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Your fertitlity…A Diagnostic Cycle
So you want to have a baby….
In order to help you ascertain whether you may have any problems in conceiving, we have created a diagnostic pathway to assess your fertility as a couple.
Over a period of approximately one month we will appropriately investigate you both and help you decide if any treatment may be necessary.
We will plan a three-stage approach:
Stage 1: Initial assessment
A detailed history and examination of each of you as a couple will be carried out with a specially trained doctor. This will take approximately one hour and at its conclusion, appropriate investigations will be planned for Stage 2.
Stage 2: Investigations
We will tailor these investigations according to you needs. Not all couples will need all of the tests and some will need more.
You will be advised as to which will be necessary from the following list:
1. Hormone profile
Taken on Day 2, 3 or 4 of your menstrual cycle or at any time of the cycle if your periods are irregular. This checks your baseline level of reproductive hormones.
2. A – Mid-Luteal Progresterone
This is usually taken approximately 1 week before the onset of your period and is used to check whether ovulation has taken place.
2. B – Progesterone Series Cost
Sometimes a series of progesterone levels are taken over the course of a few days; particularly if your periods are irregular
3. Semen Analysis Cost
This will be arranged via the local fertility unit at the Winterbourne Hospital in its Andrology Department.
4. Test of Tubal Patency Cost will be advised individually
In order to achieve pregnancy, it is important to have open fallopian tubes. To check patency, there are two tests available.
A – Hysterosalpingogram (HSG). This is an X-Ray investigation where a dye is inserted through the cervix into the uterus and outlines the fallopian tubes. This will be arranged via the Winterbourne Hospital X-Ray Department.
B – Laparoscopy and Dye Test. This is an in-patient day case procedure under a general anaesthetic which gives detailed information about your pelvis and tubal patency.
Stage 3: Analysis and Forward Planning
A follow-up consultation at which all of your results will be given, with full interpretation and a plan will be made for your fertility treatment, should this be necessary.
You will be given a ‘Co-Op card’ detailing your results, which you may keep as your own personal record.