Fertility Assessment
Before any treatment is discussed, the question is why conception has not happened. That means investigating both partners, because male factors account for roughly half of cases and a semen analysis is quick, inexpensive and often skipped.
- Both partners assessed from the start
- Completed within one cycle
- Costs explained before anything begins
- Not everyone needs IVF
Stay
Outpatient
Duration
Completed over one menstrual cycle
Anaesthesia
Not applicable
About Fertility Assessment
Assessment covers three questions: is an egg being released, is sperm adequate, and are the tubes open. Ovulation is checked with cycle history and blood tests, sperm with a semen analysis, and tubal patency with an HSG or laparoscopy. Ovarian reserve is assessed with AMH and an antral follicle count, which matters most for planning.
- Three questions: ovulation, sperm, and tubal patency
- Male factor is involved in roughly half of cases
- AMH indicates ovarian reserve, not the chance of pregnancy
- Most of the assessment fits into a single cycle
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about fertility assessment. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest fertility assessment.
- Not conceiving after a year under 35
- Not conceiving after six months over 35
- Irregular or absent periods
- Known tubal disease or previous pelvic infection
- Previous testicular problems, surgery or chemotherapy
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Before starting any fertility treatment
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Both partners seen
History from both, covering cycles, previous pregnancies, surgery, illness and lifestyle, with examination where relevant.
Female investigation
Blood tests timed to the cycle, AMH for ovarian reserve, and a pelvic ultrasound with antral follicle count.
Male investigation
A semen analysis, repeated after a few weeks if abnormal, since results vary considerably between samples.
Tubal assessment
An HSG or laparoscopy to confirm the tubes are open, arranged where the history or findings warrant it.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Both partners should attend the first appointment together
- Bring records of any previous investigations or treatment
- The male partner should abstain for two to five days before a semen analysis
- Note cycle dates for the past few months
- Bring details of any previous pregnancies, including miscarriages and terminations
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Most of the assessment is complete within one menstrual cycle
- An abnormal semen analysis is repeated before conclusions are drawn
- Results are discussed together, with a plan and a realistic estimate of chances
- Weight, smoking and alcohol affect both partners and are addressed
- Where no cause is found, that is a recognised diagnosis rather than a failure of testing
Why choose Humayun for fertility assessment
The most valuable thing a fertility unit can give you early is a realistic picture, including when treatment is unlikely to help.
- Both partners assessed from the start, since testing only one wastes months
- Investigation completed within a single cycle rather than spread over many appointments
- Success rates quoted for your age and diagnosis, not the clinic's best case
- Costs set out in writing before any treatment begins
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More in Fertility & IVF
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)
Fertilisation carried out in our in-house embryology laboratory, followed by embryo transfer.
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
Prepared sperm placed directly into the uterus around ovulation - a simpler first step than IVF.
Ovulation Induction
Medication to stimulate the ovaries to release an egg, for women who ovulate irregularly or not at all.
ICSI
A single sperm injected directly into an egg during IVF, used where sperm count, motility or shape is the problem.
Embryo Culture
The days in the laboratory between fertilisation and transfer, where embryos are grown and assessed.
Blastocyst Culture
Growing embryos to day five before transfer, which allows the strongest to be identified more reliably.
Embryo Transfer
Placing the embryo into the uterus, a brief outpatient procedure needing no anaesthetic.
Male Infertility Assessment
Investigation of the male partner, which is involved in roughly half of couples and is frequently skipped.
Semen Analysis
Laboratory assessment of sperm count, movement and shape, the first and most useful test in male fertility.
Fertility Counselling
Support through the emotional and practical side of fertility treatment, which most couples find harder than the medicine.