Fertility Counselling and Initial Investigation in Dubai
Most couples conceive within a year of trying, and most of those who have not can be helped. The first step is not IVF; it is a structured assessment of both partners that finds the common causes with the simplest tests. At Smart Care Polyclinic in Deira, a female gynaecologist takes the history, scans in the consultation, arranges the initial tests for both of you, and explains where each result points.
For: couples trying for a year, or six months if she is over 35
Takes: a consultation with ultrasound; tests over one cycle
Price: consultation AED 150, ultrasound included
What it is
The usual threshold for assessment is twelve months of trying, or six months where the woman is over thirty-five, sooner where periods are absent or irregular, there is known endometriosis or pelvic infection, or either partner has a reason to be concerned. Age is the single biggest factor in a woman's fertility, which is why the threshold shortens.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine's committee opinion sets the approach: systematic, prompt and cost-effective, starting with the least invasive tests for the commonest causes.1 In practice that means confirming ovulation with the cycle history and a well-timed progesterone test, checking ovarian reserve with an AMH blood test and an antral follicle count on ultrasound, looking at the womb and ovaries on that scan, checking thyroid and prolactin, and a semen analysis for the male partner, which finds a contributing factor in around half of couples.
What the results lead to
Irregular ovulation, most often PCOS, is treated with ovulation induction. Tubal factors, suggested by a history of infection or surgery, are checked with a tubal patency test by referral. Male factors are referred to a urologist or andrologist. Unexplained infertility, where everything is normal, is discussed for timed intercourse, ovulation stimulation or assisted conception depending on age and duration. Smart Care does not provide IVF; where it is the right next step, the gynaecologist refers with the completed workup so nothing is repeated.
Before you start
Folic acid from now, not from the positive test. Stop smoking, keep alcohol minimal, bring weight towards a healthy range, and have rubella immunity, blood group and a cervical screen checked at the first visit. These are the things that improve outcomes regardless of what the tests find.
The consultation, and what follows from it
Gynaecology consultation, with ultrasound
Assessment, examination and a plan with every cost stated before anything further is done.
AED 150 was AED 250
Bookspecialist gynaecologist, ultrasound, AMH and fertility bloods
the full hormone profile, 13 tests
for the partner — testosterone and the hormones behind it
Questions patients ask
After twelve months of regular unprotected intercourse without conceiving, or six months if the woman is over thirty-five, and earlier where there are irregular periods, known gynaecological conditions, or concerns about either partner.
For her: cycle history, a progesterone test timed to confirm ovulation, AMH and thyroid and prolactin blood tests, and a pelvic ultrasound with an antral follicle count. For him: a semen analysis. Together they find the cause in most couples.
No. Smart Care provides the counselling and the initial investigation, treats causes such as irregular ovulation, and refers to a fertility centre with the completed workup where assisted conception is the right next step.
This guide is general information, not advice about you. Symptoms overlap between conditions, and the gynaecologist's history, examination and ultrasound are what decide your assessment and treatment.
References
- Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Fertility evaluation of infertile women: a committee opinion. Fertility and Sterility. 2021;116(5):1255-1265. PMID 34607703. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.08.038The fertility evaluation should be systematic, expeditious and cost-effective, with an initial emphasis on the least invasive methods for detecting the most common causes.
Sources are listed for the specific statements they support. They are published research and guidance, not a substitute for a consultation — what applies to you is decided by a doctor who has assessed you.