What fertility tests?

[Ilovemarmite79]

Hi I think we have a fertility problem. We will be approaching the doctors but can anyone tell me what tests they do and if/ how we can get them done privately (in the UK) and at what cost?

Hi
If you are under 35 and been ttc for 12 months your Gp can organise all basic tests for you and refer you on nhs or privately to a fertility clinic/hospital. Basic tests the gp can do (as quickly as private as can order there and then) are:

• blood tests for you, including a thyroid test, full blood count, prolactin test, etc
• then either on nhs or privately (but dependent on your cycle only) a day 2/3 and day 21 (or accurately 7 days post ovulation) blood test to check hormone levels.
• blood test to check rubella antibodies

You will need:

• a recent smear (ask for sti check as well as private clinics insist on this before treatment
• a SA (semen analysis) for dh, or perhaps more than one if any borderline issues
• a transvaginal scan for you

- a HSG (check for blocked fallopian tubes)

Well, that is the basic tests I have had. After that there is:

• AMH level, done privately to check ovarian reserve of female
• more detailed SA tests possibly needed.

Hope that is a starting point for you.
Costs do vary - but if you look up CARE (private provider) on their website they state their fee schedule. Am sure other clinics do, but only know of this one. For eg a SA is £85. We found the blood tests to be the more expensive ones privately (we have had to have HIV, Hep C etc before could start IVF (over £200!!)

Thanks keziahhopes. Can you have the blood tests done on NHS?

Yes, all the preliminary bloods on NHS - just ask your gp. Not the hiv ones etc now, as those only needed if have, for eg, ivf. The general health blood tests, the fsh (3 day and 21 day) ones, prolactin, thyroid. And the smear test also (think you need one done in past year), plus sti checks - it is chlymdia they need. Oh plus the blood test to prove you had the rubella vaccine as a child.