Investigations of infertility
Investigations and diagnosis is a vital part of infertility treatment and we use a range of advanced diagnostic tests to determine the best treatments for both female and male infertility including:
Hormone assessment (female)
The first step in the investigation of a woman's fertility is to establish whether or not she ovulates (produces an egg) every month. This can normally be confirmed by performing blood and urine tests to measure the level of hormones at specific stages of the woman's cycle.
Laparoscopy (female)
If conception is to occur easily and naturally, it is essential for a woman to have open and undamaged Fallopian tubes in order for the sperm and egg to meet. A laparoscopy involves inserting a small telescope through the abdominal wall in order to clearly see the Fallopian tubes as well as the uterus and ovaries. The procedure is performed in the operating theatre, usually as a day-case under a general anaesthetic.
Hycosy (female)
A hycosy may also be used to check whether or not the Fallopian tubes are blocked. This is an x-ray procedure involving the injection of a special dye through the cervix and into the uterus. The passage of the dye through the Fallopian tubes can be observed on the x-ray. If the dye fails to spill out through the end of the tubes, this indicates that they are blocked or that a spasm has occurred and needs further investigation.
Ultrasound scan (female)
An ultrasound scan is a non-invasive technique allowing internal organs to be seen on a screen. A small probe is inserted in the vagina so the uterus and both ovaries can be seen. Ultasound is a major tool to monitor ovarian stimulation during IVF, to check patients for fibroids or ovarian cysts and also to monitor pregnancy.
Hysteroscopy (female)
A small telescope connected to a camera is inserted through the cervical canal to examine it for fibroids, endometrial polyps or adhesions. This is done either under general anaesthetic or under sedation as a day case.
Semen analysis (male)
Semen samples should be produced at Holly House so that the analysis can take place immediately. Analysis assesses the number of sperm present within the ejaculate (the sperm count); the number of sperm that are moving (the motility); the number of sperm that are normally formed (the morphology); whether or not there are anti-sperm antibodies present; the ability of sperm to survive over a 24-hour period and whether or not there is any infection present within the sample.
Hormone assessment (male)
In cases of azoospermia, blood analysis of hormones (FSH, LH and testosterone) will be taken. This will tell us if there is a blockage or if there is no sperm production within the testis.
Testicular biopsy (male)
Testicular biopsy involves taking one or several small samples of the testes - either for analysis or for the recovery of sperm in the most severe cases of azoospermia for cryo preservation and use later.
Cystic Fibrosis screen (male)
Cystic Fibrosis is the commonest genetic disease amongst caucasians, 1 in 25 persons carry this defective gene. However, the incidence of Cystic Fibrosis is a lot higher in men having congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens thus justifying a systematic screening.
Majority of your investigations will take place at Holly House Hospital but please
be aware that some investigations will be carried out at CRM London.
Contact us
For further information or to arrange an appointment, please contact us on 020 8936 1288.
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