As you pursue answers to fertility challenges, you want the best chance for a positive outcome. That’s why fertility specialists recommend certain preconception tests before beginning fertility treatment.

Diagnostic testing provides thorough information and helps identify and eliminate any potential concerns before conception. This, in turn, protects your and your baby’s health. Basic tests may include blood type, Rh, antibody screen, sexually transmitted disease screenings, and semen analysis. Here are other tests your doctor may recommend. 

Complete Blood Count and Metabolic Chemistry Screening

This comprehensive baseline screening can detect any underlying health conditions, such as anemia, diabetes, kidney or liver diseases. You’ll need to refrain from eating or drinking 12 hours prior to testing.

HIV

You could have HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, for years and not know it. Get screened for HIV to get early help for yourself and to reduce the risk of infecting a baby. Your doctor can provide you with more information on HIV; also, for free, private information you can contact the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, (800) 673-8444, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (800) 342-2437. If you choose not to be tested for HIV, please inform your doctor. You’ll receive the same preconception and prenatal care, but if you have HIV and don’t know it, your doctor won’t know to give you special medication for HIV to protect you and your baby.

HSC 1644 CA Tests

Several infectious diseases—namely, HTLV I and II Antibody, HIV I and II Antibody, Hepatitis B (HBsAg), Hepatitis C and Syphilis (RPR)—can transmit to others through blood, bodily fluids or childbirth. A simple blood test screens you for any of these viruses. We require these tests as part of your workup, and state law HSC 1644 requires that your partner undergo these tests prior to IUI or IVF.

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

This X-ray-based procedure helps your doctor assess your fallopian tubes.

Ovarian Reserve Testing

Tests can determine your ovaries’ egg-producing capacity and indicate possible poor response to treatment. Typically you’ll receive these tests on the third day of your cycle.

Rubella

Rubella, also called German measles, is a virus that typically causes low-grade fever, upper respiratory symptoms and a diffuse red rash. In childhood this infection is usually mild. However, if contracted during pregnancy this disease can severely affect the developing fetus with possible blindness, heart defects, hearing defects, musculoskeletal defects and mental retardation. Get tested for rubella immunity. If you are not immune, get the rubella vaccination and then wait one month before trying to conceive.

Sonohysterography (SHG)

This in-office ultrasound procedure can determine if your uterus has any abnormalities. This procedure takes less than half an hour to perform, and the results are interpreted right away.

Thyroid Function Test

The thyroid gland controls metabolism. This blood test detects any thyroid dysfunction that may affect the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Urine Luteinizing Hormone Test

Urine test kits, such as Clearblue and First Response, can detect surges of luteinizing hormone 24 to 36 hours before ovulation. By signaling when ovulation is about to occur, the test helps determine the best time to have intercourse or schedule an IUI.

Varicella

Varicella, also known as chickenpox, can have serious consequences for the mother and can cause severe birth defects if transmitted to the fetus during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. It also causes newborn complications if transmitted around the time of birth. If you are not immune, get the varicella vaccine, given in two doses four weeks apart. It is very important that you do not become pregnant from the time of your first dose until 30 days after the second dose, so don’t have unprotected intercourse during that time. You must delay fertility treatment for that 60-day period as well.