INFERTILITY DIAGNOSES IN FEMALE
1. Anamnestic data:
The important anamnestic data to decide on further examination are:
- your age
- your first period and your menstrual cycle (date of your last period, how many days you have your period and how strong it is).
- height and weight
- lifestyle
- physical fitness
- any bad habits (smoking, etc.).
- possible miscarriages or births
- general state of health
- any chronic diseases
- period of unprotected sex you have had.
We obtain all this information with the aim of carrying out the most successful treatment possible.
2. Basic gynecological examination with ultrasound
The basic examination of a woman is a gynecological examination and a transvaginal 2D and 3D ultrasound of the uterus according to the phase of the menstrual cycle. An ultrasound examination allows examination of the anatomy of the uterus and ovaries. The fallopian tubes are normally not visible unless there is fluid in them.
3. Examination of hormones in a woman’s blood
The examination of hormones in a woman’s blood is most often performed between the 2nd and 4th day of the menstrual cycle. We examine:
• the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)
• the level of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which determines ovarian reserve
• prolactin level (PRL)
- thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level.
We recommend determining the level of vitamin D.
This examination gives us information:
• about the function of the ovaries;
• about their ability to produce mature eggs;
• about possible responses to hormonestimulation.
4. Tubal patency test
A tubal patency test shows the patency or blockage of the fallopian tubes. The examination can be performed under ultrasound control (sonoHSG, HyCoSy) or under X-ray control (X-ray HSG). The advantage of the ultrasound method is that we do not burden the woman with X-rays and we use a contrast that is safe for embryos. Therefore, a woman can try to get pregnant even during the cycle when the ultrasound method is performed. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.
5. Hysteroscopy and laparoscopy
Hysteroscopy and laparoscopy are surgical methods of diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Hysteroscopy involves looking directly into the uterine cavity. Laparoscopy enables a direct examination of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes from the abdominal cavity.
Purpose of hysteroscopy:
- It is used to detect and treat changes in the uterine cavity (polyps, fibroids, growths, barriers and other developmental abnormalities of the uterus).
• It can be performed on an outpatient basis without anesthesia or under general anesthesia in a hospital.
Purpose of laparoscopy:
- It is used in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.
• For diagnostics and therapy on fallopian tubes.
• For the diagnosis of adhesions and irregularities after inflammation in the pelvic cavity.
• To remove uterine fibroids and other pathologies.
6. Genetic tests in women
Genetic testing is indicated in cases of:
- repeated miscarriages
• repeated failed implantation of good quality embryos in MAR procedures.
7. Immunological examination of a woman
Immunological examination is indicated in cases of:
- repeated miscarriages
• repeated failed implantation of good quality embryos in MAR procedures.
8. Examination of oocyte supply in a woman
When female partner has low AMH for her age and/or is responding poorly to hormonal treatment, additional ultrasound examination to assess the number of antral follicles (antral follicles count: AFC) can be performed to decide on further procedures.