Fertility Testing

Walk in Clinic London has built special and long-lasting relationships with a prestigious network of respected specialists in London and the surrounding areas.

We can fast-track referrals for you to an appropriate Gynaecologist and Urologist specialist following the initial consultation with our GP. If you have insurance cover (Information, with your consent, will be given to your insurance provider together with a detailed referral letter.) if you so wish. However, you may not want to and we respect your decision. Ultrasound scans are typically done here in the clinic with the specialist.

After your scan the specialist will then write to us with detailed information and recommended treatment with our doctor. Upon receipt we will let you know what you need to do next and together our doctor will develop a treatment plan appropriate for you.

Sexually transmitted diseases do unfortunately sometimes have an effect on your fertility. Before planning a pregnancy it is important to resolve any STIs issues. (Sadly this is the biggest cause of infertility). Our doctor will give you an up-to-date treatment plan and advice with the necessary management, post-screening.

During fertility treatment ultrasound is used to monitor the production of follicles (considered necessary) to prevent excessive stimulation of the ovaries.

Transvaginal ultrasound is suggested as the optimal diagnostic image necessary and is a better alternative to the standard abdominal ultrasound and can detect any abnormalities of the cervix.

It is an internal examination that takes up to an hour or less and is considered safe, non-invasive, and painless. Ultrasound is the best imaging modality for soft tissues and does not involve ionising radiation. It uses sound waves to produce images on a screen using a probe which come in various shapes and is inserted into the vagina. The resulting image visualizes the uterus, bladder, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and cervix.

Fertility treatments include:

• Medicines to improve fertility in addition to assisted conception.
• Assisted conception - i.e. intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
  • i. Gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT) and
  • ii. Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
  • iii. Corrective surgical treatments - when the cause of infertility is found to be due to a pre-existing condition.

Medicines containing gonadotrophin are sometimes used. Clomifene blocks the feedback mechanism to the pituitary gland and results in the pituitary gland making and releasing more gonadotrophin hormone which subsequently stimulates ovulation. Gonadotrophin medicines also improve fertility in men with certain types of hormonal problems that can affect the sperm count.

Metformin can be used for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and have trouble conceiving. It is normally used for some diabetics. Studies recommend its use to improve fertility in some women with PCOS, usually in combination with Clomifene.

It is important to be aware of and appreciate the realistic success rates and evidence for these medicines and any potential side-effects or risks with the doctor and/or fertility specialist.

Surgical treatments

An operation may be required for:

What Can Possibly Be Done

If you believe you are having problems conceiving and have been trying unsuccessfully for some time, this can be very stressful. We can support and help you with valuable specialist advice and private treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be trying to conceive for a specific period before a fertility test is necessary?

Fertility testing is customary practice after a year of trying to conceive. If you are concerned about your fertility for any reason, you do not necessarily have to wait to get tested. Some pre existing medical conditions can reduce your fertility.

What are the common causes of infertility?

In women, the most recognized cause is polycystic ovarian disorder, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes and poor egg quality. In men, the most widely documented reason is poor sperm motility and/or a limited sperm count.

When Is A Woman Naturally Fertile?

Women are generally fertile around the mid-point of a woman's menstrual cycle which might be day 14 including the first day of their period counted as day one; however, it may be earlier orlater.

We can also organise for eggs and sperm to be frozen for future use which is an option for you. As women and men age their fertility decreases and egg and sperm quality reduces affecting the viability of each.

Frozen eggs and sperm are also generally offered to people undergoing cancer treatments who want or continue to have children in the future.