Ultrasound Vaginal discharge culture Tubal Patency Test Hormonal Fertility Tests Virological testing Genetic testingWomen fertility tests
An ultrasound can be used to diagnose multiple medical conditions related to infertility such as uterine deformities, fibroids, polycystic ovaries, hydrosalpinx and endometrial cysts. An ultrasound can also provide essential information about the size of the uterus and ovaries, as well as the endometrial thickness. There are two ways performing an ultrasound, either transvaginal or transabdominal. A transvaginal ultrasound needs an empty bladder, while a transabdominal ultrasound needs a full one.
When investigating infertility, a culture of vaginal discharge is necessary in order to check for the presence of germs that may have caused an infection in genitalia. During this test, fluid is taken from the woman’s vagina and/or cervix and sent for culture. This test is quite important because it helps treat many infections that can cause serious problems and are often asymptomatic such as chlamydia infections.
Hysterosalpingogram or HSG is a special X-ray procedure that evaluates the shape of the uterus and the two fallopian tubes. This procedure is used in order to determine if the fallopian tubes are passable (open) or not. It also indicates if there is any difference in the shape of the uterus or some kind of deformity. This procedure should be done within the first 10 days of the menstrual cycle, but after the menstruation has stopped.
The tubal patency test (hysterosalpingography) is an essential part of a couple’s infertility evaluation. However, I.R.I.S MED innovates and implements a new patient-friendly technique, painless and radiation-free, with comparable results, which changes the way in which things are done and replaces the classic hysterosalpingography. The new Ultrasound Polysaccharide (ExEmFoam) (HyFoSy) ultrasonography method assesses the patency of the fallopian tubes and may also examine the outline of the uterine cavity with the ability to detect possible uterine abnormalities. It is carried out by injecting the foamed shadow into the cavity of the uterus, which is then directed towards the fallopian tubes while being ultrasounded. The test lasts about 20 minutes and it takes place between the 6th and 10th day of the cycle.
During the infertility investigation of a woman, it is essential to measure the blood levels of certain hormones which provide important information on the ovarian function and egg quality. The hormones to be measured are: FSH, LH, E2, AMH and they should be measured on the 2nd or 3rd day of the menstrual cycle. The physician may also request a measurement of prolactin (PRL), as high PRL levels may prevent ovulation, as well as of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), to test thyroid gland function.
Along with all the other tests during an infertility investigation, the law requires that both partners be tested for important viruses. The required tests are: ΗΙV I & II HBsAg, HCV and VDRL.
Chromosomal abnormalities are potential infertility factors. Infertile couples have a 4% probability of having an abnormal caryotype. Karyotyping from peripheral blood leads to important information for interpreting such cases.
Genetic tests are laboratory tests whose results contribute to determining the probability for an individual to develop or transmit a genetic disorder. Some of these genetic disorders are: thalssemia, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, muscular dystrophy, Huntington disease, congenital hypercholesterolemia etc. The first two have a higher prevalence in Greece.
