Initial Fertility Testing
In order to help you move as quickly as possible toward your fertility solution, we have a few recommendations.
Prior to your first consultation with one of our physicians it is to your advantage, although not mandatory, to have some preliminary fertility testing completed and the results sent to us before your initial appointment. Our physicians are then able to consult with you in greater depth concerning your specific situation.
Your gynecologist or primary care physician can order these fertility tests if he/she feels they are appropriate. In general, any fertility tests requested by your gynecologist or primary care physician have a greater possibility of being covered by your insurance provider than fertility tests requested by our fertility physicians.
The following information lists and explains these preliminary fertility tests.
- FSH/E2: Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Estrogen (E2) are two hormones that predict a woman’s ovarian reserve or potential for pregnancy. In the beginning of the menstrual cycle (cycle days 1-5), the pituitary gland in the brain secretes Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). This hormone stimulates the ovaries to select and grow an egg for the cycle. Once an ovary receives enough FSH to grow a dominant follicle, the follicle begins to release Estrogen. Estrogen indicates that a follicle is growing and signals the brain to stop secreting FSH. Measuring the levels of FSH and Estradiol (estrogen) in the blood on menstrual cycle day 2 or 3 provides an assessment of a woman’s ovarian reserve. Remember, cycle day 1 is counted as the first day (before 10 pm) of actual FLOW.
- SA: The semen analysis is the measurement of 4 different properties of a single ejaculate:
Volume is the amount of the ejaculate measured in ccs.
Count is the concentration of sperm, measured in million of sperm per cc.
Motility is the percentage of sperm that are moving, i.e. living.
Morphology is the percentage of sperm that are normal in shape.
- Hysterosalpingogram (Hsg):
A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is performed to determine whether there is a blockage or other abnormality of the fallopian tubes, which would prevent the union of sperm and egg. It may also be used to detect irregularity or scarring of the lining of the uterus. The HSG is sometimes referred to as the "dye test". A radio-opaque dye is placed into the uterus and an X-ray is taken. This fertility test must be performed in a radiology department. The HSG is performed in the 2nd week of the menstrual cycle (i.e. after menstrual bleeding has stopped but before ovulation). Patients going directly to in vitro fertilization cycle, a procedure that bypasses the fallopian tubes, do not necessarily need to have this test done.
|
