Why Arrange a Fertility Test or Check Up?

Fertility investigations can find out if there is a reason you’ve been having trouble getting pregnant. However, you can also arrange a fertility check up before you try to conceive. It could be a good idea to have a fertility check if:

• You have been trying to get pregnant for more than a year
• You are over 35 and have been trying to conceive for more than six months
• It has been difficult for you to conceive in the past
• You have a condition that might affect your fertility
• You are thinking about the future and want advice from an expert to help plan your family

What to Expect

The fertility check up will begin with a discussion of your health. The doctor may ask about:

• Your medical and sexual history, including your menstrual cycle, any past pregnancies and the contraception you used previously
• How often you have unprotected sex and how long you’ve been trying
• Lifestyle factors that could affect your fertility, including your alcohol intake, stress and weight

The doctor will then perform some tests to assess your fertility and check for any health problems that could affect your ability to conceive. The doctor may recommend the following fertility investigations:

• Checking your BMI as being overweight could reduce your fertility
• Performing a pelvic exam to check for signs of infection or gynaecological conditions such as fibroids or endometriosis
• Screening for STIs that could be affecting your fertility
• Checking the hormone levels in your blood to find out whether you are ovulating normally
• Performing an ultrasound scan to check for problems with your ovaries, womb or fallopian tubes
• Performing a laparoscopy to confirm the presence of blockages or other issues with the ovaries, womb or fallopian tubes

What Happens Next

Once the results of the fertility investigations are complete, the doctor will be able to estimate your chances of conceiving naturally and how long it might take. If any specific issues have been identified, she will explain the impact on your fertility and the treatment options that are available. Depending on what was found during your fertility check up, she may recommend:

• Some lifestyle changes to improve your fertility
• Ways to maximise your chances of conceiving, such as when you have sex
• Treatment for any infections, gynaecological conditions or other problems that were found
• Fertility treatment if your chances of conceiving naturally are low

Arranging a Fertility Check

If you are concerned about your fertility or you want to know more about your chances of conceiving, you can make an appointment for a fertility check up at the Venus Women’s Clinic London. Miss Arafa is a leading gynaecologist who can perform all of the fertility investigations you need to understand your fertility. She can provide expert advice and any treatment that you need to improve your chances. You can easily arrange fertility investigations or a check up using the simple online form.