Fertility treatments and blood tests

Deciding to embark on fertility treatments is a significant and often challenging step. It requires thoughtful consideration and both physical and emotional preparation, alongside practical aspects such as financial resources and available support networks. 

For many individuals and couples, this choice follows difficulties with natural conception, prompting consultations with healthcare professionals to identify potential causes and explore suitable treatment options. Factors such as age, medical history, and lifestyle also play a crucial role in shaping the decision-making process, making it a deeply personal journey toward parenthood.

Treatments are accessible both through the NHS and private healthcare providers. To determine eligibility for NHS-funded treatment, it is advisable to consult with your doctor as access and eligibility differs across the country.

If you are paying privately, you can choose which clinic you would like to have your treatment with. It may feel overwhelming at first when trying to choose your clinic. 

It’s important to consider aspects such as the clinic live birth rate and the costs of treatments, but also the location and the amount and type of emotional support provided. You might like to use the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority handy Choose a Clinic resource to help you narrow down your choices.

• Ovulation Induction:

This treatment aims to stimulate ovulation in women who are either not ovulating or experiencing irregular ovulation. It is commonly used for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hypothalamic amenorrhoea.

• Gynaecological Surgery:

Although not strictly a fertility treatment, minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopy can be performed to investigate and manage conditions such as endometriosis. By addressing endometriosis lesions and scar tissue, this surgery may enhance fertility for affected individuals. Other minor surgery might include assessing the health and structure of the uterus and fallopian tubes.

• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI):

IUI involves the direct placement of sperm into the uterus. The procedure may include taking medication to ensure an egg is ready for ovulation and that the uterine lining can support pregnancy. While IUI is less commonly used for heterosexual couples today, it remains a primary option for female same-sex couples seeking fertility treatment.

• In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF):

IVF is a well-established assisted reproductive technology for addressing infertility. The process includes stimulating and monitoring the ovaries, retrieving eggs, and fertilising them with sperm in a lab setting. The resulting embryo is then implanted into the uterus 3-6 days after fertilisation or stored for future use.

• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI):

ICSI, a specialised IVF technique, is often used for male factor infertility issues. During the procedure, a single viable sperm is directly injected into an egg, effectively bypassing potential barriers that might prevent natural fertilisation.

Prior to commencing treatment your clinic will ask you to undertake pre-IVF screening. This will include testing for HIV, hepatitis and syphilis, among others as requested by your clinic. If you are paying privately for your treatments, you may be able to access this testing elsewhere to help keep your costs down.

Fertility blood tests are important because they help identify potential issues and also ensure your body is ready for the treatment. The blood test results can also help personalise your treatment plan. 

When selecting your blood test provider, make sure you properly review the tests being offered to ensure the biomarkers tested are exactly what you need for your pre-IVF screening.

Here at One Day Tests we offer a wide range pre-IVF blood tests, as well as full body MOT blood tests that give you a comprehensive overview of your health. A selection of our blood tests are displayed below, however if you have any questions, or can't find the specific test you require, then please get in touch.

Deciding to pursue treatments can be a deeply personal and emotional choice that requires careful consideration. Ultimately, starting treatments is a step toward building a family and achieving parenthood, which can bring hope and optimism amidst the challenges.