FAQs - Preliminary Tests For IVF

What tests do you need before IVF?

There are tests that take place prior to the initial consultation, in order to give your IVF consultant the best understanding of your situation. These tests are booked through the IVF clinic and are:

Baseline pelvic scan - A transvaginal scan between days 2 and 6 of the cycle and a first meeting with your new best friend, the transvaginal ultrasound machine (AKA the twat wand). The test is seeing what your ovaries do when they think nobody is watching, checking whether everything is ‘normal’ in there, for example the number of follicles, any cysts, fibroids, other surprises.

Sperm analysis test – Your partner’s first visit to the wank room. The sperm is being checked for the usual parameters (volume, morphology, motility etc) to understand whether there is likely to be an issue with fertilisation of the collected eggs. If so, ICSI⁠ may be required, which is when the embryologists select a sperm and insert it into the egg.  

Blood test for AMH levels – Checking for ovarian reserve and an indicator of how your body will respond to the IVF stimulation drugs. Low AMH may show that stronger drugs are required and potentially fewer eggs collected. High AMH may point to PCOS and potential overstimulation of the ovaries. The results help the consultant to determine the appropriate drugs doses (known as your drugs protocol).

Do you need a smear test before IVF?

You must have a smear test within 3 years of starting IVF treatment. Cervical screening aims to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer by detecting and treating abnormal changes in the neck of the womb. A smear test cannot be done once you are pregnant, so it needs to be up to date (which means within 3 years) before starting IVF treatment. This is commonly booked through your GP practice, rather than the IVF clinic.

What STDs do they test for before IVF?

All IVF patients are required to complete screening tests including HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. The female partner having treatment is also required to have tests for Chlamydia and Rubella. These checks must be within three months of your first IVF treatment cycle, so it may be that the tests take place at a later appointment (such as the IVF drugs appointment) once your IVF schedule is known.

What forms do you need to complete before IVF?

Not a test, other than of your patience, but before the first IVF consultation you will need to complete forms, upon forms, upon forms. These forms ask for personal details, your status as a couple, your basic health history, etc. It feels similar to applying for a credit card, but demanding to know your body max index and checking whether you are a paedophile. It turns out not to be an urban myth. They do indeed ask if you are a paedophile, which makes me question what else is true. Did the pet snake really eat its owner and did the girl dry the cat in the microwave?

You will also be faced with some emotionally heavy questions in your pre-IVF forms, which may take time to ponder in advance. Examples include: what happens to any embryos if either partner dies? Or if you separate? Can you still use them? Would you wish for the other partner to still use them? Would you give permission for your embryos that are not able to be used in treatment (because they are of insufficient quality) to be used in training by the clinic?