What tests are done before starting IVF?

What are the various IVF tests performed before undergoing IVF? 

Specific Tests Included in Pre-IVF Testing:

• Physical Exam: A general health check to identify any physical issues affecting fertility.
• Blood Tests: Include a complete blood count, hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone), thyroid function tests, and vitamin D levels.
• Blood Type: Determines the blood group of both partners.
• Genetic Tests: Screens for hereditary conditions that could affect fertility or the baby’s health.
• Infectious Disease Status: Tests for diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and other sexually transmitted infections.

Broad Categories of Pre-IVF Testing:

1. Ovarian Reserve Testing: Determines the quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) measurement, which indicates the remaining number of eggs, is part of this process.
2. Semen Analysis: Assesses the quality and quantity of sperm.
3. Hysterosalpingography (HSG): Checks for blockages or abnormalities in the fallopian tubes and uterus.
4. Infectious Disease Screening: Ensures the pregnancy has no risk of transmitting infections to the embryo or affecting the pregnancy. The test includes Hepatitis B Core Antibody (HBcAb/Anti-HBc).
5. Genetic Testing: The process identifies any genetic abnormalities in the parents that could potentially affect their offspring.
6. Mock Embryo Transfer: Determines the best approach for transferring embryos.
7. Psychological Evaluation: Helps cope with IVF treatment’s stress and emotions.

Read more: Ultimate IVF Prep Checklist: 10 Essential Medical Tests to Ensure Success

As you can see, numerous tests are required, but you need to remember one thing: Pre-IVF testing is not just a series of medical procedures; it’s a journey that couples embark on with the hope of fulfilling their dream of parenthood.

Each test, from the initial blood work to the psychological evaluation, is a step toward that dream. They are not mere formalities but critical milestones that pave the way for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Tests Before Starting IVF (complete overview)

Before IVF, it is important to remember to do different tests on the male and female parts. This makes sure that any possible fertility problems can be found and properly treated for each partner, which raises the chances of a successful result. Let’s see in details: 

Read more: Do IVF babies look like mom or dad? How do genetics work in IVF?

Female Partner Testing:

• Ovarian Reserve Assessment

A crucial part of the test is checking your ovarian reserve, specifically the number of healthy eggs you still have. Tests on the patient’s blood will be necessary to measure hormones such as FSH, AMH, and estradiol. FSH controls follicle growth, AMH measures how many follicles are growing, and eggs produce estradiol. Your age plays a huge role here because, let’s face it, the older we get, the fewer and lower-quality eggs we have left.

• Uterine Evaluation:

For the pregnancy to go smoothly and for the embryo to implant, it is necessary to have a healthy uterus. To look inside things, doctors use unique tests like hysteroscopy, which uses a small camera to peer directly into the uterus; SIS, which uses ultrasonography with a saline solution to obtain a clear image of the uterus; and HSG, which uses X-rays to examine the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. These tests can identify fibroids or polyps if they indicate problems with implantation or pregnancy.

• Bloodwork

Additionally, you should undergo several fundamental blood tests, such as determining your blood type, screening for infectious infections, and monitoring your blood sugar levels. So what’s the deal? They will check to see if your blood type is compatible with the baby’s, monitor you for complications like diabetes, and make sure you don’t have any infections that might affect the baby.

The most important thing is to know how each test affects your reproductive journey and what it is for. The more you understand, the better judgments you can make, so don’t be shy about asking your doctor to explain it to you. Because everyone’s circumstances vary, you must understand how these findings apply to your unique situation.

Male Partner Testing: 

When a couple is having trouble conceiving, a sperm analysis is a vital test to determine the state of the man’s sperm. It assesses some critical factors that are essential for fertilization:

• Sperm Count: Sperm Count is a test to determine the number of sperm in the ejaculate. Fertilization success rates are proportional to the count.
• Motility: The motility of sperm refers to their mobility. For sperm to fertilize an egg, they must be able to navigate the female reproductive system.
• Morphology: This section analyzes sperm morphology. Sperm with normal morphology are more likely to fertilize an egg.

A person’s way of life can have a noticeable effect on the health of their sperm. Food, physical activity, stress, and toxic exposure can influence sperm quantity, motility, and shape. For example, sperm motility and morphology can be negatively affected by smoking and heavy alcohol use, and obesity is associated with a reduced sperm count and quality456. Improving a man’s reproductive potential is as simple as leading a healthy lifestyle.

Read more: Best Guide to PGT Testing : How PGT Can Help You Have a Healthy Baby?

A few additional points to consider:

Aside from all the tests listed above, several other factors (additional consideration) can affect the chances of a successful pregnancy with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Give us a rundown on this:

• Mental Health Screening (Optional)

The emotional toll of in vitro fertilization (IVF)treatments in Iran can be overwhelming; therefore, doing mental health screenings before beginning the procedure is helpful. The complicated range of emotions that could emerge at this time can be dealt with more effectively with the support, guidance, and coping mechanisms that counseling can offer.

• Blood Type Compatibility

Blood type usually doesn’t affect a person’s ability to have children. But if a mother’s blood type is Rh-negative and the baby’s blood type is Rh-positive, it can sometimes cause problems. This is called Rh illness, and there are treatments that can help prevent it.

• Donor Screening (if applicable)

Extensive screening must occur before utilizing donated eggs or sperm. Examining the mother’s health and her family’s medical history is part of this process, as is genetic testing to identify any anomalies or diseases that may run in the family. Prevention of genetic or infectious illness transmission to the receiver and the baby is imperative.

Read more: Personalized Fertility Care: The Future of IVF Medical Tourism

Final thought: 

Let us explain again why pre-IVF testing is essential (what is the point of repeating?), not to mention how important it is for your family to know about testing.

• Success Rates Go Up: Annual pregnancy rates increase by an overwhelming margin if women get adequately tested before they plan to conceive. People should especially use their eggs to do it.
• Problems Can Be Spotted Early: Identifying reproductive challenges as quickly as possible helps a scientist decide on treatment strategies, and the work can be done faster than if a person is confused about something.

When you are put at a lower risk for yourself and the baby when you undertake prenatal tests, the tests may correctly diagnose and treat problems.

• Informed Decisions: Using collected data from pre-treatment, you can make sound conclusions about your reproductive capabilities and how Invitro-Fertilization processes should have proceeded.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing you’ve taken all the necessary steps to optimize your chances of success can provide significant peace of mind during this emotional journey. 

Free consultations with IranHealhAgency

Are you ready to take the first step?  

Schedule a consultation with your fertility specialist today to discuss pre-IVF testing and explore the possibilities of achieving your dream of a family.

Sources: 

• https://www.healthline.com/health/sperm-morphology
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/fertility/art-20047584
• https://www.fertilityiq.com/fertilityiq/articles/sperm-101-how-to-interpret-the-semen-analysis
• https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infertility/conditioninfo/causes/lifestyle
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21520-semen-analysis
• https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/70897
• https://www.healthline.com/health/semen-analysis
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