Tests for fertility in women

If you’ve been struggling to get pregnant, it may be tempting to ‘leave things to chance’ or to use a home fertility testing kit. However, there may be undiagnosed conditions that are impacting your fertility, which need specialist attention. For example, the presence of polyps, fibroids or ovarian cysts can often be an obstacle to getting pregnant. We offer women’s fertility tests that provide accurate and detailed information, so that any issues affecting your reproductive health can be identified by our experts as quickly as possible.

Alternatively, you may wish to have a fertility assessment in order to make an informed choice around when to have a baby, especially if the time is not right for you now. You may be considering egg freezing for the future, or you may be single and wondering about using a sperm donor. For same sex couples, a fertility assessment could be the first step in starting a family. Whatever your individual wishes, we are here to help and support you.

We carry out the following blood tests during a fertility assessment for women:

• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Test (FSH): This test measures FSH levels in your blood to determine the number of eggs you have.
• Luteinizing Hormone Test: Conducted on day 2-5 of the menstrual cycle, this test measures luteinizing hormone levels to assess how your reproductive system is functioning.
• Estradiol Test (E2): This test measures estradiol levels (a vital hormone for fertility and ovulation) to evaluate if your ovaries are producing the right amount of oestrogen.
• Anti-Mullerian Hormone Test (AMH): AMH levels help assess your egg reserve and can help to determine whether you are likely to conceive naturally, or whether the help of IVF or IUI might give you a higher chance of getting pregnant.
• Day 21 Progesterone Test: Typically done on day 21 of your menstrual cycle, this test checks progesterone levels to confirm if you have ovulated.
• Thyroid Function Test: This test can see if your thyroid levels are within the range which is deemed ‘normal’. Identifying and treating either an overactive or underactive thyroid is important if you’re trying to get pregnant, as either can cause fertility issues, or problems in pregnancy.

Our fertility assessment for women includes a detailed pelvic ultrasound scan, carried out by an experienced Consultant Gynaecologist. This is the most important screening tool for anyone struggling with infertility or wishing to understand their own ability to conceive in the future. Whatever stage you’re at, fertility scans can offer you valuable insights into everything from your ovarian function to the condition of your uterine lining.

We use the latest in ultrasound technology, including both 2D and 3D advanced imaging, to carry out a comprehensive assessment of your ovaries, womb (uterus) and fallopian tubes. For example, conditions such as endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, or fibroids can be a barrier to conception. These conditions can be diagnosed with an advanced ultrasound scan and may need to be investigated further and treated. 

Your fertility assessment, including your scan, will be carried out by Mr Venkatesh Subramanian, a senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, specialising in reproductive medicine at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. He is a leading expert in the investigation and management of infertility, including in IVF and other forms of assisted reproduction, and also has extensive experience in the use of ultrasound technology.

He will oversee all your blood tests and carry out your ultrasound examination, which means that you will have your scan and a detailed consultation within one appointment. He will carefully explain all the results of your tests and give you a diagnosis of any problems as quickly as possible. 

Other benefits include: 

• No long waits for an appointment
• No referral needed
• Expert guidance and support available if further investigations are needed 
• Access to our specialist women’s health team
• State-of-the-art ultrasound equipment, including 3D and 4D scanning and colour Doppler
• Consultant-led male fertility assessments available, with detailed semen analysis and further testing if required, including DNA fragmentation

For many women a fertility assessment brings reassurance, while for others there may be issues that can be resolved or treated with specialist help. Sometimes it can be a simple intervention such as treating a cyst, ordering further investigations, or in other cases, it could involve fertility treatment, such as starting IVF. 

And it’s not simply those with fertility issues who may need specialist help – interventions such as egg freezing require planning ahead and are most successful the earlier you start them. 

Our fertility consultant Mr Subramanian can support you through all aspects of reproductive health. He is a senior member of King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and King's Fertility, one of the UK’s leading centres for assisted reproduction. He has expertise in the following areas:  

• Advanced ultrasound, 3D ultrasound, including the diagnosis of endometriosis
• In-clinic ovulation induction, using clomid or letrozole tablets
• HyCoSy, a specialist ultrasound for fallopian tube blockages
• Management and treatment of infertility, through IVF and IUI
• Early pregnancy complications, including bleeding and pain
• Assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures
• Egg collection, intrauterine insemination and embryo transfer

If we suspect that there is a blockage in your fallopian tubes – a common cause of infertility- – we will suggest a specialist ultrasound investigation known as Hysterosalpingo Contrast Sonography (HyCoSy) to identify them. 

Our fertility specialist, Mr Subramanian, is highly experienced in carrying out HyCosy tests, which involve using an ultrasound scan and a foam contrast agent to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes. He is a leading expert in diagnosing fallopian tube patency using this procedure. If a potential blockage is identified, Mr Subramanian can help you decide on further treatments and tests for fertility in women, as well as create a tailored plan to treat the condition.