommended by our Consultant. This is an ultrasound of the fallopian tubes which checks for tubal patency.
A procedure called a ‘Hysterosalpingography‘ which takes x-rays to confirm whether there is any blockage of the fallopian tubes is available in the Beacon Hospital Radiology Department.
Male Fertility Assessment
Around 30% of infertility is attributed solely to male factor infertility.
The key areas included in the male Fertility Assessment are:
Semen test. A semen assessment measuring sperm count, motility, and other sperm parameters. This is not meant to be diagnostic, however, if abnormalities are noted, further diagnostic testing will be required.
Couple Fertility Assessment
This will incorporate all the elements of both the female and male packages.
Assessment Results
If your test results indicate a potential problem, or show that you already have poor fertility, you will be invited to arrange a consultation appointment with the Consultant to discuss further.
The Fertility Assessment includes only screening tests, and you should be aware that, even if the results are all normal at this stage, they do not provide a guarantee for positive fertility in the future.
