If you've been trying to conceive without success, fertility testing and treatment options may be recommended to you. Infertility means not being able to get pregnant after one year of trying (or six months if a woman is 35 or older). Women who can get pregnant but are unable to stay pregnant may also be infertile. In this article, we explain some fertility testing and treatment options to consider during preconception.

Fertility testing options

Ovulation tracking involves monitoring your menstrual cycle to determine the best time to try to conceive. This can be done using ovulation predictor kits, tracking basal body temperature, and monitoring your menstrual cycle frequency and duration.

Blood tests can check hormone levels that affect female fertility, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and progesterone. Speak to your GP or gynaecologist to make sure you get the right test at the right time.

Ultrasound can be used to check for structural abnormalities in your reproductive organs that may impede fertility, such as polyps or fibroids.

Semen analysis checks the quantity and quality of sperm. This test can help determine if male factor infertility is a factor.

Fertility treatments

Certain prescription medications can stimulate ovulation or regulate hormonal imbalances that may be affecting fertility. Your doctor will check your medical background and test results to make sure you are suitable for them.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) involves placing sperm directly into the uterus to increase the chances of fertilisation.

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is more invasive and involves physically extracting eggs from the ovary. This is usually done under sedation. The eggs are fertilised in the lab outside of the body and transferred into the uterus.

Donor eggs or sperm can be used if there are issues with egg or sperm quality.

Surrogacy involves using a surrogate to carry a pregnancy to term for a couple who is unable to conceive or a woman who cannot carry a baby to term herself.

Costs and choices

It's important to consider that fertility testing and treatment options can be expensive. They can also be emotionally and physically demanding. Whatever you decide, try to keep making healthy lifestyle choices to support your fertility. Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking and alcohol, reducing stress, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can all help.

Fertility Testing and Treatment Options

For Unii’s Preconception Journey, we explore some fertility testing and treatment options.