Infertility and assisted reproductive technology
Testing that covers both partners, then a pathway whose every step is explained before it is begun.
Understand first, treat second
Infertility is spoken of after twelve months of regular intercourse without a pregnancy — six months beyond the age of thirty-five. That interval is not a rigid rule: previous pelvic surgery, very irregular cycles or a known genital infection all justify coming in sooner.
Testing covers both partners as a matter of course, because causes are shared roughly equally between them and because close to one couple in three has more than one factor at work. On the female side: ovarian reserve, quality of ovulation, patency of the tubes, the uterine cavity. On the male side: semen analysis, and hormone testing where indicated. Testing only one of the two regularly leads to treating beside the problem.
Depending on what the testing shows, care runs from the simplest to the most technical: correcting an ovulation disorder, stimulation with ultrasound monitoring, intrauterine insemination, then IVF with or without micro-injection. Steps are not skipped without reason, and nor is time spent on a technique that stands no chance in your particular situation.
The diploma in assisted reproduction and the practice of laparoscopic surgery make it possible to treat surgical causes within the same pathway — endometriosis, blocked tubes, a fibroid distorting the cavity, a uterine septum — without sending you from one doctor to another.
This is a demanding road. Consultation time serves that too: saying where things stand, what it is reasonable to hope for, and what is not.
The stages of a fertility journey
Consulting as a couple
History of both partners, how long you have been trying, cycles, treatments and past surgery.
Testing both partners
Ovarian reserve, ovulation, tubes and uterine cavity; semen analysis and male hormone testing.
Treatment that fits
From correcting ovulation to IVF, according to what the testing has actually shown.
Following your journey
One appointment a month: blood pressure, weight, fundal height, fetal heartbeat, and your questions.
Questions about fertility
How long should we try before seeking help?
Twelve months of regular intercourse without contraception, and six months beyond the age of thirty-five. Come in sooner if your cycles are very irregular or absent, or if you have had pelvic surgery, a genital infection, or known endometriosis.
Should my partner come to the first consultation?
It is preferable. Causes are shared roughly equally between the two partners, and a third of couples have more than one. Testing only one side regularly costs months.
Is IVF the only option?
No, and it is far from being the first. Many situations resolve by correcting an ovulation disorder, treating a surgical cause, or through insemination. IVF comes in when the testing shows it to be the route that genuinely stands a chance.
Does endometriosis prevent pregnancy?
No, but it can reduce fertility depending on where it sits and how extensive it is. Diagnosing and surgically treating it is a matter for laparoscopy, carried out within the same pathway.
Other consultations
A fertility journey often overlaps with these areas of care.
Take stock of your fertility
The first consultation sees the couple together and sets out the tests to be done.