Frequently asked fertility questions

I HAVE TO HAVE BLOOD TESTS - WHAT ARE THEY FOR?

Infertility Investigations

• CD2/3: The cycle day 2 or cycle day 3 blood tests are normally for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH). They give an indication of the potential supply of the eggs that are ripening in your ovaries. The quality of the eggs tends to depend on your age
• CD21: Progesterone is measured on cycle day 21 of a 28-day cycle. For this test to be accurate it needs to be performed 7 days after you ovulate and, depending on your cycle length, that may not be cycle day 21. Progesterone indicates that ovulation has occurred.

They might also want to test:

• Prolactin: Too much prolactin (milk hormone) may prevent ovulation. If the prolactin level is elevated, the test needs to be repeated to confirm that it is a persistent problem. prolactin levels can increase due to stress.
• Thyroid Hormone Levels: If a woman's thyroid gland is under-active, it can interfere with ovulation and the quality of eggs that she releases.
• Oestrogen (Estradiol test): Makes the cervical mucus agreeable to the entry of sperm, prepares the endometrium (lining of the uterus) and regulates the production of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinising hormone).
• Antiphospholipid Syndrome or Sticky Blood: This test is normally only offered if there is a strong family history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) or if there is a history of recurrent early pregnancy loss. People with this syndrome have an increased tendency to form clots in blood vessels. In pregnancy small clots can affect the placenta and there is an increased risk of miscarriage, particularly in mid-pregnancy.
• Testosterone: Testosterone levels can be raised in some women and this can interfere with the menstrual cycle. This test would only be offered to a woman with signs or symptoms suggestive of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

Before Starting A Treatment Cycle
You may be asked to have HIV, Hepatitis B & C blood tests. You may also be tested for other STDs. Some clinics might not treat you if these are positive.
Note: In the UK, only 3 clinics are equipped to treat couples with these conditions.