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Fertell - Female and Male Fertility Tests

TV sports presenter Gabby Logan, 31, is married to former Scottish rugby international player Kenny Logan, 33. She gave birth to twins, Lois and Reuben, in July 2005, after IVF treatment. Here, Gabby and Kenny talk about their three-year fertility journey.

Gabby: "Looking back, I was incredibly naïve and took getting pregnant for granted. We were married in the summer of 2001 and I stopped using contraception in January. I went to see Kenny in Rome for the Rugby World Cup and I remember thinking, oh we'd better be careful, I don't want to get pregnant this month, I'd be pregnant all summer and it would be so hot! It didn't occur to me that three years down the line we'd still be trying. Obviously I'd read all the media stories about infertility and knew it was an issue for many people but I didn't think it would happen to me, as I was only 28. Both Kenny and I were fit, ate a healthy diet and drank moderately.

"For the first year of trying all we did was carry on with our normal, healthy sex life while not using contraception. But, then after a year of nothing happening, I bought a book on getting pregnant and that opened up a whole area of knowledge of things we should and shouldn't be doing that we weren't aware of. On the advice of a friend, I made an appointment to see Yehudi Gordon, a consultant gynaecologist working at Viveka, a private fertility clinic in North London, who ran all the tests. I was scanned 12 times during my cycle to check everything was working as it should do, I had my hormone levels measured, my tubes checked and was screened for mineral and vitamin deficiencies. Kenny was also checked out. The news came back that we were both perfectly normal, we were just one of the many couples suffering from 'unexplained infertility.'

"We were told to go away and stop worrying about it - but that's the hardest thing of all to do! You're aware of your cycle every day, you think, 'Am I ovulating yet, has the egg been fertilised, will I get my period' It can be tough on a relationship - I hated thinking that our bodies weren't compatible! But I did everything I could to take the pressure off - I made sure I had time to myself and tried to stop saying yes to everything. I did yoga to relax and had massages.

"It's difficult if you have fertility issues and people ask you when you're going to have a baby. I'd say something flippant, such as - oh, as soon as we have enough time together to make one! But as time went on, I'd say, yes, I hope it will happen for us one day, and that would let them know we were trying. Most were sensitive enough to not pry any further. We chose not to talk about it to anyone except for a few close friends. Most of my friends weren't at the baby stage yet anyway so it wasn't a topic that came up. Although in the three years we were trying, one friend managed to have three babies (including twins) which really brought home how time was passing. I was delighted for her of course, but it does cross your mind, how come it's so easy for her and not for me

"After another six months passed with nothing happening we decided to go for IVF. We felt we'd explored all the other options. We were offered IUI (where specially selected sperm are injected into the uterus) but we thought that as it wasn't so far from IVF, why not go all the way I thought it was a better idea to do it now rather than keep trying, and do IVF later, as the chances of it succeeding go down with age. And we were very, very lucky in that it worked the first time - and it was twins!

"We'd definitely have used Fertell if it had been around when we were trying. I like the fact that it's a test for both of you, and it gives you answers in private, at home. It's a great first step that doesn't involve doctors. The thing is that depending on your age, a doctor's first response when you go and see them can often be go away and try a bit longer. But this test can be reassuring - if everything is OK, then you can feel relaxed about trying for a bit longer, but if it's not, you can go back to your doctor and talk about starting some tests straight away.

I think it could also be useful for couples before they even start trying. If you're thinking of putting babies off for a few years, then this test can let you know if there are any issues involved and whether you'd be better not putting it off at all.

The twins already have very different personalities. Lois wants to stay awake all day - her legs are always going and she's dying to talk! Reuben is much more laid back and he loves to sleep and eat. As soon as I got out of the hospital I thought, I want another one! But not yet, maybe when the twins are at school."

Kenny: "I was convinced the problem lay with me as, being a rugby player, I'd been hit hard in the crucial area so many times! In fact, the week before I planned to ask Gabby to marry me I was injured in that area and had a sperm test and it was very low, although I went back two days later and it was fine.

"I've had three sperm tests in total over the past three years and I'm open about it - there's nothing to be ashamed about. Having said that, it would have been so much easier to do it in private at home rather than in a room at a clinic which wasn't a great experience! Plus, with Fertell, the results are instant so there's no agony of waiting.

"I think lots of guys would welcome a chance to do this test for their own peace of mind. It solves the issue of uncertainty and that's what can cause tension between couples. Up until now, all the pregnancy-related kits and tests have been aimed at women. But there's no point in your wife eating well and being fit and healthy if you've got a beer gut and are tired and stressed. Just simple things like walking to work or cutting back on fatty foods can make a difference. Getting pregnant is a team effort just as looking after a baby is - and I say that having been up for two and a half hours with the twins last night!"

Read about trying for a baby.

For more information about Fertell, facts about fertility, support and advice, please visit www.fertell.co.uk or call the Fertell information line on 0800 731 8264.