Dr. Sonia Malik

Consultant in fertility medicine, investigating and treating difficulty conceiving — ovulation disorders, tubal and uterine factors, male-factor infertility and unexplained infertility. Treatment ranges from timed cycles and ovulation induction to IUI and IVF. The first consultation is an assessment of both partners, because roughly a third of cases involve a male factor.

What a fertility specialist treats

Difficulty conceiving — ovulation disorders, blocked or damaged tubes, uterine factors, male-factor infertility and infertility with no identified cause. Treatment ranges from timing and ovulation induction through intrauterine insemination to IVF with or without ICSI.

When you would be referred

After twelve months of trying without success, or six months if the female partner is over thirty-five — the shorter threshold is because age is the single strongest factor and waiting costs more than it seems to. Earlier still if periods are irregular or absent, if there is known endometriosis or previous pelvic surgery, or if a semen analysis has already been abnormal.

At the first consultation

Both partners are assessed, because roughly a third of cases involve a male factor and testing only one side wastes months. Expect hormone testing, an ultrasound assessment of ovarian reserve, and a semen analysis before a plan is proposed. A clinic that recommends IVF before those results are back is recommending it for the wrong reasons.

What to bring, and what to ask

Any previous semen analysis, hormone results and ultrasound reports, records of earlier fertility treatment including drug doses and how you responded, and a note of your cycle pattern. Worth asking: what is our chance per cycle for our specific situation rather than the clinic average, what is the plan if the first cycle does not work, and what does the medication cost on top of the quoted figure.