Fertility Tests & Procedures
Advanced Maternal Age Treatment in Chicago, IL
In order to help you build your family, your Team RMI physician may call upon specific tests to determine how best to assist you.
At your initial consult, your physician will explain what test(s) are needed to help decide the proper course of action. Some tests may be conducted at your initial visit, while others may need to be scheduled at another time. Upon review of your results, your physician will contact you to discuss next steps.
Endrocine Testing
Women with irregular or absent menses also warrant an endocrine evaluation. What is typically drawn: This evaluation includes an assessment of thyroid function (with TSH) and serum prolactin (milk hormone) levels. Other complaints, such as excess hair growth or acne, may also require that the female partner be tested for male hormone levels (testosterone, DHEAS, etc) as well…
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
What to expect: Tubal evaluation can be done in one of two ways: the first involves instillation of X-ray dye into the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes along with imaging using an X Ray machine (HSG), while the second involves instillation of sterile saline (water) into the uterine cavity and tubes along with imaging using an ultrasound machine (SonoHSG). Both techniques allow your provider to assess the shape of the uterine cavity as well as the patency of both fallopian tubes. During the procedure, you may experience mild cramping, which can last from minutes to hours. Your provider may advise that you take pain medications that you may use for menstrual cramps shortly before the procedure and at any time cramping is experienced…
Hysteroscopy
If your Team RMI physician suspects that there may be a uterine factor for infertility, by your clinical history or based on previous imaging, a Hysteroscopy may be recommended. What to expect: A hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive, same-day surgical procedure aimed at not only evaluating the uterine cavity, but also at correcting any abnormality that may have been discovered through other diagnostic testing, such as a sonohysterogram, ultrasound, or hysterosalpingogram. This procedure requires intravenous (IV) anesthesia and is performed in a surgical center….
Laparoscopy
Should your Team RMI physician determine the need for more extensive examination of the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries, a Laparoscopy may be recommended. Laparoscopy is a surgery where a thin camera is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen. Like hysteroscopy, Laparoscopy can be both diagnostic as well as therapeutic in the setting of ovarian cysts, adhesions, fibroids or endometriosis…
Ovarian Reserve Testing
Ovarian reserve tests are used to identify women with decreased ovarian reserve. Women with decreased ovarian reserve are at risk for having a poor response to or success with fertility treatment. Ovarian reserve testing should be considered in any woman who meets the following criteria…
Sonohysterogram (SHG)
Another method of determining the condition of the uterus is through a Saline Sonohysterogram. How the procedure is done: Your provider will then place a sterile speculum into the vagina in order to both visualize and clean the cervix. Local anesthesia may also be applied. A small catheter is then placed into outer most opening of the cervix, and through it sterile saline (water) is instilled through the catheter.
Semen Analysis
Since 40% of all infertility is due to Male Factor, it is crucial to perform a Semen Analysis. What to expect: Male partners are given the option to produce a specimen either at one of Team RMI’s clinic locations, or at home (if they are able to bring the specimen to a clinic location within a short period after production). It is generally recommended that the specimen be produced after 2 to 5 days of abstinence; it is best to stay hydrated and to avoid alcohol consumption prior to providing the specimen…
