Medical examinations are necessary before treatment, to obtain a correct diagnosis
Before initiating assisted reproductive treatment, a complete medical examination should be made to enable the doctor to correctly assess the situation and decide on the most appropriate technique.
The tests to be carried out will be conducted based on the woman’s age and the assisted reproductive treatment that is to be used. The tests normally conducted on all patients include a complete blood test (which helps determine the woman’s general state of health) and a gynaecological examination which consists of a cervical screening test and a transvaginal ultrasound scan.
In most cases, a baseline hormone study is also carried out. This procedure consists of a blood test to determine the woman’s capacity to product eggs. It is not conducted in cases in which it is already known that egg-donation will be necessary.
Specific tests
In the event of performing artificial insemination – if the woman has never been pregnant- a hysterosalpingography will be performed. This is a simple test to check that the Fallopian tubes are not blocked and that there is no obstacle that prevents the sperm from reaching the egg.
In women aged over 45 additional tests are conducted, such as a mammography, an electrocardiogram or a glycaemia test. These tests should be accompanied by a medical report indicating that the woman’s state of health allows her to become pregnant.
In the case of having a male partner, the partner and the woman must undergo the tests simultaneously to obtain a complete analysis. In this way, all the tests carried out on the woman should be completed by tests on her partner with the most important test being a semen study, in order to make the best diagnosis.
Furnishing as much information as possible
During the first visit all the information that the patient can give the doctor will be extremely useful. For instance, it will be helpful to provide reports on Assisted Reproductive treatment performed previously.
If the patient suffers from a disease, she should provide the medical reports of her specialist, in order to decide whether there is any issue that should be considered in relation to assisted reproductive treatment or pregnancy.
Lastly, it is important to remember that a personal study will be made of each case. If the doctor considers it necessary, further tests may be conducted, such as a hysteroscopy or a karyotype test (an examination of the chromosomes through an analysis).
All the medical tests performed prior to treatment can be conducted in the patient’s place of residence. However, if she prefers, they can be conducted at Eugin Clinic during the first visit, thus making it easier to initiate the treatment.
For more information about medical tests prior to Assisted Reproductive treatment, consult our FAQs section.
