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Initial Consultation:
In initial
consultation with the doctor, you will be interviewed regarding your
previous treatment, the results of any test you have had and the options
for further treatment. Both you and your partner will probably be given
a physical examination. In order to protect the unborn child you and
your partner are required to have various screening tests done prior
to commencing treatment.
Preliminary Tests :
- Semen Analysis
- Cervical Smear
- Vaginal Swab for culture
- Cervical Swab for
Chlamydia
- Rubella Screen
- FSH on day 2 or 3
of the menstrual cycle
- Pelvic assessments
scan
- HIV, Hepatitis B &
C (for both partners)
- Full Blood Count and
Group (if relevant)
The male
partner will be asked to produce a semen sample for analysis in our
laboratory, regardless of whether or not its has been done elsewhere.
The reason for this is that different laboratories use different methods
and semen characteristics can change with time.
Confidentiality : All
your treatment at this clinic is strictly confidential; contact with
your GP or any unlicensed third party will only be made with your prior
consent in writing.
- How is the
problem diagnosed ?
- The doctor will give
you and your partner thorough physical exams
to help investigate and find a treatment for infertility.
You may
have to give the doctor more information to help determine why pregnancy
doesn't occur. The doctor will ask both you and your partner questions
during joint and separate interviews.
Some of
the questions usually asked are about previous medical conditions such
as illnesses and infections, use of drugs and alcohol, sexual intercourse
practices, detailed sexual history (including previous pregnancy, miscarriage,
or abortion), genital surgery, circumcision, and normal genital development.
| In
addition to a complete physical and gynecological exam,
the doctor may want to do the following tests: |
| urine
and blood tests to check for infections and a hormone
imbalance |
| tests
on a sample of cervical mucus and a sample of tissue from
the lining of your uterus to determine if ovulation is
occurring |
| a
count of your partner's sperm to see if the cause of infertility
is too few sperm. |
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The doctor
may also instruct you on how to take and chart your body temperature
each morning. There is a natural rise in body temperature after ovulation.
By looking at your temperature chart, the doctor may determine if and
when ovulation is occurring.
| A
doctor may do the following procedures to check if a blockage
in the fallopian tubes or uterus is causing the infertility: |
| a
laparoscopy
(a scope is inserted into your abdomen so the doctor may
view the organs) |
| an
insufflation of the fallopian tubes
(carbon dioxide gas is blown into the tubes to help the
doctor locate a blockage) |
| an
x-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes |
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