Some Science

Photo by Julia Koblitz on Unsplash

Like everyone experiencing infertility, I have done so much googling over the last few years. Throughout this series, I’ll aim to summarise some of the key take-homes about the various tests, procedures and medications mentioned in a (hopefully) easily digestible way, for those who have google fatigue.

As mentioned in Episode 1: A Single Pink Line, our first stop after struggling to conceive was a fertility MOT at a local private clinic. The main advantage of going private for these tests is that we didn’t have to wait for appointments, but fertility tests are also available to couples on the NHS.

You can request NHS fertility investigations after a year of trying to conceive, although will not be referred for treatment until you have been trying to conceive for two years if no specific cause is identified. Below is some basic information about each test and links to further information and the normal ranges expected in each of them.

Couples Fertility MOT:

1. Semen analysis: Semen sample is analysed under a microscope looking at volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility, vitality and morphology. The normal values for these parameters are outlined on the NICE (National Institute for Health & Care Excellence) website: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs73/chapter/quality-statement-4-semen-analysis
2. AMH blood test: Anti-Mullerian Hormone level is used as an indicator of ovarian reserve, or the number of eggs a woman has left that could mature to ovulation. This is a normal blood test that is sent to a lab for analysis. Normal ranges for AMH can be found on this useful page from the London Egg Bank: https://www.londoneggbank.com/ovarian-reserve/
3. Pelvic ultrasound with antral-follicle count: Womb and ovaries are checked via internal scan, looking for polyps, cysts, fibroids and any other abnormalities. The practitioner may also count your antral follicles, or egg producing follicles, to help estimate how many eggs you may have. Learn normal ranges on the Very Well Family website: https://www.verywellfamily.com/follicle-female-reproductive-system-1960072