Tests For Women
Essential Fertility Tests for Women
As the child-bearer, ladies have more tests to undergo than men. We not only need to make sure our eggs are of good enough quality, but the womb to house the growing embryo must also be in good condition.
Physical examination
Physical examination of your vital signs, such as:
- heart, lungs,
- breast, abdomen
- cervix, uterus, ovaries
This is because the surface area for the fertilised egg to latch itself to is reduced when there are other growths on the lining. The pelvic ultrasound will also check your ovaries for abnormalities.
Pelvic Ultrasound
Pelvic Ultrasound to check for
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Polyps or cysts on her womb lining
This is because the surface area for the fertilised egg to latch itself to is reduced when there are other growths on the lining. The pelvic ultrasound will also check your ovaries for abnormalities.
Pap smear
Pap smear if this has not been done within the last 3 years to check for abnormalities in the cervix.
Blood tests
Blood tests will also be done to check
- HIV
- Hepatitis B and C
- Thyroid function
- Anti-Müllerian Hormone (to assess your ovarian reserve).
- Hormones - Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinising Hormone (LH), Estradiol, Testosterone, Prolactin, Progesterone
You might be called back to the clinic for an additional blood test at the time of your ovulation to check for ovulation disorders. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), a type of X-ray of the fallopian tubes and uterus might also be ordered by your doctor.
1. Preparation
An HSG is a short 15-30 minute procedure that is either performed in the clinic or at an imaging centre where a thin catheter (tube) is inserted through the vagina into the cervix and subsequently the womb of the woman.
2. Dye Injection
Medical dye is pumped through the tube and an ultrasound or X-ray is then performed over the woman’s pelvic area for the gynaecologist to visualize the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.
3. Open Tubes
If the fallopian tubes are open, the dye will flow through the tubes and be visible in the abdominal cavity.
4. Blockage Detection
If the fallopian tubes are blocked, the dye will be retained in the uterus or fallopian tubes, depending on the location of the blockage.
The procedure is slightly uncomfortable, and many women have described it as feeling like menstrual cramps.
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