Thinking About Fertility? Your Questions Answered

Fertility is deeply personal. Whether you’re actively trying to conceive, planning for the future, or simply seeking reassurance, it is completely natural to have questions about fertility and reproductive health.

In our practice, we understand that this journey can feel emotional, uncertain, and sometimes overwhelming. Our role is to provide clarity, gentle guidance, and thoughtful medical care tailored to you.

When should I seek advice about fertility?

As a general guide, you may wish to seek fertility advice if:

• You are under 35 and have been trying for 12 months without success
• You are 35 or over and have been trying for 6 months either for a first or subsequent pregnancy
• Your periods are irregular or absent
• You have known conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, bleeding/clotting disorders or thyroid imbalance
• You have experienced previous miscarriages
• You would like a fertility health check for reassurance

You don’t have to wait until there’s a problem. Many patients come to us proactively for pre-conception planning and reassurance.

What fertility tests are available?

For women

We typically begin with a history, examination and some simple blood tests to assess:

• Ovarian reserve (including AMH)
• Ovulation
• Thyroid function
• Prolactin and other hormone levels

A pelvic ultrasound scan can provide further information about ovarian follicles, fibroids, or other structural factors.

If needed, we coordinate referrals to trusted London fertility centres for more specialised testing, ensuring continuity of care.

For men

Male factors contribute to fertility challenges in up to half of cases. A semen analysis assesses:

• Sperm count
• Motility
• Morphology

If results are outside the expected range, further evaluation can be arranged promptly.

There are other tests to consider for men as well, which we would explore in the clinic. We can arrange appropriate investigations as part of a comprehensive health assessment

What is AMH and does it tell me everything?

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is a useful marker of ovarian reserve — essentially an estimate of egg quantity.

However, it does not measure egg quality, nor does it predict exactly how long fertility will last. Results are most meaningful when interpreted alongside age, menstrual history, and ultrasound findings.

We always discuss results carefully, ensuring you leave with clarity rather than anxiety.

How do lifestyle factors affect fertility?

Fertility is influenced by the whole body and the whole person.

Factors that can support healthy conception include:

• Balanced nutrition
• Optimised vitamin levels (including Vitamin D and folate)
• Healthy body weight
• Quality sleep
• Stress management
• Limiting alcohol and stopping smoking

Even small changes can have a meaningful impact. Addressing underlying health factors can be an important part of women’s health care.

Do you offer holistic or integrative support?

Yes. Alongside medical investigations, we take a holistic approach to reproductive health.

This may include:

• Nutritional optimisation and targeted supplementation
• Stress-reduction strategies and nervous system support
• Sleep assessment and lifestyle review
• Mind-body approaches such as mindfulness or CBT-based strategies
• Signposting to reputable acupuncture or fertility-focused complementary therapists when appropriate

Fertility is not just biological — it is physical, emotional, and relational. We support all aspects.

What about egg or embryo freezing?

Increasingly, patients are choosing to explore fertility preservation.

Egg freezing allows women to preserve eggs at their current age for potential future use. This can be empowering if you are not ready to conceive but wish to keep options open.

Embryo freezing involves fertilising eggs with sperm (from a partner or donor) before freezing. This is sometimes chosen by couples who wish to delay pregnancy but want to preserve embryos now.

We provide initial counselling, hormone testing (including AMH), and ultrasound assessment, and we work closely with leading London fertility clinics to ensure a seamless referral process. Importantly, we also provide space to talk through the emotional and practical considerations — not just the medical ones.

We also discuss options for same sex couples or any patients wanting to explore single parenting routes.

If a problem is identified, what happens next?

Options depend on the underlying cause and may include:

• Ovulation induction medication
• Thyroid or hormonal treatment
• Specialist fertility referral
• Assisted conception such as IVF
• Ongoing lifestyle and integrative support

Many fertility challenges are manageable once identified, and early investigation often reduces stress and uncertainty. If specialist treatment is required, we coordinate referrals to trusted fertility clinics across London.

When should you consider a fertility health check?

Many people choose to have a fertility health check before actively trying for pregnancy. This may include hormone testing, assessment of ovulation, lifestyle review and discussion of reproductive timelines. Early insight can provide reassurance and help guide future decisions.

A final word

If you’re thinking about fertility — whether now or in the future — you don’t need to navigate it alone.

Sometimes reassurance is all that’s needed. Sometimes, early testing provides valuable insight. Either way, compassionate, personalised support makes a difference.

If you would like to discuss fertility testing, pre-conception planning, or fertility preservation, we would be very happy to see you.