UI-NONF-00176 | June 2021
When thinking of having a child, it’s important you keep your body healthy and working well so your baby can develop with minimal risks of complications.
Over the past thirty years, fertility science has helped millions of couples overcome their difficulties and have a family of their own. There are a range of treatments and options available to help you achieve your family in a variety of circumstances. There can often be a lot of information to take in of what may be expected of you and what you can expect along the way.
Understanding your fertility
It’s normal to undergo a series of initial fertility tests when planning on starting a family and it’s also normal to feel a little anxious. The tests are simply to check the quality of your eggs or sperm and check for any potential infections that might be harmful to your partner or surrogate and child.
The first step is to visit your doctor and explain your concerns. It can be daunting at first, but your doctor will be very understanding of any concerns you voice. They will give you a series of simple tests to begin to determine what your fertility issues are, if any. Once you receive your test results, your doctor may refer you to a specialist if they decide there is a need for further testing.
Your doctor will ask you and your partner to recount your medical history and sex life in detail. It’s very important you are honest and open with your doctor. Remember, what you tell them stays between you and them, so there is no need to feel embarrassed. If you don’t feel comfortable going into this level of detail in front of your partner, you can arrange a private discussion with your doctor.
Over the past thirty years, fertility science has helped millions of couples overcome their difficulties and have a family of their own.
Common tests for men
Your doctor will conduct a routine physical examination of your penis, testicles and prostate gland to check for anything unusual. They will be looking for varicose veins around your scrotum and check your sperm ducts are present and undamaged.
Your doctor will ask for blood and urine samples from you for testing, it will give a clearer indication of further tests they may need to perform. They may request a semen sample too; this can be done at home or in clinic, and they will check semen for quality and volume.
Common tests for women
You might receive a pelvic examination; this is to check the size and shape of uterus. You may also have your breasts examined and your weight and body mass index (BMI) measured. You will be required to have some routine investigational blood and urine tests. Your doctor will run through what these are used for and why.
You may also be required to have routine monitoring such as hormone, blood and urine tests taken on specific days of your menstrual cycle to measure different hormone levels. These will help determine if you are ovulating, as well as the quality and quantity of eggs products. Your temperature may be required to be taken throughout your cycle to indicate when you are ovulating.
Depending on the results of the fertility tests, you may be referred to a specialist for further tests or treatment.
Visit www.merckbloom.com/en_GB/clinic-finder to find a clinic near you to help you better understand your fertility assessment.
Bloom has been developed to help everybody be able to start a family, no matter their circumstances. We aim to give you a solid foundation of knowledge to take with you on your journey to begin building your family. We hope the information here will help you feel prepared and at ease, whichever stage of your journey you are on
