Investigations

The first time meet, we will review your history of any relevant medical or surgical issues that may affect fertility of the treatment options that we may offer.

We like to listen to you. Even though your family physician may have sent us some investigations or results, we like to listen to what you have to say. 

I always start bt asking you "so, what do you want?." Actually, this is, to me, one of the most important questions that I ask. As diverse as humans are, the answer usually cover a wide range of options.

Since we will probably be using the facilities of a fertility centre, there are some tests that are mandated before we can do so. We like to have them cleared on the first visit. They are usually expected to be current, so may be repeated once a year, as needed.

These typically include : HIV, Hepatitis B and C testing, tests for syphilis and VDRL.

In general for any woman trying to get pregnant, we will need to know her blood group (A, AB, +ve, -ve, etc) as well as her Rubella status, may her thyroid function, and may be some special tests depending on ethnicities (e.g. nickel cell screening in africans).

As per our previous explanation, our hormone tests need to be done early in the period, typically in any one day of days 2 or 3 or 4 of the cycle. Most women will be in their heavy flow part of the period. Progesterone is usually requested day 20, or 21 or 22 of period.

Do notice that you have to (always) remember when your last period started as all our calculations are based on that day.

Ultrasound is the usually pelvic ultrasound, and yes, we always include a transvaginal component. This gives us information about the uterus, ovaries, if there are fibroids, ovarian cysts, PCO, etc. This can be done on any day of your period.

Sono, or Sono Hystero Gram (SHG) is a very important part of our fertility examination. This is usually done in the first half of your cycle, usually when bleeding has just finished. It has two parts to it. The first part is your usual pelvic ultrasound. The second part is when one of our doctors uses a speculum (like when you have a pap test) and injects a special dye through the cervix into the uterus and tubes. This will give us information about the inside cavity of the uterus and will also tell us if the tubes are open or not.

You will be given an antibiotic to take before this test. Also, you might want to take Advil or Motrin before you come for the test (not Tylenol) as it may give you some cramps.

If we cannot perform the test, or if results are inconclusive, you may need to go to the hospital and be put to sleep for a 'scope'. 

As we said a simple test that says a lot. The clinic staff will give you a testing kit that includes a container and a sheet of paper for where to to the test and other relevant information.

You cannot just walk into your regular lab to have the test done there. It is usually done in the fertility centre where you may be receiving treatment. Some labs will accept the samples, but by appointment only. 

These are the basic test. When you have had all these test done, you will book to see Dr Hadi for follow up and to plan what happens next. 

As expected, some more tests may be arranged as needed.