Pre-cycle evaluations check the hormone levels and reproductive health of you and your partner before beginning an IVF procedure. Such evaluations allow your infertility specialist to identify and address issues and concerns and improve the chances of a successful pregnancy. These evaluations are a good time to discuss any questions with your specialists. Here are four tests done during a pre-cycle evaluation:
Hormonal Assessments
Your infertility specialist can check the levels of different hormones, including anti-Mullerian hormone, luteinizing hormone, progesterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone. Anti-Mullerian hormone or AMH evaluation involves two tests scheduled a couple of months apart. AML levels help to estimate the remaining egg supply or ovarian reserve.
Follicle-stimulating hormone examinations also evaluate ovarian reserve and function, while luteinizing hormone tests assess ovulation windows. Progesterone levels indicate luteal phase support and ovulatory function, while estradiol checks the health of your ovaries. Infertility doctors can also perform thyroid function tests and prolactin-level evaluations.
Hysterosalpingogram X-ray
A hysterosalpingogram or HSG is required at least a year before you begin your IVF cycle. The test involves injecting a contrast dye through your cervix and taking X-ray images to observe the structure. HSG tests can show blockages and abnormalities in your uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. Uterine abnormalities include structural anomalies, like congenital malformations.
Your doctor can also detect scar tissue, fibroids, tumors, polyps, and fallopian tube blockages. HSG tests are usually taken immediately after your periods before you begin ovulation. This outpatient test takes just a few minutes and involves tracking the contrast dye as it moves through your cavities and tubes. If the dye stops at any point, it may indicate an obstruction or abnormality, warranting further, more comprehensive testing. No sedation or recovery period is necessary.
Hysteroscopy and Sonogram
During a hysteroscopy, your doctor examines the inside of your uterus or womb for abnormalities that might cause a blockage. The procedure uses endoscopy, giving the specialist clear images of the uterine cavity. Infertility doctors also use pelvic sonograms to assess the uterine lining and ovaries and check for fibroids, polyps, and structural issues.
Sonograms are ultrasounds that allow quick visualization of your pelvic organs and structures, including the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and vagina. Doctors also perform an antral follicle count to estimate your egg supply. Some conditions, such as endometriosis, require corrective surgery before you proceed with IVF. Others may involve gestational carrier services.
Partner and Disease Screening
Infertility can stem from male partners as well. A low sperm count might cause them, so specialists usually provide semen analysis services. Semen analysis checks the sperm count, motility, morphology, and volume. Infertility doctors might use computer-assisted semen analysis to provide accurate measurements.
Sperm assessments are usually performed twice to identify the number of strongly moving sperm. Infertility doctors also perform carrier screening for inherited genetic disorders and infectious diseases, such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and more. Screening for partner factors allows the specialist to address underlying issues that can affect the outcome of your cycle. Disease screening also allows them to treat STIs before you start IVF.
Speak to an Infertility Specialist Today
If you or your partner are struggling with fertility, assisted reproductive technologies, like IVF, can help you carry a healthy pregnancy to term. Before you begin a cycle, your doctor schedules all necessary tests and provides preparation instructions. Contact an infertility specialist today to learn more about pre-cycle tests, requirements, and preparations.
Mehar Mozan 
Prime star