Fertility tests & early treatment

Fertility tests & early treatment

Fertility tests & early treatment

Any previous investigations and testing will assist in determining the cause of your infertility and will influence the particular type of treatment you will receive. In the case you have undergone testing from your GP it is important you provide your results prior to your initial consultation with Dr Ernst so she is able to access the necessary information. Generally, most of these tests will not need repeating. While some tests will determine whether you are medically ready for pregnancy, others will assess the specific cause of your fertility issue.

To establish the cause of your infertility, you will be required to undergo a series of preliminary tests. These include:

Female fertility tests

• Typical blood tests include follicular phase (early cycle) sex hormones (estrogen, luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and thyroid stimulating hormone).
• A blood test to calculate ovarian reserve, named the anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), which is frequently done with an antral follicle count (AFC), via an ultrasound scan. AMH is a hormone produced by ovarian follicles that contain eggs. The level of AMH gives an indication of the ovarian activity in a month, or the number of eggs being produced (ovarian reserve).
• A pelvic ultrasound scan is carried out to examine the pelvic anatomy and exclude ovarian cysts. This is known as a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and is an a-ray dye study that will inspect the uterine cavity and exclude blockage of the fallopian tubes. This can also be completed with a saline sonohysterogram, which is a specialised type of ultrasound scan.

Male fertility tests

• A “sperm count” is also known as a semen analysis, which determines the sperm concentration, motility (ability to swim) and morphology (shape).
• An atypical blood count may need blood tests such as FSH, LH and testosterone.
• Depending on your medical history, environmental and lifestyle factors, and the results of the initial tests, a sperm DNA fragmentation test or a testicular biopsy may be requested.

Early fertility treatment

Generally, the most natural or minimally invasive treatments will be explored first and tailored specifically to your personal needs. These treatments can span from ovulation induction and artificial insemination to donor insemination. At your consultation, we will discuss the most suitable course of action for your needs.