In an eggshell...
- Female fertility testing includes ultrasound scans and blood tests to show your overall reproductive health
- Most clinics test for the Anti-Mullerian hormone and do an Antral Follicle count
- Via Amilis, you get discounted rates on your fertility check-up and free consultations with top fertility clinics in the UK
On average, we get about 450 periods over our lifetime.
Some heavy, some light. Some painful, some manageable.
We are often told that getting periods is a healthy sign that our body is ovulating once a month and that our fertility is fine.
Myth or reality? Sadly, the former.
There is no way to truly know your fertility baseline purely on your periods.
This is where fertility testing comes in and helps us dig deeper and understand our reproductive health.
What is a female fertility test (MOT)?
A female fertility test is a detailed check of female fertility and involves checking your uterus, ovarian reserve, and fallopian tubes to understand your reproductive health.
Carried out by trained healthcare professionals, it involves a blood test for egg count and an ultrasound scan to assess your ovarian reserve.
You will then need an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss the results of your tests. During this appointment, you may also discuss your medical history, menstrual cycle, lifestyle, etc.
Your fertility MOT will include:
1. Anti-Mullerian Hormone Test
The blood test measures the level of anti-mullerian hormones in our body. These hormones are specifically produced by growing follicles in our ovaries, which contain eggs.
It’s a simple blood test for egg count, and clinics measure the serum levels of AMH and co-relate it with your age.
For reference, here’s how AMH levels vary by age:
AMH production in our bodies starts around birth (when it’s barely detectable), increases during puberty, peaks during years 20-30 and declines with age. As the number of follicles decreases with age, so does AMH.
2. Antral follicle count test
Antral follicle count is as it says on the tin- we count the antral follicles observed during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.
During the ultrasound scan, specialists can get a picture of your ovaries to see the number of 'antral follicles'. The ultrasound test is often an internal transvaginal ultrasound that allows specialists to get a better visualisation of your uterus and ovaries.
Here’s a mini recap: follicles are fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries where eggs can develop and mature. 'Antral follicles' represent the premature or the “baby phase” of these follicles. These are usually of sizes 2-6mm and 3-8mm. These follicles also produce AMH initially, until they reach a bigger size and go on to release an egg.
For reference, here’s how AFC levels vary by age:
As we age, the number of follicles (2-6mm ones, that produce AMH) decreases. That’s why along with AMH, AFC is a predictor of how many eggs we may have left in our ovaries.
Why go for a fertility MOT?
As women, we are born with all the eggs we will ever have. Our egg count is in the millions when we are born, but as we hit puberty and our menstrual cycles start, the number of eggs decreases every month.
Every menstrual cycle, one egg is selected from either ovary as the “egg of the month” which then hangs around in the fallopian tube, waiting for sperm. And if it doesn’t fertilise, the menstrual cycle happens.
But for this one egg to be selected, there’s a group of eggs that participate in the race. So you can expect a bunch of eggs to undergo atresia or cell death every month.
This way, the number of eggs and the quality of the eggs as well, decrease as we age. In our 30’s, this decline accelerates and occurs rapidly during our 40s.
This decline in egg quality and quantity makes conceiving a baby harder. This may be the case for women in their late 30s or sometimes earlier due to conditions such as low ovarian reserve, family history, ovarian surgery, etc.
This is where taking a fertility MOT comes in. It helps you assess your reproductive health, and check your egg reserve. Your egg reserve also affects your hormones, menstrual cycle and vice versa, so this gives healthcare professionals more insights into your health.
Women's fertility test in London & UK
Now, for the main question: Where do I go for a female fertility test in the UK?
We’ve got you covered (plus, we’ve added a cost benefit too!😎)
At Amilis we offer the Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Test at discounted prices of £80, that’s £50 cheaper than fertility clinics! Here’s how to book a test:
1. Choose a clinic & time that suits you
Book an appointment with a fertility testing facility anywhere in the UK. This can be any time since AMH does not fluctuate with your cycle!
2. Purchase your test through Amilis
Get the most affordable AMH test in the UK, with Amilis, £50 cheaper than fertility clinics.
3. Provide your blood sample
Attend your appointment at your chosen clinic and be in and out in only 5 minutes.
4. Get your Amilis personalised report
A personalised AMH analysis with results delivered securely to you online in just 3-4 days. Whether your AMH is high, normal, or low for your age, knowing it will empower you to make informed choices about your fertility and choose the right clinic to go ahead with.
🥸Freebie alert: Our must-have AMH guide
Once you’ve received your AMH test report, you can then book a free consultation with our partner clinics to get your Antral Follicle Count (AFC) test done as well. Here’s how to go about it:
1. Go to Amilis’s Clinic Comparator
Once you receive your personalised AMH report, you can then visit our clinic comparator to check some of the best egg freezing clinics in the UK. We partner with the best, pre-vetted clinics out there, to bring you the best egg freezing services.
2. Choose a fertility clinic
You can use the clinic comparator to check out prices between clinics and choose one based on proximity to the nearest station, as well as patient reviews.
And if you’re struggling to pick one, don’t worry- we got your back. You can book a free call with an Amilis team member to help you decide based on your location, reviews and most importantly, your convenience.
3. Book a free consultation
Via Amilis, you get a free consultation with a fertility specialist at your chosen clinic, and get your questions answered. We also offer free cancellations and rescheduling. Fertility testing, at your convenience!
🥸Note: We also offer direct consultations with our doctors, Dr Vivienne Hall and Dr Tim. You can directly book consultations with them via a free call with an Amilis team member!
4. Opt for an initial test
Once you’ve chosen the fertility clinic, they offer the Antral follicle count test, which is an ultrasound test, as part of an initial checkup. Opt for the same to undergo your AFC test at reduced costs, thanks to saving on the consultation as well as the AMH test!
Amilis: Affordable Fertility Testing for Women in the UK
It’s common to find yourself at crossroads while researching fertility tests and where to get them.
Believe us, our founder was also in the same place, not a long time ago.
So, we at Amilis made it our mission to work towards affordable and accessible fertility care in the UK.
Our supportive team and selection of pre-vetted clinics help you from start to end, and here’s how:
- We offer free 1-1 calls with Amilis experts for any questions you may have
- Discounted fertility tests to help you understand your ovarian reserve
- A selection of pre-vetted clinics, free consultations and a clinic comparator to help you choose the best egg-freezing clinic
Regardless, we’re here to be the support you need from thinking about fertility testing to getting your results and understanding your own reproductive health, better ♥️
