Preparing a woman for IVF is one of the key components of the success of fertility treatment using assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Taking tests and passing a hardware examination allows you to identify and eliminate many factors that impede the conception and bearing of a child. Diagnostic results must be provided by the patient prior to entering the IVF protocol.
Why do you need to be tested?
A comprehensive examination of a woman is a prerequisite for further IVF infertility therapy. The results of analyzes, tests and hardware diagnostics make it possible to determine the degree of preparedness of the female body for conception and successful bearing of a child. When pathologies are identified, treatment is prescribed, the passage of which increases the chances of a successful IVF outcome several times.
All types of examinations that patients undergo before IVF can be divided into two categories:
- Mandatory tests are assigned to all women, without exception, planning to conceive with the help of ART;
- Additional tests are assigned when certain disorders in the functioning of vital organs are detected.
Comprehensive diagnostics is not a whim of a specialist, but a necessity. The results of the examination make it possible to identify pathologies of the reproductive system and establish the cause of infertility. Only then will the doctor be able to develop the most appropriate therapy regimen that will increase the chances of pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby.
Basic examination methods
The success of the IVF procedure is determined by the reasons for the decrease in female fertility and the correctness of the diagnosis. Infertility can be caused by many negative factors, which can only be identified during the examination of the patient. The inability to conceive can be caused by ovarian dysfunction, obstruction of the fallopian tubes, endocrine disorders, chronic inflammation in the genitals, etc.
To identify the causes of infertility in women, the following diagnostic methods are used:
- examination and consultation with a gynecologist-reproductologist;
- laboratory tests of blood, urine, genital smear;
- instrumental examination (hysteroscopy, pipel biopsy);
- consultation of related specialists (mammologist, therapist, endocrinologist, surgeon, immunologist);
- hardware examination (hysterosalpingography, ultrasound of the pelvic organs).
The main purpose of diagnostics is to determine the causes of infertility. When clarifying the diagnosis, the specialist will be able to choose the most effective treatment regimen to achieve pregnancy either naturally or with the help of ART.
Lab tests
It is impossible to determine the cause of the decline in female fertility based on the results of a single analysis. To obtain a holistic picture of the patient's health, the specialist prescribes several types of tests.
Analysis for hormones
The correct functioning of the reproductive system depends on the performance of the gonads and other organs of the endocrine system. In this regard, women are prescribed blood donation to determine the concentration of several types of hormones in the body:
- Sex hormones . Several hormones affect the menstrual cycle and ovulation: progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormones, and luteinizing hormones. The ovarian reserve of the gonads reflects the content of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in the blood. To identify abnormalities in the reproductive system, patients are tested for sex hormones strictly on an empty stomach on different days of the cycle;
- Thymus hormones . Changes in the concentration of thyroid hormone negatively affect the formation of follicles and ovulation. The analysis is recommended to be taken in the morning on an empty stomach;
- Adrenal cortex hormones . Fluctuations in adrenal hormone levels have a negative effect on the production of cervical mucus. In addition, a lack of them can cause delayed ovulation and menstrual irregularities.
Blood test
Before IVF, women undergo two types of blood tests:
- Biochemical - allows you to determine the content of total protein, urea, albumin, potassium, cholesterol, etc. Based on the results of the analysis, the functioning of the patient's internal organs is assessed;
- Clinical - determines the concentration of blood corpuscles and hemoglobin. Based on the results, it is possible to establish the presence of inflammatory reactions in the body.
Analysis for infections
According to statistics, more than 30% of women who visit a reproductive center cannot conceive a child due to the development of genital infections. Inflammation in the reproductive organs leads to obstruction of the fallopian tubes and dysfunction of the ovaries. Other infections can negatively affect the development of the fetus, as well as lead to miscarriage.
An analysis for infectious diseases is carried out during the collection of venous blood (analysis for the presence of antibodies to pathogens) and a smear from the mucous membrane of the genitals (PCR diagnostics).
Coagulogram
This type of examination allows you to assess the rate of blood coagulation, which will further determine the likelihood of internal bleeding and other hemorrhagic complications.
Other examination methods
In addition to taking tests, women undergo instrumental and functional diagnostic examination, which includes the following types of diagnostics:
- fluorography - examination of the lungs in order to detect open or closed forms of tuberculosis;
- ECG - determination of the functional state of the heart according to the indicators of the electric potential of the myocardium;
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs - examination of the gonads, uterus and the inner space of the small pelvis in order to identify adhesions and other pathologies;
- pipel biopsy - sampling of endometrial tissue for further research for the content of atypical cells;
- echohysteroscopy - examination of the uterine cavity in order to identify endometrial polyps, adhesions and other intrauterine pathologies.
After passing all types of examination, the patient is sent with the results obtained to a therapist. The doctor carefully examines the results of hardware and laboratory tests, after which he issues a conclusion on the state of health. And only in the absence of contraindications, the patient is admitted to the IVF protocol.
