Advanced fertility tests can provide the answers you need
After basic bloodwork and ultrasounds, you will undergo advanced fertility tests to find the causes of infertility. Our Connecticut fertility clinic offers leading-edge diagnostic tools, like FemVue and SHG, to help determine why you’re struggling to conceive.
Advanced fertility testing for women
Andrew Levi MD offers many types of diagnostic testing, but he will not perform every fertility test for each patient. He will carefully consider your symptoms to determine which of the following advanced fertility tests may be right for you. For example, he may recommend an endometrial biopsy to determine the cause of recurrent miscarriage.
- FemVue allows Dr. Levi to check for blockages in the fallopian tubes by inserting an alternating pattern of saline and air into the uterus and the fallopian tubes.
- Sonohysterogram (SHG) involves placing sterile liquid inside the uterus via a catheter, and then using an ultrasound to look for uterine polyps, adhesions and fibroids.
- Endometrial biopsy is a test that involves taking a small tissue sample from the uterine lining (or endometrium). The goal is to determine whether there are issues with the lining.
- Hysteroscopy involves placing a telescope-like camera through the cervix to take a closer look at the inside of the uterus.
Another form of testing can occur during the fertilization stage of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. Our Connecticut fertility clinic offers several forms of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) that can identify whether IVF embryos have genetic or chromosomal abnormalities.
Advanced fertility testing for men
If you need advanced fertility tests for men, Dr. Levi offers many options in our clinic. Additionally, if the semen analysis results reveal severe male infertility, he will provide a referral to a local urologist (a doctor specializing in the male reproductive tract). Depending on your symptoms, the urologist may perform the following tests.
- While a general physical exam with a urologist can help identify readily apparent issues, a diagnostic ultrasound can provide more detailed information about the seminal vesicles and the scrotum. This test can identify issues like undescended testicles and varicoceles.
- Bloodwork offers detailed information about male hormone levels, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone.
- A urologist can also perform a specialized semen analysis, including genetic testing of the sperm (looking for the presence of antibodies) and evaluation of immobile sperm (to see if they are dead or alive).
These forms of diagnostic testing can shed a light on why you haven’t been able to conceive and help Dr. Levi create a treatment plan for you.
Taking the next step after undergoing advanced fertility tests
Once Dr. Levi receives all the results of your diagnostic testing, he will invite you back to our Connecticut fertility clinic to review them. He will explain what the results mean and present your treatment options. Together, you will decide on the best plan for your diagnosis, budget and family-building goals. Contact us to learn more and get started.