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Pretty soon, there will
be an individual page for each test, with a great deal more
information.
Her:
FSH/Throid panel + TSH -
Blood is drawn on the third day after her menstrual cycle begins to
evaluate hormone levels and thyroid activity.
Day 21 Progesterone -
Blood is drawn on day 21 of her cycle, or seven days past ovulation to
check progesterone level. A level less then 10 means ovulation did not
occur, or that there may be a luteal phase defect. This test may be
repeated several times, as hormone levels can fluctuate from cycle to
cycle.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) - This is done shortly after the
end of her menstrual period. The cervix is dilated, and special x-ray dye
is injected into the uterus. Then an x-ray is taken of the abdomen. This
test is used to determine if the fallopian tubes are blocked. If the dye
stops in the tubes, they are blocked, if the dye continues into the
abdominal cavity, they are clear. Also allows the shape if the uterus to
be examined. Most women find that either the HSG or the EMB to be very
painful, but rarely both.
Endometrial Biopsy (EMB) - The cervix is dilated
and a thin probe with a pointed tip is inserted. The doctor jabs
at the wall of the uterus to gain a tissue sample. She will need to wear a
pad home to catch post-test spotting. This is usually done 2-3 before the
next expected period, or 11-12 days past ovulation. Like the Day 21
Progesterone Test, it is done to determine if there is a luteal phase
defect, but is considered more accurate. (see HSG for pain
information)
Postcoital Test (PCT) - On the day of her LH surge (+
ovulation predictor test), she and her partner engage in sexual activity,
and then within 2-12 hours go to the clinic, and the doctor takes a tiny
sample of her cervical mucus. This is to see if her cervical mucus is
sperm-friendly, i.e., there are no antisperm antibodies, and the the
cervical mucus has the correct pH.
Hysteroscopy - This may be done
at different times of the cycle, depending on what the doctor is looking
for. Commonly done at the same time as the EMB. The cervix is dilated,
and a thin fiber-optic tube with a light at the end is inserted. Usually
the uterus is expanded with gas, or clear liquid. If the doctor finds any
abnormalities, s/he is often able to fix them right then. Most doctors
admit that this is very painful.
Laparoscopy (Lap) - This may be
done at different times of the cycle, depending on what the doctor is
looking for. Performed under anesthesia, a small incision is made and a
thin fiber-optic tube is inserted. This allows the doctor to see all the
parts of the reproductive system. Usually done to detect endometriosis, if
endo is found, then it may be removed at this time or with a later lap.
Any surgery is painful, and the degree depends on what is done while the
lap tube is inside.
Him:
Semen Analysis (SA) - He puts his
semen in a cup (usually through masturbation) and gets it to the lab
within two hours. It is then analyzed for number of sperm, motility,
morphology (shape), and volume. What levels are "good" is a highly
controversial subject. This should be done when his partner is not
fertile, because he may have to abstain from sexual intercourse for days.
If it hurts, he's doing something wrong.
Blood Hormone test - Test
for abnormal amounts of LH, FSH, and testosterone. Only done when semen analysis
is poor.
Male Chlamydia Test (MCT) - He must insert a
sterile cotton swap into the opening at the tip of the penis. The swab is
the sent to a lab for culturing and analysis. MCT causes irritation of the
penis. Unfortunately, when the MCT is done at the same time that the SA
specimen must be produced, the MCT must be done first making it more
stressful to produce a specimen for the SA.
Testicular Biopsy -
Should only be performed if SA or hormone levels make his doctor suspect
there is a structural problem. The doctor makes a small incision in the
scrotum, takes a tissue sample from a testicle, and sews it back up. This
is surgery in a very sensitive area, but probably wont hurt as much as he
thinks it will.
Vasography - Similar to her HSG. The Doctor inserts
a special x-ray dye into a sperm duct. An x-ray picture is taken to see if
there are any blockages. Only done when there are little (oligosperma) or
no (azoosperma) present in the semen, and there is reason to suspect
blockage. Uncomfortable and will be sore where the needle is
injected. |
