A fertility assessment involves a series of tests and evaluations to determine a person's ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. The evaluation may include physical exams, blood tests, and imaging studies to assess the health of the reproductive organs and identify any potential fertility issues. It may also include an evaluation of the person's overall health and lifestyle factors affecting their fertility. The results of a fertility assessment are used to develop a treatment plan for infertility.
Infertility or subfertility is usually defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of having unprotected sexual intercourse for a man or in a woman under 35 years of age or after six months in a woman over 35 years of age.
Infertility evaluation is used to help diagnose and treat any underlying issues that may prevent a couple from conceiving, such as hormonal imbalances, structural issues, or underlying medical conditions.
Studies have shown that while a large majority of couples (80-90%) usually conceive within the first year of attempted conception, the likelihood of conception decreases over time and with advancing age. The likelihood of conception is highest in the first three months of trying and then decreases. In women under 35, 4 in 5 couples should conceive within the first six months. Therefore, it is reasonable to seek fertility advice and investigations after six months of unsuccessful trying for conception.
A study has suggested that after six months of trying for conception, 1 in 2 of the remaining couples who fail to conceive may need fertility assistance. Therefore, in general, I would advise a discussion with your General Practitioner (GP) or a fertility specialist after 4 to 6 months of trying for conception, depending on your age and individual situation, to consider starting investigations.
Fertility assessment can help identify potential causes of infertility and guide the selection of appropriate treatment options. It can also provide a sense of how likely it is for a couple to conceive naturally or with medical assistance. Additionally, fertility assessment can provide information about the overall health of the reproductive system and can identify underlying medical conditions that may need to be addressed. Overall, it can help individuals and couples make informed decisions about their reproductive health and plan for their future.
A female fertility assessment typically includes
Infertility tests for women can also include:
For men, laboratory tests may include
This is a blood or saliva test that looks for faults in a person’s genes. It can help to provide information for couples about the chance of having a child with certain genetic conditions. Couples who are found to have a higher chance of having a child with a genetic condition will be given information about their reproductive choices.
You can find further helpful information via the following links:
Fertility preservation is the process of preserving your fertility for the future. Depending on your situation, this may involve freezing eggs, embryos or sperm for your future use. In certain circumstances ovarian tissue freezing or specific hormonal suppression (with a medication called Goserelin may be used as alternative methods for fertility preservation. Fertility preservation may be elective or medically-indicated.
Egg freezing is an increasingly popular option for preserving fertility. This method involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, collecting the eggs via a day surgery procedure, followed by freezing and storage of the mature eggs for future use. Egg freezing can be a safe and effective way to preserve fertility and can be combined with other fertility preservation methods.
Once you’ve completed your fertility assessment, the next step is to discuss the results with your doctor. Dr Crawford can guide you on moving forward with the most appropriate fertility treatments for your situation. Depending on the results of the fertility assessment, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or other treatments to improve your chances of conceiving.
A fertility specialist, a gynaecologist, or other medical professionals can perform fertility assessments. Your doctor will be able to provide you with the most accurate information about your fertility status and will be able to determine the best course of action regarding your fertility.
The cost of a fertility assessment will vary depending on the type of assessment you need and the provider performing the examination. Generally, a basic fertility assessment will often cost between $500 and $1,000. Some of this may be covered by Medicare, depending on your situation. The cost may be higher if you need more comprehensive testing, such as bloodwork or imaging. You may also be eligible to apply for the NSW Government fertility testing rebate: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-the-pre-ivf-fertility-testing-rebate.
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