Questions & Answers

Chronological age is very important in consideration of fertility potential as it is closely related to the ovarian performance. However, the relationship between age and ovarian reserve is highly variable. Amongst the currently available ovarian reserve tests, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) are reliable markers of what is left in the ovary at a point in time. Therefore my advice would be to have a blood test for AMH levels and a pelvic scan to assess the ovaries.

Lower abdominal pain and period problems can be very frustrating and debilitating. The commonest causes for these symptoms include: endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic adhesions, ovarian cysts, and non gynaecological conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and interstitial cystitis. You should ask your GP to make a referral to a gynaecologist, who will perform an ultrasound scan at the same time of consultation. A series of tests may follow dependant on the suspected diagnosis. Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) can be performed for the diagnosis and/or treatment of the gynaecological conditions.

In the UK, 1 in 6 couples experience difficulties in conceiving. IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) is a form of assisted conception that involves the administration of hormones, the retrieval of eggs from the ovary and the fertilisation of these with the sperm outside the body. Subsequently the embryos are transferred into the uterus through the cervix. The chances of live birth are around 40% for women younger than 39 years. If the only cause of infertility is tubal damage, in selected cases it is possible to overcome the problem by surgery.