Female Fertility
You may want to consider fertility testing if you have been trying to conceive without success for 12 months, or for 6 months if you are aged 35 or over. Earlier assessment may also be appropriate if you have irregular or absent periods, or known conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, a history of pelvic infection or surgery, or previous reproductive health concerns.
Common tests include hormone blood tests, ultrasound scans to assess ovarian reserve, and ovulation tracking. Your specialist will recommend tests based on your situation.
Yes. Female fertility naturally declines with age, particularly from the mid-30s onwards, as both egg quality and quantity decrease over time. This can also increase the risk of miscarriage and chromosomal abnormalities.
Irregular, infrequent, or absent periods may indicate irregular ovulation, which can make conception more difficult . Identifying the underlying cause can help guide treatment options.
For women wishing to preserve future fertility, egg freezing may be an option, particularly when undertaken at a younger reproductive age. Specialist guidance is essential to help you make informed decisions based on your individual circumstances and long-term family planning goals.
Male Fertility
Male fertility challenges can arise from a variety of factors, including low sperm count, poor sperm quality, hormonal imbalances, varicoceles, genetic conditions, or blockages affecting sperm delivery.
The most common test is a semen analysis, which evaluates sperm count, motility, and morphology (shape of the sperm). Additional hormone testing, genetic investigations, or imaging may be recommended depending on the findings.
In some cases, yes. Surgical procedures such as sperm retrieval (e.g., TESE or Micro-TESE) may help sperm to be collected directly for use in IVF with ICSI.
Yes. Factors such as smoking, obesity, excessive heat exposure, underlying health conditions, anabolic steroid use and chronic stress, may all negatively impact sperm health. Optimising lifestyle factors can play an important role in reproductive outcomes.
Treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis and may include lifestyle changes, medication, surgical procedures, or assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF with ICSI.
General
It is generally recommended to seek advice after 6 to 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse if the female partner is under 35 (or 6 months if the female partner is 35 or over). Earlier evaluation may be recommended where known reproductive health concerns exist.
Yes. Fertility is a shared journey, and assessing both partners early can provide a clearer understanding of potential challenges and treatment pathways.
IUI involves placing sperm directly into the uterus, while IVF involves collecting an egg, fertilising it outside the body in a laboratory and transferring a resulting embryo into the uterus. Your specialist will recommend the most suitable option based on your diagnosis and goals.
No treatment can guarantee pregnancy. However, evidence-based treatments can significantly improve the likelihood of conception depending on age, diagnosis, and overall reproductive health.
No, you can contact a fertility clinic directly to arrange an initial consultation.
