Investigations
In order to determine the cause of infertility and the subsequent planning of the treatment cycle, your doctor will carry out a series of investigations. This will help us to diagnose the cause of infertility, (if there is a cause) and the right course of treatment.
Female investigations
| Type | Test | When | Why |
|---|
| Blood test |
Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Follicle-stimulating hormones stimulate the production of eggs during the first half of the menstrual cycle. Measuring the amounts of FSH and other hormones (luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and progesterone) in your blood stream, and your partners, can be useful when identifying the causes of infertility. |
Day two to four of menstrual cycle. |
Check ovarian reserve and determine dose of stimulation drugs. |
| Luteinising Hormone (LH) |
|
|
| Oestradiol (E2) |
|
|
| Progesterone |
Mid luteal phase (i.e. day 21 or seven days before expected menstrual cycle. |
Check ovulation. |
| Rubella |
Any time |
Check immunisation. |
| Hepatitis B |
Any time |
|
| Hepatitis C |
|
| Human immune deficiency virus (HIV) |
|
| Scans |
Ultrasound scan (pelvis) |
Any time |
Check for abnormalities in the pelvis. |
| Hysterosalpingography (HSG) |
Within 10 days of menstrual cycle. |
Checks for abnormalities within the cavity and tubal status. |
| Hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy) |
| Day surgery |
Laparoscopy and dye test |
|
|
Male Investigations
| Type | Test | When | Why |
|---|
| Blood test |
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Human immune deficiency virus (HIV)
|
Any time |
|
| Sperm test |
Semen analysis |
Any time (abstinence must be no less than two and no more than five days). |
Determine sperm quality (count, motility, morphology). |