Fertility Check Up: A concept of all-in-one ultrasound for the autonomous evaluation of female fertility potential: Analysis and evaluation of first two years of experience

J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod. 2022 Nov;51(9):102461. doi: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2022.102461. Epub 2022 Aug 27.

Abstract

Research question: Today, women can plan for parenthood and family life, but delaying pregnancy is often associated with anxiety regarding the question of future fertility. We aim to evaluate if there is a benefit to offering fertility evaluation to all women, including those who have no immediate plans for pregnancy.

Design: We developed in our reproductive center a new concept of an all-in-one ultrasound open to all women of reproductive age. Fertility Check Up (FCU) is a medical and ultrasound exam followed by an interview with a fertility expert, accessible to all women of childbearing age whether or not they are planning a pregnancy. The FCU provides an anatomical and functional evaluation of the reproductive system and indicates the theoretical likelihood of conception, along with advice from fertility experts.

Results: In the first year, 440 women between 24 and 48 were screened, 56% of whom had never attempted to conceive. An anatomical abnormality was found in 58.5% of women, the examination concluded to a low-for-age ovarian reserve in 14% of the cases. 37.5% of the women in our study were referred either for ART treatment, fertility preservation or oocyte donation. Six months after, 50% of the women who had no immediate pregnancy plans stated that the FCU had modified their personal or professional plans regarding a possible future pregnancy.

Conclusions: Fertility assessment for all women, whether infertile or not, with or without immediate pregnancy plans, allows for information, advice, and treatment if necessary.

Keywords: Fertiliscan; Fertility; Oocyte cryopreservation; Ovarian reserve; Ultrasonography.

MeSH terms

  • Cryopreservation
  • Female
  • Fertility
  • Fertility Preservation*
  • Humans
  • Infertility*
  • Ovarian Reserve*
  • Pregnancy