Initial consultation
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation with one of our fertility specialists. During this session, we will discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and any concerns you may have.
Examinations for women
Female infertility is a complex problem that can have many different causes. Understanding these causes is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
What to Expect
During Your Screening
Steps of the Fertility Screening
Diagnostic Testing
Based on the initial consultation, we will recommend a series of tests. These may include blood tests, ultrasounds, and other relevant procedures.
Results and Analysis
Once the tests are completed, we will review the results with you, explaining what they mean and how they impact your fertility.
Personalized Plan
Based on the findings, we will develop a customized fertility plan that outlines the recommended steps and treatments to enhance your chances of conception.
Infertility Caused by Ovarian Factors
Ovarian factor infertility involves issues with the ovaries that can prevent a woman from conceiving. This type of infertility can result from various conditions and abnormalities affecting the ovaries' ability to function properly, ovulate, or produce high-quality eggs.
Ovulatory Disorders
Disorders that affect the regular release of eggs from the ovaries, such as anovulation (absence of ovulation) or oligoovulation (infrequent ovulation), can significantly impact fertility.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility due to ovarian factors. Polycystic ovaries occur when maturing follicles do not release eggs, forming cysts that grow under the ovarian surface. As new cysts develop, the ovary enlarges and its outer shell expands, resulting in polycystic ovaries.
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
POI, also known as premature ovarian failure, occurs when the ovaries stop functioning normally before the age of 40. This condition leads to a decreased production of estrogen and irregular or absent menstrual periods.
Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR)
DOR refers to a lower number of eggs in the ovaries than expected for a woman's age. This can be due to aging, genetic factors, or medical treatments such as chemotherapy.
Other factors affecting fertility
Among other factors affecting fertility are, for example:
Hormonal Imbalances
Imbalances in hormones such as prolactin, thyroid hormones, and gonadotropins can interfere with the normal ovulation process.
Tubal Factor
Blockages, damage, or abnormalities in the fallopian tubes can prevent sperm from reaching the egg or impede the fertilized egg's journey to the uterus. Causes include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, previous pelvic surgeries, or congenital tube abnormalities.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis, prevalent among young women, involves the abnormal implantation of endometrial cells outside the uterus. It's thought to stem from retrograde menstruation and immunological dysfunctions, with ectopic foci commonly found in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, abdomen, intestines, or bladder.
Immune Disorders
Sometimes, the immune system can attack sperm or fertilized eggs, preventing pregnancy. Immune disorders can also lead to frequent miscarriages.
Genetic Predispositions
This issue affects both women and men who have some genetic defects or carry them. While it may not always result in a natural inability to conceive, in such cases, in vitro fertilization is often recommended to minimize the risk of conceiving a child with a genetic defect.
Fertility examinations for women include:
Blood tests:
- Blood group
- Rh
- Complete blood count
- Blood glucose
- Urea
- Creatinine
Coagulation:
- Fibrinogen
- APTT
Serology:
- HIV
- VDRL / TPHA
- HCV Ac
- HBsAg
- HBcAc
Hormones:
- TSH
- fT4
- Prolactin
Immunology:
- lgG CMV
- Rubella
- Varicella
- Toxoplasma
- Herpes
Genital secretions:
- Pap test
- Cervical culture
Gynaecological ultrasound scan provided by infertility specialist
Breast ultrasound scan
FAQs about examinations for woman
Everything you need to know about your journey to conceiving a baby.
After how long should I worry if I'm not pregnant?
Women under 35 years should seek medical advice after 1 year of trying to conceive. Women over 35 should consult a doctor if they haven't conceived after 6 months.
What does low ovarian reserve mean?
A low ovarian reserve indicates fewer oocytes in the ovaries. This does not mean pregnancy is impossible, but time is critical. Reduced ovarian reserve in IVF may lead to lower success rates due to fewer embryos being available.
How to determine if the eggs are of poor quality?
The primary factor affecting egg quality is age. Older eggs are less likely to generate viable embryos. Egg quality issues can also arise from birth, inflammation, endometriosis, or certain treatments. There is no specific test; poor quality is observed through unfavourable embryo development in the lab or after implantation.
Is it possible to conceive naturally with endometriosis?
Endometriosis can affect fertility by causing inflammation, scarring, and distortion of the reproductive organs, making it more difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg and for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus. However, many women with endometriosis are still able to conceive without assisted reproductive technologies. It's important for individuals with endometriosis who are trying to conceive to work closely with their IVF specialist to optimize their chances of natural conception.
Is it possible to conceive naturally with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
PCOS can affect fertility by disrupting ovulation, leading to irregular or absent menstrual cycles. However, many women with PCOS are still able to conceive naturally, especially with lifestyle modifications, such as weight management, dietary changes, and exercise. Additionally, certain medications or fertility treatments may be prescribed to help regulate ovulation and improve the chances of conceiving.
Who should consider whether they are a carrier of a genetic disorder?
Couples with a family history of genetic disorders or those belonging to at-risk ethnic groups should consider genetic carrier testing before planning a pregnancy.
Is a previous miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy a reason for infertility testing?
A previous miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy can prompt fertility testing to identify potential underlying causes, but it doesn't necessarily mean the individual or couple is infertile.
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