Having knowledge about your fertility and chances of conceiving can help women and couples make informed decisions about their fertility options.
Thanks to medical and technological advances, the ability to check your fertility status is no longer a lengthy or demanding process.
Fertility MOTs for both women and men can now be performed in around an hour, using advanced techniques to provide rapid and reliable information, rather than a number of different tests and appointments as used to be common practice
In this article Professor Dr Geeta Nargund, Medical Director of CREATE Fertility, explains what a fertility MOT is and how they work:
1. What is a fertility MOT?
The primary aim of a fertility MOT is give a comprehensive assessment of your fertility. For women, the female fertility MOT is designed to give a qualitative and quantitative assessment of your reproductive function. For men, the MOT gives a detailed semen analysis.
Joint MOTs are also available for couples who wish to have an assessment of their combined fertility, where each partner has their own tests done and then come together for a joint consultation with the specialist to discuss the results.
2. Who should have a fertility MOT?
A fertility test can be useful for both men and women to know where they stand with their fertility future; they are not just for those looking to get pregnant. If you are still unsure whether you want children, or want children but further down the line, a fertility MOT will give you a realistic idea of your fertility timeline so you can think about your next steps.
For women and couples who have been trying to fall pregnant but are yet to do so, a fertility test can provide detailed insight into what the issue may be.
3. What does the female MOT entail?
The female MOT is carried out via an internal scan that takes around 20-30 minutes and can be performed at any time in the menstrual cycle.
Through ultrasound technology we are able to examine the ovaries and identify follicles, which are egg sacs containing immature eggs. The greater the number of follicles the greater number of eggs remain.
Colour Doppler is used during the ultrasound scan and measures blood flow to individual follicles and to the ovaries, which facilitates a qualitative assessment of reproductive health. Better blood flow to follicles is a marker for better quality eggs.
In addition, by looking at the number and size of follicles in the ovaries, the doctor will be able to assess how your body might react to stimulatory drugs and whether if you were to undergo fertility treatment you may be at risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
The 3D ultrasound technology used during the scan also provides a full assessment of the womb and establishes whether the uterine environment may be preventing successful pregnancy. Conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis can be identified and the scan can highlight polyps, fibroids or any other factors that could affect implantation of the fertilized egg and can cause miscarriage.
In addition, the scan assesses the blood flow to the uterus and the lining of the womb. If blood flow to your uterus and womb lining is good then this suggests that you may be more likely to implant embryos and less likely to miscarry.
4. How about the male MOT?
The process for men is different and involves a detailed, expert semen analysis which examines the density, morphology and mobility of sperm. A report is provided instantly, and if any concerns arise as a result then advice is given on how to address these. In order to have an MOT, men must abstain from ejaculation for 2-5 days before providing a sample at the clinic.
5. What happens after the scan and tests?
After the test, you will have a consultation where the results and their meaning will be explained to you and you will have a chance to ask any questions. The doctor will also discuss your medical history and lifestyle and give you advice on maximising your fertility.
For women who want, or feel that they need, additional testing the anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) test – a simple blood test - can provide further indication of your ovarian reserve.
