One stop Fertility assessment

Difficulty conceiving affects one in six couples in the UK. Couples who do not conceive within six to twelve months of regular unprotected intercourse would be obviously distressed and anxious about the possible causes of infertility.

Appropriate investigation would show that 3 in 10 have no fertility problems and up to 40% of couples with normal investigation results would conceive spontaneously in the following 6 to 12 months.

3 in 10 will have a male factor and 3 in 10 a female factor responsible for their difficulties conceiving. In some cases, male as well as female factors are identified.

Appropriate investigations and fertility advice in a timely, discrete and sensitive process is of the utmost importance to couples. However, with increasing pressures on the NHS, many couples are faced with long waits for strung out investigations which in some cases could take up to 18 months to complete. For a stressed couple anxious to get the tests done and results interpreted in order for a management plan to be formulated, the pathways and resources available in primary care and in most hospitals are not acceptable.

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommendations for the investigation of couples with difficulties conceiving recommend that tests should be instituted if one has not conceived despite 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse.

At Herts and Essex fertility Centre, we provide an easy, reliable and fast one-stop fertility assessment service. Couples do not need a GP referral for the investigations. Tests that would normally take up to 18 months over up to six appointments are performed by fertility experts in two visits over a two week period.

The first visit is at any time in the cycle. This takes less than an hour and will be with a fertility nurse specialist. A seminal fluid analysis is performed and the results are available within 30 minutes of providing the sample. Blood tests are performed to check the female egg reserve (AMH) as well as immunity to Rubella and a full blood count to assess general well- being. A urine specimen is examined for Chlamydia and gonorrhoea infection.

The second visit one to two weeks later will last one hour. This will be with a consultant fertility specialist. It will include a 3D saline infusion sonogram (SIS) and Hystero –Contrast –Sonography (HyCoSy) procedure.

• 3D ultrasound scan will assess the uterus and ovaries. Congenital uterine abnormalities will be checked for. An antral follicle count would determine the egg reserve. Ovarian cysts if present will be assessed.
• Saline infusion sonogram will assess the endometrium for polyps, fibroids and scar tissue that may affect implantation or cause miscarriages.
• HyCoSy procedure at the same time will assess the fallopian tubes for patency.

The procedure lasts 20-30 minutes and all the results are available at the end of procedure. The 3D / SIS / HyCoSy, semen analysis as well as blood test reports will be discussed with the expert to include the recommended treatment plan.

A detailed report will be sent to you to share with your GP or NHS fertility clinic, saving you months of waiting.

For more information, please contact us at:

Mr David Ogutu
Consultant gynaecologist and fertility specialist, BMI Cavell Hospital, Enfield
Private Secretary: Ruth Blissett
Email:
Tel: 07838171641
Fax: 01992 423832

Or

Herts & Essex Fertility Centre
Bishops College Churchgate Cheshunt, London, EN8 9XP
http://hertsandessexfertility.com/
Secretary: Sharon Julians
Email: ,
Tel: 01992 78 50 60
Fax: 01992 350 111