Want to Know How Fertile You Are?
Over the last three years, home kits to test male and female fertility potential have become available over-the-counter. The relatively new anti-mullerian (AMH) test is thought to be the most accurate predictor of a woman’s ovarian reserve and it is the basic test that we would usually recommend if a woman wanted to check on her fertility status. The test helps to assess the number of eggs a woman has left and gives an indication of her fertility potential. The level of AMH, produced by the granulosa cells in the ovaries, diminishes as a woman approaches the menopause.
However, the crucial thing about doing any test is that for every test there will be a result – and that could be good news or not such good news and you may need support in interpreting the results and planning the way forward. For some women it may be appropriate to consider prioritising planning pregnancy or even moving to a more assisted route sooner rather than later.
What's more, it is never quite as simple as having a single test. Fertility is multi-factorial and although a blood test may be a good start, there are many other factors involved. A Fertility Health Check allows time to consider your physical health, that of a partner (or potential partner), potential risk factors, lifestyle issues and your psychological health.
The key issues considered in a Fertility Health Check are:
o Age: a woman’s age is most significant. Older women may require more urgent referral
o Anticipated time before trying to conceive
o Length of time trying to conceive (if already started)
o Any existing medical conditions, or prescribed medication
o Past history of abdominal or pelvic surgery
o Occupation and work
stress including exhausting travel schedules
o Gynaecological history and any known problems such as
endometriosis or polycystic ovaries.
o Menstrual history and regularity of periods
o Current contraception or time since stopping contraception
o Lifestyle - including the effects of
alcohol, smoking, caffeine, recreational drugs
o Weight, body mass index and body fat percentage
o Other life stresses – such as pressures of elderly parents or ex-partners.
The Fertility Health Check also includes discussion about the relevance of:
o A blood test to check for rubella (German measles) antibodies
o Cervical smear
o Fertility infection screen
o Blood pressure and urine test
o The importance of
folic acid to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
o Good
nutrition to optimise the health of a future baby.
There are essentially two key factors involved in getting pregnant: the first is time (it takes, on average, around 7 months to plan a first baby) and the second is opportunities for sex (and ensuring that sex is frequent and occurring at the fertile time of the woman’s cycle).
Fertility awareness and understanding what is normal is a key part in taking control of your fertility. During your Fertility Health Check, the fertility nurse specialist can also discuss any other pre-conception concerns you may have, such as anxieties related to past miscarriages or abortions.
An AMH test does not give an indication about whether or not a woman is ovulating or whether her tubes are patent (ie open). These tests can be discussed and arranged at appropriate stages, if needed. We will consider the role of your GP, the
gynaecologist and specialist fertility units and can help you to understand fertility services in the NHS and private sector.
So far the emphasis has been on the woman, but it is recognised that, although male age is not such a strong factor in relation to fertility, other male factor issues contribute to up to 50% of fertility delays. As part of a Check we will consider the value of a comprehensive
semen analysis at a relevant time and the importance of a fertility infection screen and negative lifestyle factors.
The
Zita West clinic is a
midwife-led medical clinic working with GPs, gynaecologists and male health specialists to provide optimum
preconception health care. We also integrate evidence-based complementary therapies into our treatment plans and place a strong emphasis on
nutrition,
acupuncture and emotional wellbeing as part of a comprehensive, holistic approach.
A Fertility Health Check and AMH test can be arranged at any time by calling us on
0207 224 0017. Please arrange the blood test through the receptionist. We would usually allow one week between doing the test and your appointment to ensure the results are back. The blood test can be done at any time in your menstrual cycle.
An AMH test cannot be done if you are on the pill. You will need to allow at least one cycle after stopping the pill before taking a test.
The fee for an AMH test and follow-up consultation is £170.00
