What are fertility tests?

Fertility tests for women

Cervical smear test (pap smear) – if haven’t done one recently.

Hormonal assay

Blood test to detect ovulation. This is done by measuring progesterone in a blood sample taken seven days before the next period is due. Blood test during period (taken between days two – four) to check for hormone imbalances –measurement of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone, LH (luteinising hormone).

Ultrasound

An ultrasound scan to look at uterus and ovaries. Follicle tracking – a series of ultrasound scans to follow the development of a follicle to see if an egg is developing.

Hysterosalpingogram

Hysterosalpingogram – an x-ray to check fallopian tubes.

Laparoscopy & Hysteroscopy

Laparoscopy – an operation in which a dye is injected through the cervix as the pelvis is inspected via a telescope (laparoscope) with a tiny camera attached to check for tubal blockage.

Hysteroscopy – a telescope with a camera attached is used to view the uterus to check for conditions such as fibroids or polyps.

Semen for analysis – Fertility tests for men

Sperm test to check for abnormalities, sperm numbers and quality. The husband must be abstinence for at least 1 day but not more than 7 days.

Screening of patients

Before processing patient sperm, eggs or embryos for treatment and/or storage, the clinic must carry out a number of screening tests to assess the risk of contamination. The clinic will test patients for:

• HIV 1 and 2: Anti-HIV – 1, 2
• Hepatitis B: HBsAg/Anti-HBc
• VDRL

Reference

1. WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen – fifth edition
2. http://www.hfea.gov.uk/fertility-basics.html