When to see a Fertility Specialist straight away
- If you are under 35 years old and have attempted to become pregnant for one year or more
- If you are over 35 years old and have attempted to become pregnant for six months or more
- If you have had four or more unsuccessful cycles with Clomiphene
- If you are in premature menopause naturally or as a result of Chemotherapy or surgery
- If you have been told you will need assistance to conceive due to blocked tubes, uterine damage, egg quality issues or problems with ovulation
- If you wish to have a baby after surgical sterilization such as tied tubes or vascetomy
- If you have had two or more miscarriages
Females
For females, see your fertility specialist if you’ve been diagnosed with or treated for:
- Irregular or absent periods
- PCOS or endometriosis
- Tubal damage (or previous tubal ligation surgery)
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Premature menopause
- Known genetic concerns
Males
For males, see your fertility specialist if you’ve been diagnosed with:
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm shape (morphology) or movement (motility)
- Antisperm antibodies
- Ejaculatory concerns
- Absence of sperm (azoospermia)
- Known genetic concerns
- Issues from a prior vasectomy
What are the First Steps?
Your fertility specialist will start with a review of your general health and medical history, before deciding on which routine test or procedures are appropriate.
Tests for Female:
- Pelvic ultrasound
- A blood tests on day 2-5 of your cycle to measureFollicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Prolactin
screening for HIV, Hep B and Hep C (blood test) - Ovarian reserve blood test
Tests for Male:
- Semen analysis to check for sperm antibodies and possible infections
- Screening for HIV, Hep B and Hep C (blood test).