Female
Screening Test
1. Blood Tests
FSH / LH / Estradiol: This
combination of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing
hormone) and estradiol drawn on day 2, 3 or 4 of the
cycle is a reflection of the female partner's ovarian
reserve, or how well we expect her ovaries to respond to
stimulation. This is done because women may have
"normal" cycles, but not be able to become pregnant for
about 6 years before menopause (average age 50-51). We
will generally test all women regardless of age because
of the wide range of variation in the onset of menopause
and of ovarian function in infertility patients. These
tests will help us determine which procedures and
protocols are most appropriate.
Infectious Screen (chlamydia, hepatitis, syphilis, HIV,
mycoplasma, gonorrhea): Having one of these
organisms could adversely affect the outcome of your
treatment or your pregnancy should you become pregnant.
All of these infections (except gonorrhea) have one
thing in common: you may be infected, but not have
symptoms for long periods of time. Thus, it is
imperative that these be completed prior to initiation
of therapy
Pre-Pregnancy Screen: (Blood type and Rh Factor,
Rubella titer, complete blood count). Determining blood
type can be helpful if there are problems with a
pregnancy. Rubella is an infection that can cause
serious birth defects if it occurs while you are
pregnant. Most of us have been immunized against it.
However, some people have not been immunized or their
immunization is no longer working. This test determines
if immunization is needed. A complete blood count
screens for anemia and other blood disorders, as well as
tip us off about certain inherited disorders.
Prolactin, TSH: These hormonal tests screen for
subtle abnormalities that could effect your treatment or
your pregnancy. Both hormones are made by the pituitary
gland in the brain. Prolactin is a hormone that helps to
stimulate milk production during breast-feeding. Some
women will secrete too much prolactin when not
breast-feeding. TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is the
most sensitive test of thyroid function. It can detect
either over activity or under activity of the thyroid
gland.
Other: if you're medical history, family history
or testing suggests that you may be at risk for genetic
or autoimmune diseases, or other medical problems,
appropriate tests will be ordered prior to initiating
the cycle.
2.
Uterine Testing
Radiologic:
A hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
or
sonohysterography (saline sonography)
will be done to evaluate
the inside of the uterine cavity. The HSG can also
provide information regarding the fallopian tubes.
Baseline ultrasound:
this is done at the initial visit.
It allows us to look at the muscle of the uterus and
assess the ovaries.
Mammogram:
a screening test for breast
cancer. The baseline mammogram for most women should be
done at age 35, with a follow-up mammogram at 40.
Current recommendations suggest screening every 1-2
years after that until age 50, then yearly mammograms
after that.
Trial Transfer:
a special catheter is inserted
into your uterus to determine the direction and length
of the uterine cavity. This measurement may also be done
by ultrasound. This is done so that when an insemination
is done or the actual embryo transfer is done at IVF, it
will occur in the smoothest possible fashion.
Pap smear:
a
screen for cervical cancer and human papilloma virus
infections. Currently, screening for most women is to be
done on a yearly basis.
3. Complete Physical Examination and Pelvic Ultrasound
