Regardless of whether you have decided to be a single mother, whether you are going to be two mothers as a couple, or a mother and a father, you should know that when you go to an assisted reproduction centre there are some tests that they will ask you for before starting your fertility treatment.
Certain tests will be requested based solely on the patient’s or partner’s medical history, as well as the technique to be performed. However, there are a series of basic tests that are advisable to present on the first day. This will allow the specialists to get a better idea ofthe path to follow and speed up some procedures.
For women, these preliminary tests are as follows:
- Gynecological ultrasound. This is an ultrasound test, usually performed vaginally by the gynecologist, which allows the uterus, endometrium and ovaries to be assessed (size, number of antral follicles, etc.).
- Basal hormone analysis. A blood sample taken between the first and third day of the menstrual cycle to assess both ovarian reserve and hormonal changes. Among the most important indicators to study are the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and some thyroid hormones.
- Blood tests to determine blood type, as well as serologies: hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis.
- In some cases, a hysterosalpingogram is also recommended. This is an imaging study performed by a radiologist that introduces a liquid with contrast through the cervix and, through X-rays, allows the uterine cavity and the permeability of the fallopian tubes to be assessed.
In the case of man:
- Semen analysis. It is recommended that this be done at the fertility clinic so that the sample can be evaluated by biologists specialized in assisted reproduction who will pay special attention to the parameters that most affect fertility.
- Blood serology: hepatitis B virus (HBV) and C virus (HCV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and syphilis.
In both men and women, depending on the clinical indications, it is advisable to perform a karyotype study, which is used to check the normality or abnormality of the chromosomes. It will depend on the personal and/or family history, as well as the previous reproductive history (miscarriages, implantation failure, chromosomal alterations in previous pregnancies).
Finally, remember that all the information you can provide will be of great value to the specialists: reports of previously performed reproduction treatments or medical documentation if there is a previous illness, for example.