Fertility MOT
Are you fertility fit?
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 CARE Fertility we offer a Fertility MOT 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, to their cost, spend several years being slowly investigated and only seek specialist help when time is running out).
Important Note: The Fertility MOT is designed to give an indication of lifestyle and other health issues, which may have a bearing on an individual's, or a couples fertility health. The tests are not intended to replace formal comprehensive diagnostic testing, and further diagnostic testing may be advised, once the Fertility MOT results are known.
Fertility MOT - female
The key areas included are:
- Body Mass Index (BMI). Studies have shown that even women who ovulate regularly, can experience fertility problems when their BMI is in the underweight, overweight or obese category.
- Anti - Mullerian Hormone (AMH) or ovarian reserve test This can be helpful for women to know 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. According to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), a woman is half as fertile at 35 as she is at 25, and half as fertile again at 40. The AMH test assesses the number of eggs a woman has left and gives an indication of her fertility potential.
- Ultrasound scan (Pelvic assessment Scan) For further confirmation of the woman's reproductive health, an assessment of your uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes by ultrasound scan is performed. This is not meant to be diagnostic, however, if abnormalities are noted, further diagnostic testing will be required.
- Blood Pressure. Will be taken to see if it falls within recommended guidelines.
- Ovulation. As the lifespan of an egg is only around 12 hours, a woman needs to be able to work out when she is ovulating to ensure that sexual intercourse takes place at the optimum time to achieve conception.
- 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 Leading a healthy lifestyle is important when you're trying to make sure your body is fertile and able to create a healthy baby. 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 to you associated with the Clinic.
Cost - £206
Additional tests
Rubella.
A blood test to check for Rubella immunity by measuring Rubella antibodies.
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.
These tests can be requested via your GP.
Tubal Patency Test
A procedure called a 'hysterosalpingography' which takes x-rays to confirm whether there is any blockage of the fallopian tubes. This can be arranged via Thornbury Hospital for a cost of approximately £400.
Fertility MOT - Male
Around 30% of infertility is attributed solely to male factor and our male Fertility MOT has been designed to address those issues.
The key areas included in the male Fertility MOT are:
- Semen test. . A semen assessment measuring sperm count, motility, and other sperm parameters is carried out. This is not meant to be diagnostic, however, if abnormalities are noted, further diagnostic testing will be required.
- Chlamydia testing. . Chlamydia infection can affect sperm function and male fertility. It is the most common cause of inflammation in the testicles and sperm-conducting tubes (epididymo-orchitis) in men under the age of 35. If left untreated it can cause infertility.
- Lifestyle. Male fertility can be affected by various lifestyle factors and the fertility nurse specialist will discuss these with you and offer advice on how to maximise your fertility.
Cost - £196
Fertility MOT - Couple
This will incorporate all the elements of both the female and male packages.
Cost - £335
Results
All results will be reviewed by the Medical Director. The Nurse Specialist will then feed back your results via a telephone consultation, and this will be followed up with a written report. The results should be available within 10 working days from your initial appointment.
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 Clinician to discuss your options.
The Fertility MOT 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.
Arranging your Fertility MOT
If you would like to arrange a Fertility MOT, please ring our Reception on 0114 2589716 or complete the CARE Fertility on-line questionnaire.. We will contact you within 2 working days of receipt of your questionnaire to arrange a consultation with our Fertility Nurse Specialist.
