Fertility Screening

Fertility Screening Programmes

We have often heard about the “biological clock” and how it affects a woman’s chance of conceiving. Fertility screening comprises simple tests to find out about the status of a woman’s fertility and empower her to make informed decisions on childbearing plans.

It is common to use a combination of tests to get a better fertility evaluation. Surgery may be performed to correct identified problems or medication prescribed to help with ovulation. In some situations, the Fertility Specialist will explore more advanced treatments.

Some of these initial fertility screening tests include:

• Blood Tests: Most often, blood tests are done on the woman. These may include full Blood Count, Blood Group And Rhesus Factor, Rubella IgG, FSH, LH, Estrogen, Prolactin Thyroid Function Test, HIV, Hepatitis B, Syphillis.
• Hormonal Testing: This is done to check the levels of ovulatory hormones as well as thyroid and pituitary hormones.
• Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Testing: AMH is a substance produced in the ovarian follicles. By measuring the levels of AMH, the doctor will be able to know the size of the ovarian reserve or the number of egg supply. Women with higher AMH values will tend to have better response to ovarian stimulation for IVF and have more eggs retrieved.
• Pelvic Ultrasound: This may be done to look for uterine or fallopian tube disease.
• Hysteroscopy or HSG: This may be ordered to inspect the uterine cavity.
• Laparoscopy: This procedure involves making a small incision beneath the navel and inserting a thin viewing device to examine your fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus.The most common problems identified by laparoscopy are endometriosis and scarring, blockages or irregularities of the fallopian tubes and uterus.The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and generally done on an outpatient basis.

Male Infertility

Infertility is not just a woman’s issue. Men contribute 50% to the causes due to problems with the sperm. The most common test is the Semen Analysis which is used to determine whether a man has an infertility problem by measuring the number and quality of sperms.