Second Visit to the Fertility Doctor : Fertility Test 101

August 24,2019

On our second visit to show the result of our test we were surprised to the long list of patients. Physically there was no patients waiting outside or inside the clinic, the secretary will write your name and text you if your next. We choose to stay at the hospital lobby because of free WiFi to kill time.Good thing, I bring my books with me.

We arrived at the clinic at around 2:30 PM and have our consultation at 8:45 PM. 2nd to the last patient, so brace your self for the long wait. The consultation last for 30 minutes.

The consultation is about the treatments and necessary procedures to achieve pregnancy.

• Transvaginal Ultrasound

This exam is to know the physical problems of Cervix , Uterus , Endometrium , Right Ovary and Left Ovary such as cyst ,masses, sizes of follicles.

TEST PROCEDURE

The patient will be asked to pee to empty the gall bladder. Undress from the waist down and put on hospital gown before lying in examination bed.

There is a long thin thing covered with condom with lubricant that will be inserted in the vagina so the organs in the pelvic region will be seen at the screen. This will cause a little discomfort on the patient.

The results will be released after 10 minutes.

My result according to ultrasound report is normal except for the polycystic left ovary

• Complete Blood Count

Since I was bleeding heavily in the past 3 weeks, I was asked to have my blood check to know if I am anemic.

Surprisingly,I was not anemic even though I was bleeding for the last 3 weeks. Good job body!

• 75 g OGTT ( FBS , 2)
• [75 g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (Fasting Blood Sugar after 2 Hours)]

This test is often use to diagnose diabetes and to check how the body reacts with sugar.

TEST PROCEDURE

Fasting

Blood sample will be taken and patient will be asked to drink a liquid like juice that contains 75g glucose. Then go back to the laboratory after 2 hours for another blood sample to extract.

The result will be released after 2 hours (may be longer or shorter depending on the laboratory)

My FBS result is 103 which is within the reference 70-115.

• Lipid Profile (triglyceride,HDL,LDL,total cholesterol)

This test is to know the amount of cholesterol and fats in the body. High cholesterol is associated with poor fertility.

Triglycerides are a type of fat. They are the most common type of fat in your body. They come from foods, especially butter, oils, and other fats you eat. Triglycerides also come from extra calories. These are the calories that you eat, but your body does not need right away. Your body changes these extra calories into triglycerides, and stores them in fat cells. When your body needs energy, it releases the triglycerides. Source : Medline Plus

HDL and LDL are two types of lipoproteins. They are a combination of fat (lipid) and protein. The lipids need to be attached to the proteins so they can move through the blood. HDL and LDL have different purposes: Source : Medline Plus

• HDL stands for high-density lipoproteins. It is sometimes called the “good” cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. Your liver then removes the cholesterol from your body.
• LDL stands for low-density lipoproteins. It is sometimes called the “bad” cholesterol because a high LDL level leads to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. Source : Medline Plus

TEST PROCEDURE

Fasting

The result will be released after 2 hours (may be longer or shorter depending on the laboratory)

TIP : If you want to do the OGTT and Lipid Profile on the same time you need 8-10 Hours of fasting.

• TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

This test is to know if too much or too little thyroid hormone in the blood. Thyroid Hormones have important role in ovulation. Too much or too little thyroid hormone can impairs fertility.

It will take 1 day or 2 days to get the result.

• Prolactin

Hormones that stimulate mammary gland to produce milk. Ordered by the doctor because of my irregular or no periods at all.

It will take 1 day or 2 days to get the result.

Only 2 blood extractions were done for all those above mentioned test.

All above mentioned test were covered by the Health Card.

• Semen Analysis (SA)

To check the sperm (volume,count,motility and differential)

TEST PROCEDURE

Sexual Abstinence for 3 days.

The procedure will take place 3 days after the release.

SA is not covered by our health card, better to check if your plans covers male fertility related matters.

SA Price P 1015.00 Maybe higher or lower depending on the hospital or city you are living.

Result will be released 8 hours after the collection.

DISCLAIMER : I’m not a doctor. This article is for informational purposes only. Don’t do self medication. What works for you may not work for other persons.We have different body structure. Consult your physician.

So that’s what on Mellie’s mind.

Now, it’s your turn to tell me what’s on your mind.

Happy Reading!