Fertility Assessments
An overview of your fertility health
There are many different factors that can affect the fertility of both women and men. Even if you are not currently trying for a baby you may be wondering, or have concerns about your fertility health. There are various screening tests that can be done to evaluate fertility for both women and men.
We offer Fertility Assessment Packages to look at some of these key issues, hopefully at an early stage when any problems found can be investigated in detail and acted on, (we know from experience that many patients wait too long to seek specialist help).
Important Note: The Fertility Assessment is designed to give a general indication of lifestyle and other health issues, which may have a bearing on an individual’s, or a couple’s fertility health. The tests are not intended to replace formal comprehensive diagnostic testing, and further diagnostic testing may be advised, once the Fertility Assessment results are known.
Female Fertility Assessment Package (€275)
Includes:
- Ultrasound Scan (Antral Follicle Count)
- AMH Test
- Phone call with Fertility Consultant to discuss results
The key elements of our assessment are:
Ultrasound Scan (Antral Follicle Count): An assessment of your uterus and ovaries by ultrasound scan. This transvaginal scan helps us to assess the ovarian reserve by counting the antral follicles present (AFC count).
Antral follicles are small fluid-filled sacs within the ovaries that contain immature eggs. By counting the number of antral follicles, we can estimate the quantity of eggs remaining in the ovaries and evaluate a woman’s fertility potential.
The scan also allows us to assess your uterus and ovaries. This scan is not mean to be diagnostic, however, if abnormalities are noted, further diagnostic testing will be required.
Anti – Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Test. In combination with the ultrasound scan, the AMH test is helpful in indicating the number of eggs a woman has left and therefore, her fertility potential. AMH is a hormone produced by small follicles in the ovaries. Its levels in the blood can indicate the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries.
Male Fertility Assessment Package (€175)
Includes:
- Semen Analysis Test
- Phone call with Fertility Consultant to discuss the results
Male Factor Infertility:
Around 30% of infertility is attributed solely to male factor infertility.
The key areas included in the Male Fertility Assessment Package are:
Semen Analysis. A semen assessment measures sperm count, motility, morphology and other sperm parameters. This is not meant to be diagnostic, however, if abnormalities are noted, further diagnostic testing will be required.
Couple Fertility Assessment (€395)
This package will incorporate all the elements of both the female and male packages and includes:
- AMH Test
- Ultrasound Vaginal Scan
- Semen Analysis
- Phone call with a Fertility Consultant to discuss results.
Assessment Results
Our Fertility Assessment packages include a phone call with one of our Fertility Consultants to discuss your results. If your test results indicate a potential problem, or show that you already have poor fertility, you will be invited to arrange a more in-depth consultation appointment with the Consultant to discuss further.
The Fertility Assessment includes only screening tests, and you should be aware that, even if the results are all normal at this stage, they do not provide a guarantee for positive fertility in the future.
Additional Female Fertility Assessment
Depending on your circumstances, additional tests such as the ones below may be advised.
Rubella. A blood test to check for Rubella immunity by measuring Rubella antibodies.
Fertility infection screening. A test for Chlamydia will be carried out – this infection can cause severe damage to the reproductive system leading to damage in the fallopian tubes (the tubes that allow the eggs to swim to your womb each month), causing them to become narrowed or blocked. It is extremely important if infection is present that it is diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.
Please let reception know if you wish to have either of these tests carried out at the time of your appointment, and the cost will be advised.
Tubal Patency Check. A Hycosy procedure is available if recommended by our Consultant. This is an ultrasound of the fallopian tubes which checks for tubal patency.
A procedure called a ‘Hysterosalpingography‘ which takes x-rays to confirm whether there is any blockage of the fallopian tubes is available in the Beacon Hospital Radiology Department.
Additional Male Fertility Assessments
World Leading Andrology Services
Although the Semen Analysis is the “gold standard” for assessing sperm quality, sometimes additional tests may be recommended by your Fertility Consultant.
Our World-Leading Andrology Lab can provide the following tests and investigations when recommended by your Consultant.
DNA Fragmentation Index Testing (DFI)
Research suggests that damaged sperm DNA may indicate issues with male fertility, even if other sperm factors seem normal from a semen analysis test. The DNA Fragmentation Test helps to explore male fertility issues beyond basic assessments.
Although sperm are tiny, they carry a massive amount of genetic information to the egg. This genetic information may sustain damage and break during the journey to the egg.
The DNA Fragmentation Test can identify chromosomal damage in the sperm. It is typically recommended later in the fertility process, particularly in instances of recurrent miscarriages.
Sperm Oxidative Stress Testing (SOS): Increased levels of oxidative stress have been linked to poor sperm function and cell DNA damage, potentially increasing the risk of unsuccessful IVF outcomes. With the SOS test, we can assess the balance of free radicals and antioxidants in the sperm.