Female

A woman’s menstrual cycle provides us with valuable information, as except for in rare cases, regular 28 or 30 day menstruation indicates that a woman ovulates. But other factors are also relevant when diagnosing infertility, and we use further tests to investigate these.

Hormonal analysis

To evaluate the function of the two stages of the menstrual cycle we carry out specific tests.

In the first stage of the cycle, on the 3rd day of your period, we investigate the following hormones: FSH, LH and estradiol. We check for alterations in these hormones, which are important to follicle development, to determine if the ovaries are functioning normally. This also predicts their reaction to treatment, and may recommend further hormonal investigation.
In the second stage of the cycle, on the 21st day, we monitor levels of progesterone, the hormone responsible for maintaining optimum conditions for pregnancy.

The tubes and uterus

The uterus and the fallopian tubes are necessary for the reproductive process to end in pregnancy. The egg and sperm are joined in the fallopian tubes, and the tubes must be functioning properly for the fertilisation to take place and so that the fertilised egg can pass into the uterus where it can be implanted. The female reproductive system can be assessed using several diagnostic tests.

Vaginal ecography

This is the most simple and non-invasive test to carry out, and it will be the first, as it can give us a great deal of information. We use it to evaluate the female reproductive system, and if the ecography shows any abnormalities in the endometrial cavity, they can be further examined with other tests such as a hysterosonography or a hysteroscopy.

Hysterosonography

This is similar to an ecography, and consists of an ecography with the introduction of physiological saline into the uterine cavity. This relaxes the uterus and allows us to see the presence of any polyps or myomas. The results may then require a hysteroscopy.

Hysteroscopy

This is the direct visual examination of the uterine cavity using a small optical lens introduced into the neck of the uterus. The advantage of a hysteroscopy is that we can resolve the cause of the problem immediately. This means that any small polyps, myomas or septum that may impede the implantation of the embryo in the endometrium can be removed.

Hysterosalpinography (HSG)

This technique consists of taking a series of radiographies of the uterus and fallopian tubes using a contrast material introduced into the neck of the uterus. This will verify the condition of the fallopian tubes and the uterine cavity. Any irregularity that shows up may suggest the presence of myomas, polyps, septum, etc.

Laparoscopy

This is a visual examination of the female reproductive system carried out through the abdomen using an optical lens (endoscope). This is a surgical technique, which, like a hysteroscopy, allows us to make an immediate diagnosis and also carry out any necessary surgical procedure. This may be removing ovarian cysts or myomas, or freeing any adhesions that could impede fertility.