Fertility testing

You should see a consultant if you haven't conceived after a year of trying. You should see your doctor sooner if you: are a woman aged 36 or over (as the decline in fertility speeds up when a woman reaches her mid-30s) or you have any reason to be concerned about your fertility - For example, if you've had treatment for cancer or you think you might have had a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Before any testing is carried out, it is important that a detailed medical history is taken by one of our specialists.

Fertility tests for women include:

• a blood test for a hormone called progesterone to check whether you're ovulating
• a test for chlamydia, which is an STI that can be treated with antibiotics
• an ultrasound scan can be used to check your ovaries, womb and fallopian tubes
• a hysterosalpingogram, or X-ray, of your womb and fallopian tubes after a special dye has been injected
• a laparoscopy, which involves inserting a thin tube with a camera at the end through a small cut in your stomach to examine your womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Should the need for fertility treatment arise the Lister Fertility Clinic with locations at the The Lister Hospital and The Portland Hospital, can provide a range of different fertility options with seamless, high-quality care throughout your treatment.