Common Tests

Rubella Titre and Vaccine

Rubella (German Measles or 3-day Measles) is a communicable virus, which typically causes low-grade fever, upper respiratory symptoms and a diffuse red rash. In childhood, this infection is usually mild. However, if contracted during pregnancy, this disease may have severe effects on the developing fetus, including blindness, heart defects, hearing defects, musculoskeletal defects, and mental retardation. If you have not been tested for rubella immunity, we advise that this be done. If there is no immunity, we recommend that you be vaccinated for rubella and then wait one month before trying to conceive.

back to top

HSC 1644 -- HIV I & II, HTLV I & II, Hepatitis B (HBSAG), Hepatitis C, Syphilis Screen (RPR)

These are infectious diseases that can be potentially transmitted to others through blood, bodily fluids or childbirth. A simple blood test is available, which allows the individual to be screened for the presence of any of these viruses. In order to do an insemination (IUI) or IVF, State law (HSC 1644) requires the male to have these tests done. Negative, written results are necessary before we can proceed.

back to top

Blood Type, Rh and Antibody Screen

We need to know your blood type and Rh status. If you have this information, please provide documentation to be included in your chart. Otherwise, we ask that a blood type, Rh, and Antibody Screen be performed.

back to top

Complete Blood Count and Metabolic Chemistry Screening

This is a comprehensive baseline screening to detect any underlying health conditions, e.g. anemia, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, etc. This test is performed after fasting (no eating or drinking) for 12 hours.

back to top

Thyroid Testing

The thyroid gland controls metabolism. The purpose of this blood test is to detect any thyroid dysfunction that may affect the menstrual cycle and/or your response to fertility treatment. Thyroid dysfunction may also affect pregnancy.

back to top

Follicle Stimulating Hormone Test / Estradiol (E2) / Prolactin

Taken on day 3 of the woman's cycle, these tests will rule out any hormonal inbalance(s) that can affect the menstrual cycle or may indicate a possible poor response to treatment.

back to top

Chlamydia Antibody Blood Test (ACAb)

Chlamydia is an organism which can cause infection in the male or female genital tract. Different strains of Chlamydia can also cause infection of the eye or lung. When a person has a Chlamydia infection, the body reacts by making antibodies to fight off the infection. These antibodies can remain in a person’s blood even after the infection has passed. We test both partners for ACAb who are going through intrauterine inseminations (IUI) or Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer (GIFT). A positive test indicates Chlamydia infection some time in a person’s life. If either partner tests positive for Chlamydia, both will be treated with antibiotics to ensure that the infection has been adequately treated.

back to top

Chlamydia/Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma Cultures

Chlamydia and Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma are organisms, which can cause infection in the male or female genital tract. Chlamydia can cause tubal damage. Myco/Ureaplasma has been associated with infertility as well as habitual abortion. For females, these cultures are obtained from the cervix during a pelvic exam. For males, these cultures are obtained by the male by inserting a small cotton swab into the urethral opening of the penis. If either partner tests positive, both will be treated with antibiotics to ensure that the infection has been adequately treated.

back to top

Semen Analysis

The semen analysis is the primary evaluation of the male partner. Parameters to be evaluated are volume, number of sperm present, viscosity (thickness), motility (movement) and morphology (shape). This will help determine the best method of treatment to obtain a pregnancy.

back to top

Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charts

BBT charts are a simple method to determine if a woman is ovulating. Hormonal changes, which occur during a woman’s cycle, have an effect on her body’s temperature. You will receive instructions regarding BBT charts at the beginning of treatment.

back to top

Urine Luteinizing Hormone Test

Luteinizing hormone peaks (or surges) in a woman’s urine approximately 18 to 36 hours prior to ovulation. This test will help predict when ovulation will occur.

back to top

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

The HSG is an X-ray procedure which will demonstrate if the uterine cavity appears normal and will show if the fallopian tubes are open. Iodine dye is injected into the uterus through the cervical canal. HSGs are performed after menstrual bleeding has ended but before cycle day 12. This procedure can produce uterine cramping but medication will reduce the discomfort.

back to top

Sonohysterography (SHG)

The SHG is an ultrasound procedure performed in the office which will demonstrate if the uterine cavity appears normal for implantation. Saline is injected into the uterus through the cervical canal under ultrasound guidance. SHGs are performed after menstrual bleeding has ended but prior to cycle day 12. This procedure is associated with almost no discomfort.

back to top

Endometrial Biopsy

This procedure is performed by extracting of a small piece of tissue from the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for microscopic evaluation. The results indicate whether or not the endometrium is at the appropriate stage for successful implantation.

back to top

Lifestyle Recommendations

It is important to be aware of all possible factors that may cause pregnancy or fetal complications. Nevertheless, common sense avoidance of known toxins and a healthy lifestyle represent a reasonable approach while attempting pregnancy and during pregnancy.

Smoking

Smoking has been proven to be a powerful vasoconstrictor, which can impair blood flow through the placenta to the fetus. This frequently results in low birth weight infants. Smoking also affects the cervical mucus in the female and reduces sperm count and motility in the male, which may contribute to infertility. We advise that both partners discontinue smoking prior to attempting pregnancy.

back to top

Alcohol / Drugs

Mental retardation and cranial/facial deformities characterize Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. It has been known to occur in infants where mothers drank moderately or lightly during their pregnancies. For this reason, we advise abstaining from alcohol use during pregnancy and while you are trying to conceive. Evidence also suggests that men who consume alcohol may have reduced sperm count.

back to top

Environmental Exposure

Living and working in a complex urban society may present certain risks of exposure to toxic substances. Research into the reproductive effects of exposure to pesticides, insecticides, radioactive materials and industrial solvents is just now being conducted. We recommend that both partners minimize their risk to these exposures.

It is very unlikely video display terminals (VDT) affect pregnancy in any way. It is probably reasonable to limit VDT exposure where possible.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasite infection transmitted through cat feces. Toxoplasmosis can also be caught by eating raw meat. Extra care should be taken by washing hand utensils and cutting boards after handling raw meat. The female partner should avoid changing the litter box.

back to top

Diet and Vitamin Supplementation

A healthy and balanced diet comprised of fresh foods, which are not processed or overcooked, is one of the best things you can do for yourself and future offspring. Children who start life well nourished have a distinct advantage in their intellectual capacity and ability to fight disease.

A multi-vitamin containing folic acid (0.4 – 0.8 mg / day) is a good adjunct to dietary nutrition. Vitamin use should be started prior to attempting pregnancy. Clinical research suggests that folic acid taken before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of birth defects like spina bifida, neural tube defects and cleft lip.

back to top

Caffeine

Some medical studies imply that caffeine use in the preconception period may interfere with conception or may possibly increase the rate of miscarriage. We advise reducing caffeine consumption to a minimum while you are attempting pregnancy and during pregnancy.

back to top

Herbal Remedies

Because the effect of many of these remedies is unknown, we suggest they not be used without consulting with your physician.

back to top

Exercise and Weight Management

For maximum fertility, we recommend that you stay close to your ideal weight. If you are greatly overweight or underweight, you can develop ovulation problems. Exercising regularly and staying fit will help control your weight and will prepare your body for pregnancy.