Infertility Work-up

Many a time, many couples cannot achieve pregnancy even after performing regular unprotected intercourse for more than 12 months. In such a case, couples are considered infertile, and they must take the help of a fertility treatment doctor to determine the cause of infertility. They can help to guide the treatment options to achieve pregnancy.

During the consultation the doctors ask the patients about menstrual history, pregnancy history, STDs, surgical treatment history, current medications, lifestyle, diet, health concerns, and the history of birth control.

Tests performed in Females

If one cannot conceive after 12 months or more without success, they can consult with our expert infertility treatment doctor at SJM IVF.

Thyroid examination is performed to check for abnormalities, as abnormal levels can affect pregnancy and increase the risk of miscarriage.
Examination of breast and pelvic area (unusual growth detection, sores or infection).
Hair distribution on the face and body, as the male hormone can affect fertility.
Pelvic ultrasound is performed to evaluate uterine and ovarian anatomy. It is a safe and painless treatment that helps diagnose uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts.
Blood tests for FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and estradiol levels are also checked for evaluating anti-Mullerian hormone.
Hysterosalpingogram or dye test is also performed to check inside the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes to evaluate any blockage in the tube that interferes with conception.
To determine any abnormality inside the uterus, a sonohysterogram or water ultrasound is performed to get a better view of pathology inside the uterus.

Tests performed in Males

Semen analysis of males is done to check for sperm count, sperm motility, and morphology of the sperm.

Sonography

Infertility problems affect millions of couples worldwide. With the help of fertility treatment like IVF, one can improve the chance of successful fertilization and overcome the problems of fertility issues. At SJM IVF, the IVF treatment is customized according to the need of the patient. The treatment is provided after continuous monitoring of the patient through the IVF treatment stages and making necessary adjustments.

Ultrasound helps to personalize every phase of IVF or other fertility treatment. The scans are an important part of fertility treatment as well as infertility testing.

Ultrasonography scans use high-frequency sound waves that help create an image of the targeted internal organs. It also has the ability to measure the endometrial thickness and uterine masses. This gives it an edge over laparoscopy as a diagnostic procedure in the assessment of the uterine cavity. Ultrasonography is more preferred than other biochemical methods because of its ability to demonstrate the number and sizes of follicles. The instrument helps to access the ovarian reserve, uterine cavity, and pelvic area pathologies.

Prior treatment

A baseline ultrasound is performed prior to the treatment and is done during the female's monthly cycle.
This helps to determine the health status of the ovaries and also tells about the mature egg production.
It also helps detect ovarian cysts so that additional treatment is provided before IVF is started.
It also assesses ovarian reserve, pelvic pathologies, and uterine cavity.

Fertility Drug Monitoring

In IVF treatment, the first stage is of stimulation of ovaries and patients are also administered fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries and produce mature follicles. Multiple ultrasounds are performed to monitor the effects of the administered drugs.

Egg Retrieval

The mature eggs are collected by the doctor and fertilized in a laboratory. The ultrasound helps throughout the egg retrieval process and gives a visual guide to collect mature eggs without damaging the surrounding tissues.

Embryo Transfer

To transfer healthy embryos into the uterus, the ultrasound process guides so that process is performed smoothly.

Pregnancy

During the pregnancy period, an ultrasound is performed to monitor the growth of the fetus. The first ultrasound is performed during the 6-8 months of pregnancy.

For infertility testing, ultrasonography scans help provide information on the ovaries, endometrial lining, fallopian tubes, and uterus shape.
For fertility treatment it is used to monitor the development of the follicles, thickness of endometrial lining.