Investigations
Investigations are carried out on both partners before treatment is commenced. These investigations give the medical team information which helps to plan future management.
Female
The first test that will be undertaken is a blood test to assess if there is an egg being released on a regular basis. Regular ovulation is necessary for conception to occur. This should be taken approximately one week before your period is due. The clinic or your GP will be able to advise you of the best time for you to have this done.
You will also be tested for Rubella status to which you should be immune to prior to your treatment. If you are not immune you will need a rubella vaccine as this infection can cause serious problems to a baby. Your GP should undertake this before referring you.
When you attend the clinic a routine vaginal ultrasound scan will be undertaken at your first visit to assess the uterus, ovaries and the pelvis
All women less than 30 years of age will be asked for a urine sample when they attend the clinic to test for Chlamydia.If this is positive further investigations will be required to assess if the fallopian tubes are open.
It may be that you will also require a test to make sure your Fallopian tubes are open to enable the egg to reach the sperm. There are 2 ways of doing this:
A hysteroscopy may be required if an abnormality of the cavity of the womb is suspected either because or abnormal vaginal bleeding or visualised on ultrasound scan or HSG.
Male
The first test that will be undertaken is a routine semen analysis to ensure that there are sperm available.
For further information please see A guide to semen analysis (0577)
Production and maturation of the sperm takes about 70 days and during this time exposure to certain drugs, radiation, toxins, chemicals or infections may affect the process of sperm development. Should you think you have been exposed to any of these please let the clinic staff know when you hand in your semen sample.
If during the course of your fertility investigations it is thought that the male partner would benefit from a urology specialist option then you will be referred to the urology clinic.