Diagnostic Methods in Female Infertility

Hormone Tests

On day 2 or 3 of the menstrual period, FSH, LH, E2, PRL and TSH are requested. If necessary, more advanced tests to determine ovarian reserve, such as inhibin and AMH, may be requested.

Ultrasound (USG)

To determine ovarian reserve and to evaluate the uterus and fallopian tubes, an ultrasound examination is performed on day 2 or 3 of the menstrual period.

Saline Infusion Sonography (SIS)

It is a procedure performed to detect structures occupying space within the uterus (polyps, fibroids, intrauterine septum, etc.) and adhesions. Saline is infused through a thin catheter inserted via the cervix and evaluated by ultrasonography.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG)

Through the cervix, a contrast agent is administered and serial X-ray images of the uterus and fallopian tubes are taken. It can detect cervical incompetence, structures occupying space within the uterus, adhesions, congenital structural abnormalities, tubal patency, and whether there is fluid accumulation.

Hysteroscopy

It is a procedure in which the uterine cavity is observed with an illuminated device, allowing problems inside the uterus to be diagnosed and treated in the same session.

Laparoscopy

It is a procedure in which, under general anesthesia, a small incision is made at the navel and the organs in the abdomen are examined with an illuminated device. It allows diagnosis and treatment in the same session. It is used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in cases where clear information cannot be obtained by other diagnostic methods, in intra-abdominal adhesions, endometriosis (a condition in which the cell layer that should be inside the uterus is located outside the uterus), inflammatory conditions of the fallopian tubes, ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, pain of unknown cause, and infertility.