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Fertility Tests
The first step in
treating infertility is to determine the cause or causes.
Whether a woman has never been able to conceive or has
experienced recurrent miscarriages, our goal is to accurately
assess each unique situation and then recommend appropriate
treatment.
Pregnancy success rates depend on an accurate diagnosis. On
your initial visit to our office we will review your complete
family and medical history, evaluate any medical records you
may have brought with you (including films), and perform a
thorough physical examination. Depending on the findings,
fertility testing may be recommended and some of these
procedures include:
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
Female endocrine/hormone studies are
performed to monitor the activity of the ovaries, pituitary,
thyroid and adrenal glands by measuring hormone levels in
the blood.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an x-ray of the
reproductive system including the uterus, fallopian tubes,
and surrounding anatomy. This test is useful in detecting
blocked tubes and scarring which are common causes of
infertility, both of which can usually be treated
surgically.
Ultrasound is done transvaginal to evaluate the
condition of the uterus, ovaries and surrounding structures.
Semen analysis involves the determination of sperm
concentration, percent motility, and percent normality based
on the strict assessment of size and shape of the sperm. In
cases of severe low sperm numbers, an ICSI prep test is used
to determine if any motile normal sperm are present in an
ejaculate. This procedure may offset the need for a
testicular biopsy.
Vaginal/cervical cultures are performed to indicate
the presence of virus or bacteria that may be hindering
conception.
Laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, allows
the doctor to visualize the reproductive system by inserting
a scope through a small abdominal incision. This allows the
doctor to see and treat possible causes of infertility.
Hysteroscopy uses a thin scope that is inserted
through the cervix into the uterus to locate potential
uterine abnormalities that may be affecting fertility.
Endometrial biopsy is a procedure where a small
sample from the lining of the uterus is taken during an
in-office procedure and then submitted to a reference
laboratory for examination. Some minor abnormalities in the
uterus lining can cause infertility and are treatable when
detected.
LH surge testing may be performed mid-cycle. When an
LH surge occurs, the ovary is instructed to release a mature
egg. Patients monitor their urine at home to determine when
an LH surge is occurring. This information is useful for
timing intrauterine inseminations, timed intercourse or
frozen embryo transfers.
Cervical mucus/post-coital testing to determine
whether the cervical environment is optimum for sperm
transport.
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