The number of tests before an IVF cycle may seem too many, however they are important to help your doctor plan and perform the cycle.
Routine tests include:
- Ovarian reserve testing. Blood tests are done to determine the quantity and quality of your eggs. Results read in conjunction with the ultrasound report helps your doctor plan the cycle and predict the response to stimulation.
- Semen analysis. This test helps to ascertain the quality of sperms by measuring their number, shape and motility. Further treatment can be advised accordingly.
- Infectious disease screening. Both you and your partner will be screened for infections, including HIV and Hepatitis.
- Mock embryo transfer. This procedure helps your doctor determine the path to take while depositing the embryos into the uterine cavity. Any surprise difficulties at the time of this most delicate step can thus be avoided.
- Hysteroscopy is a telescopic examination of the cavity of the womb. This procedure helps your doctor to determine the shape and volume of the uterine cavity as well as the health of the lining of the cavity of the womb.
Author: Dr. Rajalaxmi Walavalkar, Consultant, IVF and Reproductive Surgery, Cocoon Fertility
