In order to determine the cause of infertility and the subsequent planning of the treatment cycle, the doctor will carry out a series of investigations.
Below is a summary and interpretations of some of those tests.
Warning! This information is intended for information purposes only and not for self diagnosis! Only a doctor or medical professional such as a nurse with the appropriate level of knowledge and experience can interpret test results and use them in conjunction with other factors to determine the best course of treatment.
For the Female
|
Type
|
Test
|
When
|
Why
|
|
Blood Test
|
Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
|
Day 2 - 4 of menstrual cycle
|
Check ovarian reserve and determine dose of stimulation drugs
|
|
Luteinising Hormone (LH)
|
|
Oestradiol (E2)
|
|
Progesterone
|
Mid luteal phase (i.e. day 21 or seven days before expected menstrual cycle
|
Check ovulation
|
|
Rubella
|
Anytime
|
Check immunisation
|
|
Hepatitis B
|
Anytime
|
|
Hepatitis C
|
|
Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV)
|
|
Scans/X-Rays
|
Ultrasound Scan (Pelvis)
|
Anytime
|
Check for abnormalities in the pelvis
|
|
Hysterosalpingography (HSG).
|
Within 10 days of menstrual cycle
|
Checks for abnormalities within the cavity and tubal status
|
|
Hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy).
|
|
Day surgery
|
Laparoscopy and Dye test
|
For the Male
|
Blood Test
|
Hepatitis B
|
Anytime
|
|
Hepatitis C
|
|
Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV)
|
|
Sperm Test
|
Semen Analysis
|
Anytime (abstinence must be no less than two and no more than five days).
|
Determine sperm quality (count, motility, morphology)
|