Which tests do I need to have done prior to IVF treatment?

Before starting infertility treatment in Spain, all patients must take tests to identify the cause of infertility, ensure there is no additional health problems which may affect treatment and determine which fertility drugs are needed to stimulate hormone production.

Female Fertility and Health Tests

Pelvic ultrasound – transvaginal ultrasound to evaluate the uterus, tubes, and ovaries.

Sonohysterogram – placement of sterile liquid inside the uterus with evaluation of the uterus and uterine walls via ultrasound.

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) – introduced with contrast dye injected through the cervix into the uterus while observing with moving x-rays.

Diagnostic Hysteroscopy and Laparoscopy –enhance the observation of the abdomen (laparoscopy) and uterus (Hysteroscopy).

Blood work – Check for thrombophilia and antiphospholipid syndrome; and variety of hormones, including LH, FSH, thyroid hormones, androgen hormones, prolactin, estradiol (E2), and progesterone. AMH, or anti-mullerian hormone.

Infectious testing –prevent the transmission of infectious agents to patients and newborns.

Tests Include: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) which is responsible for AIDS, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), HTLV – Human T-Cell Lymphocyte Virus types 1 & 2, Rubella Immunity, Gonorrhea & Chlamydia, Hepatitis B surface antigen, and Hepatitis C.

Male Fertility and Health Tests

Semen analysis –reduces the likelihood that fertilization problems are due to problems with the sperm.

Blood work – check hormone levels, usually of FSH and testosterone, but sometimes also LH, estradiol, or prolactin.

Testicular biopsy –involve removal of testicular tissue via a minor surgical procedure.

Vasography –x-ray that is used to look for obstructions of the male reproductive organs.

Infectious testing – prevent the transmission of infectious agents to patients and newborns.

Tests Include: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) which is responsible for AIDS, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), HTLV – Human T-Cell Lymphocyte Virus types 1 & 2, Rubella Immunity, Gonorrhea & Chlamydia, Hepatitis B surface antigen, and Hepatitis C.

*Additional tests are required when donor sperm is used.