Hormonal Study
Hormone testing, crucial for assessing fertility, identifies imbalances that may hinder conception. These tests gauge hormone levels critical for various stages of pregnancy, from egg development to implantation. Hormonal studies track hormone production throughout your menstrual cycle, ensuring optimal levels for natural conception. Typically scheduled for days 2, 3, or 4 of the cycle, timing is crucial as hormone levels fluctuate. While food generally doesn’t impact results, fasting may be required for certain tests like prolactin blood tests. Consulting your healthcare team ensures proper preparation and accurate assessment of ovarian reserve through hormone testing.
We will test the following hormones:
Testing Hormones Indicate Ovarian Reserve
E2 (Estrogen) FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)
Testing Hormones that Control Ovulation and Fertilized Egg Implantation
LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Progesterone
Testing Additional Hormones that Can Interfere with Ovulation
Androgens
Prolactin
Thyroid
Testing Hormones Indicate Ovarian Reserve
We will test the following hormones:
E2 (estrogen): stimulates the growth of the follicles and the production of fertile mucus from the cervix; also prepares the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg
FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone): stimulates the development of the egg
AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone): secreted by the small antral follicles found in the ovaries at the start of the cycle indicates the size of the ovarian reserve
Testing Hormones that Control Ovulation and Fertilized Egg Implantation
We will test the following hormones:
LH (luteinizing hormone): stimulates the release of the egg from the follicles (ovulation)
Progesterone: stabilizes the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg and supports early pregnancy
Testing Additional Hormones that Can Interfere with Ovulation
We will test the following hormones:
Androgens: small amounts of androgens—testosterone and DHEAS (dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate)—are normally produced in women. Excess production may interfere with development of the follicles, ovulation, and cervical mucus production.
Prolactin: stimulates milk production; blood levels may be higher than normal with certain disorders or if you are taking certain medications
Thyroid: an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can result in high prolactin levels
Fertility Services
Uterine Factors
Uterine abnormalities like fibroids or scarring can hinder fertility. Fibroids distort the endometrial cavity, hindering implantation, while scarring, like in Asherman syndrome, obstructs the uterus. Some abnormalities, like mullerian anomalies, occur before birth, affecting uterine and fallopian tube formation. Diagnostic tests include saline infused sonohysterography (SIS), hysterosalpingogram, and hysteroscopy to assess the uterus and fallopian tubes. Treatment often involves hysteroscopy to remove scar tissue or fibrous bands. These procedures provide crucial insights into uterine health, aiding in fertility evaluation and treatment.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, utilizes a laparoscope inserted through small incisions to visually examine pelvic reproductive organs. It’s typically performed under anesthesia, allowing for a thorough assessment of infertility causes like uterine abnormalities, blocked fallopian tubes, scar tissue, or endometriosis. Operative laparoscopy may involve corrective measures like removal of fibroids or endometrial tissue. The procedure aids in diagnosing and treating infertility, particularly in cases of unexplained infertility or pelvic pain. Biopsy of growths and cysts can also be conducted, providing valuable insights for fertility management. Laparoscopy offers minimal scarring and is pivotal in infertility diagnosis and treatment.
Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy, utilized for diagnosing and treating various conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding, recurrent pregnancy loss, and postmenopausal bleeding, offers special treatments for fertility enhancement and correcting uterine septum. It aids in unblocking tubes for infertility patients and performing TCRE for heavy bleeding, avoiding hysterectomy. With a success rate of 60-70%, it’s a day care procedure allowing swift recovery, minimal postoperative rest, and quick return to work. However, it necessitates close monitoring and follow-up visits to ensure optimal outcomes.
Hystero Salpingography
Hystero-Salpingography (HSG) involves injecting dye into a woman’s reproductive tract for x-ray imaging of the uterus and fallopian tubes. Conducted on an examination table, a speculum and catheter are used to insert the dye, causing discomfort. X-rays monitor the dye’s flow, detecting blockages or abnormalities. The procedure, lasting 15-30 minutes, offers immediate x-ray results, but final interpretation may take days. Interestingly, HSG can sometimes clear minor tube blockages. Further infertility treatments should be discussed with the doctor post-procedure.
Semen Analysis
Semen analysis assesses sperm quality, count, motility, and morphology, crucial for evaluating fertility and sperm health. It requires fresh semen and may need repeating for accuracy due to daily variations. It’s essential for assessing male infertility or confirming vasectomy success. Before testing, abstain from sex, alcohol, drugs, and supplements for 2-5 days. Samples are collected in a clinic-recommended manner and delivered within an hour. Results, compared to WHO standards, analyze sperm morphology, motility, count, volume, pH, liquefaction, and appearance. Abnormalities prompt early treatment. Normal values ensure optimal fertility potential and sperm viability.
IUI
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a safe, quick fertility procedure often chosen first by individuals or couples aiming for pregnancy. It relies on sperm’s natural ability to fertilize an egg in the fallopian tube. However, its effectiveness may decrease if the male has abnormal semen. Typically resembling a Pap smear, the IUI procedure involves inserting specially prepared sperm into the uterus through a small catheter, timed around a woman’s ovulation for optimal chances of conception. IUI is suitable for various fertility issues, including unexplained infertility, ovulation problems, and mild male factor infertility, often combined with fertility medications to enhance conception rates.
PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excess male hormone levels, and difficulty conceiving. PCOS often leads to excessive hair growth and can increase the risk of long-term health issues like diabetes and heart disease. Obesity is prevalent in over 80% of women with PCOS, exacerbating hormonal imbalances and infertility. Additionally, around 70% of PCOS patients develop insulin resistance, increasing the likelihood of type 2 diabetes. Blocked fallopian tubes, commonly caused by various factors including infections and scarring, are a leading cause of female infertility.
Tubal Block
Approximately 35% of female infertility cases stem from blocked or damaged fallopian tubes. Over the past year, we’ve diagnosed 114 cases of tubal blocks at Srushti. Fortunately, this condition is treatable with a high success rate. Diagnosis involves laparoscopic examination or Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) dye testing. For primary infertility cases, diagnostic laparoscopy assesses the reproductive system for tube blocks, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and fibroids between Day 6 and Day 10 of the menstrual cycle. Treatment typically involves Tuboplasty, a surgical procedure tailored to restore fallopian tube function, such as Tubal recanalization, performed with meticulous precision either via open abdominal surgery or laparoscopy.