We encourage both partners to attend the initial fertility consultation so that both are involved in the discussions, the explanation of results and final decision-making. The consultation, together with the various diagnostic fertility tests, may take 1 to 2.5 hours. Please bring a valid passport for photo identification for registration purposes.

Ultrasound scan

A transvaginal ultrasound scan may be performed on the day of your fertility consultation before you see your consultant.

If you’ve had a scan elsewhere and can provide the results, or if you’d prefer not to have a scan when you attend, please call the medical secretaries on +44 (0)20 7881 2000. An ultrasound performed elsewhere should ideally include an antral follicle count.

An transvaginal ultrasound scan can be performed on any day of your menstrual cycle – it does not matter if you are part way through your cycle.

Semen analysis

A semen analysis is performed before seeing your doctor for your initial fertility consultation, and helps the fertility consultant to make an informed judgement about your future fertility treatment.

If a semen analysis has been performed elsewhere in the last three months and you can bring the results, you won’t need to repeat this test. If not, it is important that a semen analysis be carried out at the time of your fertility consultation. Please abstain from intercourse for three days before your appointment.

Blood tests

Before starting IVF treatment, (one of) the female partner(s) would need the following fertility tests:

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
• Luteinising Hormone (LH)
• Oestradiol
• Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) on days 2-5 of the menstrual cycle
• TSH, FT3 and FT4
• HIV / Hepatitis B (HBsAG and Hepatitis B core AB) and C for both the partners
• Full blood count
• Rubella
• Chlamydia.

Other diagnostic or pre-treatment tests may be required dependant on history, particular treatment undertaken and couple ethnicity but these will be discussed further during the consultation.

Your GP may carry out these tests prior to your consultation with us, which will minimise the cost and avoid any delay in commencing your fertility treatment. However you may find it more convenient to have all of these diagnostic fertility tests done at the Lister Fertility Clinic.