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At the Assisted Conception Unit we offer a comprehensive range of fertility checks to help you understand your fertility potential.
Whether you’re trying to conceive or want to explore your fertility options for future, fertility health tests and scans can give you timely reassurance and empower you to make an informed and appropriate fertility planning decision.
Our team of world-renowned fertility specialists will guide you through an assessment of your fertility health, explain your diagnostic test results, and then discuss available treatment options should you want to take next steps.
Experts in fertility treatment
We’ve been advancing fertility care for over 30 years in the Assisted Conception Unit at Guy’s Hospital. Our fertility specialists are internationally recognised as pioneers and treat over 2,000 patients each year. We offer:
- egg, embryo and sperm freezing and storage
- fertility counselling
- IVF, ICSI and IUI
- pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT)
Why might I need fertility investigations?
Fertility rates are declining – there are many reasons why you might want to find out more about your fertility, including:
- you are under 35 and have not conceived after a year or more of trying to have a baby
- you are a woman over the age of 35 and haven’t been able to get pregnant after 6 months of having sex regularly without birth control
- you want to know more about your fertility to review future options available to you
- you are thinking of freezing eggs or embryos
- you want to see if your ovarian reserve is normal for your age
- you have been diagnosed with, or have a history of, a condition that could affect your fertility, such as a cancer, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), irregular periods, pelvic surgery
- you have had recurrent miscarriages
Even if you aren’t currently trying to conceive, fertility investigations can give you peace of mind, allowing you to plan for the future.
How does a fertility test work?
When you attend a fertility test, you should expect to be asked questions about your medical history, sex life and lifestyle by a doctor before the test. You may also be asked questions related to your periods. The way a fertility test works will depend on the type of test you are taking.
At Guy’s and St Thomas’, we provide every patient with the highest level of care during their fertility journey. Our dedicated fertility team know this stage of your life is vital and offers their full support. As leaders in fertility treatment innovation, you know that Guy’s is a hospital you can trust to help you on this path.
Fertility consultations
Before you undergo fertility investigations or treatment, you must have a consultation with our fertility specialists. We understand that starting a family can be exciting, but it can also impact your emotional wellbeing. A consultation helps you prepare for this new stage in your life and gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. We will ask you questions about your medical history and the difficulties you have been experiencing with conceiving.
We also provide fertility counselling to support you throughout your fertility journey. Our experienced team of counsellors thoroughly understands the highs and lows of fertility treatment and provide the emotional support you need. Your consultation will provide you with a clear fertility pathway so you can see exactly what your journey with us looks like.
There is no need to have a referral from your GP – simply book an appointment whenever you are ready.
Fertility investigations
Our fertility investigations include diagnostic tests so we can fully understand what fertility complications you are facing. Investigations are available for individuals and couples.
After the tests are completed, your fertility specialist will provide you with a clear interpretation of your results and discuss next steps including treatment options. Finally, we offer a full lifestyle report that is complete with personalised advice. This invaluable information can help get you on the right track for your fertility journey.
Types of fertility investigations
Precise infertility diagnosis is just as important as treatment. We offer different methods of fertility testing to make sure the right fertility treatment is offered to you.
Male fertility tests
Male infertility can be caused by a number of issues, there are several types of male fertility tests that you may be asked to undergo as part of a fertility assessment. You may take these tests individually, or when accompanying your partner to a consultation. These include:
- sperm analysis
- semen analysis
- anti-sperm antibodies test
- hormone evaluation
Semen analysis
This test allows your male partner’s sperm count, shape and movement to be analysed. If there is a higher count of normally-shaped sperm, this usually means your partner has higher fertility. However, there are several exceptions – around 15% of infertile men have a higher sperm count and normally-shaped semen, while many men with low sperm counts or abnormally-shaped semen are fertile.
A semen sample is provided via masturbation in a private room at your clinic. There are also home sperm tests which can measure sperm count. More than one semen analysis may be ordered so that the results can be confirmed by the doctor. If something looks wrong, other tests may be ordered to identify the issue.
Anti-sperm antibodies test
This test checks for antibodies (special proteins) that some men produce. These anti-sperm antibodies fight against sperm in the semen, blood or vaginal fluids. The test adds a substance to a sperm sample which attaches to the affected sperm, indicating the presence of these antibodies.
Additional tests
If the sperm is very low or absent, we offer additional tests to establish the cause. These include hormone tests, genetic tests, and possibly an ultrasound of the testis.
At the Assisted Conception Unit, we can provide a sperm analysis for men individually, or for an additional fee as part of a consultation with your partner. Sometimes, experts can find no cause for infertility.
Female fertility tests
There are several types of tests to check for any female infertility problems – common fertility investigations for women include:
- a baseline scan
- anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) test for ovarian reserve (the ovary’s capacity to provide egg cells for fertilisation)
- antral follicle count
- chlamydia test
- hormone evaluation
- laparoscopy
- ultrasound
Baseline ultrasound scan
A baseline scan – also known as a baseline ultrasound, transvaginal ultrasound or endovaginal ultrasound – is an internal scan of your reproductive organs. It can check that there are no cysts on your ovaries which could mean your fertility treatment may need to be delayed. During this procedure, carried out on an examination table, a clean scan probe with a transducer is inserted into your vagina. The instrument will send sound waves that transmit images of your internal organs to a monitor for analysis.
Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) test for ovarian reserve
This is a simple blood test that measures your levels of the anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) which corresponds to your egg count. While an AMH test can’t predict your fertility, it can indicate that your ovaries have sufficient capacity to provide egg cells for fertilisation that can lead to a successful pregnancy.
Ultrasound scan with antral follicle count
These imaging tests can check the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes for conditions that can prevent pregnancy, like fibroids and endometriosis, or blockages in the fallopian tubes.
An ultrasound scan can also be used for an antral follicle count, which measures your egg supply and can help to predict the chances of success from IVF treatment.
Saline infusion sonohysterogram (SIS) and hystero contrast sonography (HYCOSY)
A SIS is a type of pelvic ultrasound to examine the inside of your uterus. It’s carried out with a minimally invasive procedure with saline (sterile salt water) infused into your uterus through a thin catheter inserted into the cervix. The saline helps to expand the uterine cavity which makes it easier to see the inner walls of the uterus and detect abnormalities. We can also test the fallopian tubes at the same time using contrast, in a procedure called HYCOSY, to check that the tubes are open.
Hormone evaluation
You may be tested for the progesterone hormone with a blood test, which can indicate whether you are ovulating. The test is timed according to how regular your periods are. If you have irregular periods, you may also be tested for gonadotrophins, which are hormones that stimulate egg production in the ovaries.
Reviewed regularly to reflect clinical best practice
Last reviewed: 11 March 2026
Fertility prices and packages
Every fertility journey is unique, which is why we don’t offer fixed costs.
During your initial consultation, your consultant will create a personalised plan based on your goals, outlining the most appropriate tests, treatments, and next steps.
Our prices offer a general overview of fertility costs – speak with our team for a full quote.
Fertility investigations FAQs
Please contact our team who will be happy to provided a personalised treatment quote outlining all inclusions and exclusions.
Our prices are reviewed regularly and are subject to change. Prices already quoted are valid for 90 days.
Payment for blood tests is required prior to your appointment and should be made via the online payment portal.
Please get in touch if you have any questions, our private patient pathway coordinators will be happy to assist you.
Blood tests may be taken during your consultation or at a time that is convenient to you. You don’t need to directly book an appointment for blood tests.
We no longer charge a separate fee for phlebotomy. This is now included in the price of your blood test.
In the unlikely event that you are not able to provide a valid sample or one is not collected, you will be invited to attend again for another sample to be taken. This would be at no extra charge.
The UK’s fertility regulator the Human Fertility and Embryology Authority (HFEA) stipulates that in your first course of treatment your virology screening tests must have been completed no longer than 3 months prior to your start date.
Any time longer than this, you will be required to repeat these tests at a cost to you.
Locations
Our fertility services are available at the following locations:
Discover our team of fertility experts
Meet our team of leading fertility consultants. From infertility investigations to treatments like IVF, our specialists are here to provide you with personalised care.
Book a fertility appointment today
Call us on +44 (0)203 9934 388 to book your appointment today.
Alternatively, fill in our online enquiry form below and we will get back to you as soon as we can.