The fertility check that triggered the start
Photo: @ihnebilder/Ihne Andersen
Farmen couple Lene Sleperud and Tonje Frøystad Garvik were just going to take a fertility test. They felt they had plenty of time – and weren't stressed about having children. But then the test results came.
The young couple contacted Medicus in October 2019. They had wanted children for a long time, but had not yet decided when to start the process towards having a baby and family life. They first wanted to check how their fertility was doing.
– We wanted to figure out which of us should get pregnant first"We hadn't decided at that time whether we would use the private or public treatment service. But we wanted quick answers to the test. And we knew that Medicus could give us that," says Tonje.
During a regular fertility check, the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes are examined with ultrasound. In addition, the doctor takes a blood test to assess levels of vitamin D, metabolism, and various hormones, such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
The level of AMH tells how large the egg reserve is, while the hormone FSH provides information about ovarian function and the quality of the eggs.
– I think the whole examination went very well. The gynecologist at Medicus examined thoroughly and explained things well along the way, says Lene.
The disturbing test results
Like so many other young, same-sex couples, they both assumed that the test results would show normal fertility. Of course, compared to heterosexual couples, they had not had a trial period at home. So they were ill-prepared for the feedback.
Lene had slightly elevated FSH levels.
A higher level indicates that ovarian quality is declining. And when ovarian function is on a declining curve, it also often means that egg quality is deteriorating.
– When the news came, I was scared and thought, "What does this mean? Can't I have children?" says Lene.
With age, FSH levels will increase, especially as women approach menopause. The fact that Lene had slightly higher values at 30 years old does not mean that she can expect menopause around the next turn. But it is a sign that the body has passed its fertility peak.
Then there were no more questions about which of them should get pregnant first.
Got scared
With the test results in black and white, they both felt the importance of the treatment facility made them feel cared for.
– We had already experienced some of the support and follow-up we could get at Medicus. It was ahead of the waiting time in the public sector, says Tonje.
Lene in particular felt the need for good contact with the fertility clinic.
– Even though I was reassured that I could still get pregnant, I had a fear inside me. Getting guidance and explaining what all the words mean, how the medications work and how they affect my body, was a great comfort for me, says Lene.
