The following tests are a series of medical tests that I recommend to be carried out twice a year to review your fertility health. I typically suggest testing them via blood (serum).

You can usually complete these tests with your GP, or alternatively at a private clinic.

Please note: If you are completing my Find the Root – Fertility Health Assessment, and would like me to review any existing or new tests, please provide as many of the following as possible. Further guidance will be given on this when booking the session.

Female Tests

There are a few foundational tests that you should carry out to gain an overview of your fertility health.

1. Hormone Profile

This is a 2 part test.

Hormone Profile Part 1: The following areas are analysed using one blood sample between days 1-3 of your cycle (day 1 is the start of your proper period)

• FSH
• LH
• Estradiol (E2)
• Prolactin
• Testosterone (can be tested at any time of the cycle, but easy to do with the above)

Hormone Profile Part 2: The following blood test is carried out 7 days after ovulation. Please note: this is often referred to as a day 21 test and is often carried out on day 21 of your cycle. This is not necessarily correct if your cycle is longer or shorter than 28 days. Try to establish where ovulation is and then test 6-8 days after ovulation may have occurred. The test is for:

• Progesterone

Extra Hormone Tests:

These two tests can be completed if you have: elevated stress or emotion, reduced energy and/or libido, poor ovarian response in IVF or low numbers of follicles in IVF:

• DHEAS – tested any time of cycle
• Cortisol – tested any time of cycle

2. Full Thyroid Panel

A blood test carried out at any time of the cycle.

The full profile includes:

• TSH
• Free T3
• Free T4
• Reverse T3 (not always offered)
• Antithyroid Peroxidase
• Antithyroid Globulin

3. Full Blood Count (FBC)/ Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A blood test carried out at any time of the cycle.

4. Ultrasound Scan

This scan can be carried out to check your ovarian, fallopian and uterine health. It is also frequently used to check the number of follicles you have in each ovary, to give a good idea of your ovarian reserve. It is easier and at times better for this than relying on an AMH test result. Click the following link to read more about the benefits and facts of using ultrasound for your fertility health assessment: https://naturalfertilityexpert.com/ultrasound/ 

5. Sexually Transmitted Infections

HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Candida Albicans (Thrush – if there are any symptoms present or you experience thrush like symptoms at times). There are many more, but these are key ones.

6. Vitamin and mineral tests

A blood test carried out at any time of the cycle.

• B6
• B12
• Folate
• Zinc serum
• Vitamin D serum

NOTE: Many of the blood tests can be carried out simultaneously to save extra testing and cost. The only tests that must be timed are the Hormone Panel tests. All of the others are not cycle dependent.

Male Tests

Initially, there are three basic tests for men. Depending on the results further tests can be considered.

1. Semen analysis

It is advisable to provide the sample at the clinic where the test is being carried out so that the sperm are as fresh and healthy as possible before testing. If you have a cold or other temporary illness, please postpone the test until you have fully recovered, as the results may not be a true and accurate reflection of your fertility health. Prior to testing, it is advisable to abstain from sexual activity for a period of 2-3 days. You should also avoid drinking alcohol within 3 days of the test. Please try to obtain all or as much of the following information as you can:

• Semen volume
• Semen pH
• Sperm count / concentration
• Sperm Motility
• Sperm morphology
• Sperm liquefaction time
• Semen white blood cells (not always carried out but better if it is).

2. Full Thyroid Panel

The full profile includes:

• TSH
• Free T3
• Free T4
• Reverse T3 (not always offered)
• Antithyroid Peroxidase
• Antithyroid Globulin

3. Sexually Transmitted Infections

HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Candida Albicans (Thrush – if there are any symptoms present or you experience thrush like symptoms at times). There are many more, but these are key ones.

4. Vitamin and mineral tests

• B6
• B12
• Folate
• Zinc serum – important
• Vitamin D serum – important

5. DNA Fragmentation

This test will assess the genetic health of the sperm. It’s usually carried out if the Semen Analysis shows a high level of abnormally formed sperm, but if you have experienced recurrent miscarriage then it’s a good idea to test this too.

Disclaimer: https://naturalfertilityexpert.com/disclaimer/

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