We perform a set of essential fertility tests for women who are trying to conceive, as described below. If required after these initial tests, we can perform further investigations which will be personalised to your individual requirements.
Arranging a Fertility Investigation
When you contact us for your first appointment, we can arrange for many of these tests to be performed in advance so that your doctor will have the results and can discuss them with you at your appointment.
Fertility Tests for Women
Ultrasound Scan
A ultrasound of a woman’s pelvis allows the doctor to look for uterine structural, ovarian and major tubal abnormalities. This includes checking for ovarian cysts, polycystic ovaries, uterine fibroids, endometriomas in the ovary, uterine polyps or large swollen tubes (known as a hydrosalpinx).
It is also possible to do an antral follicle count which helps to assess your ovarian reserve, or ovarian egg supply. This gives an indication of future fertility potential.
AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) Blood Test
The AMH blood test helps us to predict the egg reserve left in your ovaries.
It is a very good test to help assess what dose of Follicle Stimulating Hormone is required for ovulation induction-follicle tracking, IVF or ICSI.
Rubella Blood Test
This test detects antibodies made by the immune system that offer protection or immunity against the rubella virus. All women trying to conceive are advise to have up to date rubella immunity.
Please attend your GP to perform the following blood tests:
- Blood tests between Day 2 and 5 of the menstrual cycle:
- FSH, LH
- Thyroid function test
- Serum Prolactin, Serum Testosterone
- Blood tests between Day 21 and 23 of the menstrual cycle (if you have a 28 days cycle):
- Serum Progesterone
- Blood tests (any time of the cycle):
- Serum Rubella
- HIV
- HbSAg
- Hep B core
- Hep C
- VDRL
- An up to date normal Cervical Smear is also required.
- Chlamydia Test
Further Tests & Investigations
Other tests for recurrent miscarriage or recurrent implantation failure:
- Miscarriage screening (If clinically indicated)
- Genetic screening (If clinically indicated)
Depending on the outcome of our initial investigations, additional surgical procedures and radiology assessments may be required. These can include the following.
HyCoSy
HyCoSy is a minimal invasive test which looks for any abnormality within the cavity of the womb or fallopian tubes. A speculum is inserted into the vagina and a small catheter passed across cervix. A special foam is then injected which gives a view of the cavity and tubes.
Laparoscopy & Dye Test, Hysteroscopy Dilatation and Curettage
A laparoscopy and dye test is a test where the tubes are tested with a blue dye under a general anaesthetic. A camera is generally placed through the belly button. The tubes are then tested with a blue dye. Endometriosis can be treated simultaneously and the tubes can be freed up if necessary.
A hysteroscopy is a procedure where a camera is placed through the cervix to visualize the cavity. Uterine polyps can be identified and treated as can intrauterine fibroids and septums.
A hysteroscopy and polypectomy can also be performed while patients are awake in the ambulatory gyny clinic at University College Hospital Galway.
Hysterosalpingogram
Hysterosalpingogram
This is a less invasive test to assess whether the tubes are open. It involves passing a radiopaque dye through the tubes and performing an x-ray. Abnormalities can be diagnosed but not treated with this modality.
