Once it is established that IVF treatment represents your best course of action Dr Lolatgis looks to ensure that it also offers a truly viable path to follow.
This involves conducting the preliminary tests needed to properly assess each couples suitability; and shed light on what measures will be most productive in truly maximising their chances of success.
These vitally important tests may include some or all of the following:
A blood test to measure Oestrogen, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Antimullerian Hormone (AMH) and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels in the first week of your cycle to ensure that these are normal.
A blood test on Day 21 of your cycle to measure progesterone +/- prolactin. This test is undertaken to ensure there is an adequate uterine lining (endometrium) to support a pregnancy.
A pelvic ultrasound -
To determine if there are any physical changes, such as fibroids or polyps, that may affect your cycle; and also check for the presence of ovarian cysts.
To assess the ease of ‘access’ to your ovaries, as your eggs will be collected using an ultrasound-guided method.
To provide a ‘baseline’ report that can be used as a reference during your treatment cycle.
To measure the size of your ovaries and count the number of small follicles present in your ovaries.
A urine test for Chlamydia/Gonorrhea
Routine pre-treatment blood tests include the following;
Rubella All female patients are tested for Rubella (German Measles) immunity. If there is no natural immunity to Rubella, then vaccination must be undertaken before commencing treatment. This eliminates the potential danger of the effects of Rubella with early pregnancy
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Whilst the risk of exposure to the AIDS virus is very low, there are two key reasons for performing this test. The first, is the risk of a pregnancy to a female who is infected with the virus. Pregnancy increases the death rate dramatically in an HIV positive woman. The second, is the risk of transmitting the HIV virus to a child during childbirth.
HTLV 1 & 2 (Human T Lymphotropic virus 1 & 2)
Hepatitis B and C Hepatitis has similar risks to HIV but is more infectious than HIV. Both partners should be tested.
Varicella All female patients are tested for Varicella (Chicken Pox) immunity. If there is no natural immunity to Varicella, then vaccination must be undertaken before commencing treatment. This eliminates the potential danger of the effects of Varicella with early pregnancy.
A Semen Analysis to assess the following:
Motility: The sperm’s swimming ability.
Morphology: The shape of the sperm.
Count: The number of individual sperm.
Vitality: The capacity of the sperm to live and endure.
IBT (anti-sperm antibodies). These antibodies can attach to the sperm’s tail and may impede the sperm’s ability to travel through the cervical mucus.
Pre-treatment blood tests:
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
HTLV 1 & 2 (Human T Lymphotropic virus 1 & 2)
Hepatitis B and C
