Investigations for Male and Female Infertility Treatments

1. Semen analysis -- the specimen is collected after 2 to 3 days of complete abstinence to determine volume and viscosity of semen and sperm count, motility, swimming speed, and shape.
2. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) -- an x-ray procedure done with contrast dye that looks at the route of sperm from the cervix through the uterus and fallopian tubes.
3. Female Surgical Testing: Infertility may be the result of abnormalities in the reproductive organs. If fertility tests have eliminated such factors as sperm count or hormone levels as the cause of infertility, female diagnostic surgical testing may be indicated.
4. Male Surgical Testing: Male fertility testing can include surgical procedures such as a testicular biopsy and vasography. These tests are designed to detect blockages, as well as problems with sperm production.
5. Internal examination and ultrasound: A gynecological checkup would give us additional information regarding the readiness of the uterus for pregnancy and would also help to diagnose pathological conditions.
6. A directed physical exam that may include a pelvic ultrasound should be performed. Ultrasound can help us discover abnormalities with the uterus, fallopian tubes and/or ovaries.
7. Depending on the individual couple's situation, various blood tests on either the female or the male may be needed. Blood tests that might be needed include day 3 follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), thyroxin (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), lupus anticoagulant (LAC), anti-cardiolipin (ACL), and possibly other tests.
8. Follicular fluid is a novel source of gonadal cells for detection of low-grade mosaicism in the ovaries. All women with unexplained infertility undergoing IVF could be studied to determine the chances of a successful pregnancy. If there is evidence of gonadal mosaicism, the chances of a live birth could be low. Mosaicism for the X chromosome detected rapidly by FISH on follicular fluid cells can be one more indication for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in the same and subsequent cycles. This test is useful for women with repeated failed IVF, repeated miscarriages, those with chromosomal problems and advanced maternal age.

Infertility Investigation