Pre-IVF Screening: Essential Tests Before Fertility Treatment

Reviewed By: Dr. P. Grishma, fertility specialist at Ferty9 Fertility Clinic, Kukatpally, Hyderabad

Starting the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) journey can be overwhelming. Before undergoing this advanced fertility treatment, it is crucial to undergo a comprehensive pre-IVF screening process. This screening helps ensure that you and your partner are fully physically and mentally prepared for the challenges ahead. In this blog, we will discuss all the procedures that are typically performed before IVF treatment and why they are so important.

Preparing for IVF involves many steps, and pre-IVF screening is a critical component of this process. These tests help identify potential issues or complications during the treatment, allowing your medical team to develop a personalised plan to address them. By addressing these factors upfront, you can increase the possibilities of a successful IVF outcome and a healthy pregnancy.

Which Different Tests Performed Before IVF Treatment?

Before undergoing IVF, patients typically undergo a series of tests to assess their overall health, fertility status, and potential risks.

Each of these tests plays a crucial role in preparing you for a successful IVF journey, and we will explore them in more detail in the following sections.

A. Ovarian Reserve Testing: Assessing Egg Quality and Quantity:

Ovarian reserve testing is a crucial step in the pre-IVF screening process. This assessment helps determine the quality and quantity of your remaining eggs, which is a significant factor in the success of IVF. Common tests used to evaluate ovarian reserve include:

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) test
Antral Follicle Count (AFC) via ultrasound

These tests provide valuable information about your fertility potential and can help your medical team tailor your IVF treatment plan accordingly.

Also Read: Tips for Improving Egg Quality in Female Infertility Treatment

B. Blood Group and Blood Sugar Levels Before IVF:

Your blood group and blood sugar levels are essential to consider before IVF. Knowing your blood group can help identify potential complications, such as Rh incompatibility, which are manageable with appropriate medical interventions. Additionally, maintaining healthy blood glucose levels is essential, as uncontrolled diabetes can negatively impact fertility and the success of IVF.

As part of your pre-IVF screening, your doctor will ask you to have a test to determine your blood group and blood sugar levels. If your doctor notices any issues, they will work with you to develop a plan to address them before progressing with IVF treatment.

Also Read: How to Reduce SGPT and SGOT Levels?

C. Tubal Patency Test: Evaluating Fallopian Tube Health:

The health of your fallopian tubes is another critical consideration before IVF. A tubal patency test, such as a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), can help determine if your fallopian tubes are open and functioning correctly. If your doctor identifies any issues, they may recommend additional treatments or procedures to address them before moving forward with IVF.

Related Read: Symptoms of Blocked Fallopian Tubes

D. Infectious Disease Screening: Ensuring Maternal and Foetal Health:

To protect the health of both you and your future child, your medical team will perform a comprehensive infectious disease screening before IVF. These may include tests for:

HIV
Hepatitis B and C
Syphilis

Identifying and addressing any infectious diseases is crucial to minimise the risk of transmission to your partner or the developing foetus during the IVF process and subsequent pregnancy.

E. Semen Analysis: Assessing Male Fertility Potential:

Pre-IVF screening not only evaluates the female partner's fertility but also assesses the male partner's fertility potential. A semen analysis can determine several factors, such as sperm count, motility, and morphology. This information can help identify any male-factor infertility issues and guide the appropriate treatment approach, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) during the IVF process.

F. Hormonal Testing:

Your medical team will also perform numerous hormonal tests to assess your reproductive health. These may include:

Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Luteinising Hormone (LH)
Estradiol (E2)
Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Prolactin

The results can help identify any hormonal imbalances that may impact fertility and guide your IVF treatment plan.

G. Uterine Evaluation:

A pelvic ultrasound is a crucial part of the pre-IVF screening process. This non-invasive procedure allows your medical team to visualise the uterus using a 3D scan, helping to diagnose any issues, such as fibroids, polyps, or endometriosis, that may affect your fertility or the IVF process. If any abnormalities are seen, doctors may advise a hysteroscopy to correct them.

H. Genetic Testing:

Sometimes, your medical team may recommend genetic testing as part of the pre-IVF screening process. It can include:

Karyotype analysis

Carrier screening for genetic disorders
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

These tests can help identify any genetic factors that may impact the success of IVF or the health of your future child, allowing your medical team to develop a personalised treatment plan.

Types of Fertility Tests Offered at Ferty9

At Ferty9, we understand the importance of comprehensive pre-IVF screening. Our team of experienced fertility professionals offers a wide range of fertility tests to ensure that you are fully prepared for your IVF journey. These tests may include:

Blood group and blood sugar level testing
Ovarian reserve assessment (AMH, FSH, AFC)
Tubal patency evaluation (HSG or laparoscopy)
Infectious disease screening (HIV, Hepatitis, Syphilis, etc.)
Semen analysis
Hormonal testing (FSH, LH, E2, TSH, Prolactin)
Pelvic ultrasound
Genetic testing (carrier screening, PGT, Karyotype)

Our team will work closely with you to develop a comprehensive pre-IVF screening plan that addresses your unique needs and concerns. By addressing any potential issues or complications upfront, we can help increase your chances of a successful IVF outcome and a healthy pregnancy.

If you are considering IVF, schedule a consultation with the fertility experts at Ferty9 to learn more about our comprehensive pre-IVF screening process. Our team is dedicated to providing customised, compassionate care to help you achieve your dream of having a child. Contact us today to take the first step on your journey.

Conclusion

Pre-IVF screening is an essential step in the fertility treatment process, as it helps identify and address any potential issues or complications before embarking on IVF. By undergoing a comprehensive set of tests, you and your doctor can develop a personalised treatment plan that maximises your chances of success. Remember, the pre-IVF screening process is designed to support you every step of the way, ensuring you are physically and emotionally ready for the challenges and joys of IVF.

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Pre-IVF Screening: Essential Tests Before Fertility Treatment

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