The statistics
Around 3.5 million people in the UK (one couple in seven) may have difficulty conceiving, and for women it can be harder to conceive after 35 years of age. With couples having IVF treatment, roughly half of the cases are due to female infertility, and half due to male infertility.
What can be done?
If fertility abnormalities are found, we can recommend a correct specialist referral and arrange this for you. Common treatments include hormone-boosting drugs, IUI, and IVF. If you would like to consider conception assistance, we can provide you with the details of a recommended centre in the Harley Street area which has proved generally successful for our patients.
Procedure
The requesting doctor will provide you with all the necessary information regarding the testing. Make sure that you are well hydrated for easy blood drawing.
During the testThe doctor will explain which tests are necessary. For women, a simple blood test will be taken. For men, a sperm analysis and chlamydia test may be necessary.
FAQ
In women, the most common reasons are endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, blocked fallopian tubes and poor egg quality. In men, the most common cause is lack of sperm or low sperm motility.
The most fertile time of a woman’s menstrual cycle is at ovulation. This usually occurs around the mid-point of your cycle (day 14, counting the first day of your period as day 1) but can be earlier or later.
Fertility testing is usually recommended after a year of trying to conceive, but if you are concerned about your fertility for any reason, you do not need to wait to come in for testing.
