Our Diagnostic Services
Highly specialised investigations and laboratory work are essential to Reproductive Medicine. We have 18 years experience, both clinical and in research, in providing these services to deal with hormonal and fertility problems.

Endocrinology (the study of hormones), andrology (the study of sperm) and various imaging methods provide us with the detailed information we need to make any diagnosis and control any treatments required.

Hormone tests
By testing blood samples, the laboratory can measure the hormones which control the ovaries or testes to diagnose causes of failure. Also, the hormones of ovulation can be measured to assess disorder of ovulation, and to monitor ovulation induction treatment. In addition hormone measurements are used to assess oestrogen deficiency states in both young and postmenopausal women.

To closely monitor treatment to induce ovulation or to stimulate multiple egg development for assisted conception, our laboratory service gives results of oestradiol measurement within a few hours.

Ultrasound scanning
Scanning of the ovaries and uterus is virtually a routine part of investigating reproductive hormone disorders or infertility. The scan is usually done at the same visit as the first consultation at our Centre.

Scanning is also essential to monitor the progress of ovulation induction treatment and of multi-ovarian stimulation for assisted conception treatments.

Other Radiological Investigations
X-ray investigations have to be done in a specialist unit elsewhere. However our own staff are directly involved in the specialist procedures to investigate fertility. These are the basic Hysterosalpingography used to assess internal appearances of the fallopian tubes; and Selective Salpingography used to check blockage in each tube and to try to clear it by passing a fine smooth probe.

Semen Analysis (Andrology)
Assessing male fertility - So that we can assess a couple's chance of either natural conception or, if necessary, by IVF, this complete service tests sperm function in various ways as well as doing the traditional "sperm Counts" on semen.

Cryopreservation - The freeze storage of sperm - is carried out in our laboratories to preserve semen from patients who are to be treated for cancer or before a vasectomy. Also, for infertile men requiring surgical collection of sperm for ICSI treatment the extra sperm can often be successfully cryopreserved for further ICSI treatments with requiring another operation.

Donor insemination - ICSI has sharply reduced the need for donor sperm treatment but it is still preferred in some cases or required to avoid genetic risks. We maintain a donor sperm bank of the highest quality. Each donor undergoes rigorous screening for possible genetic and infectious risks and is counselled as carefully as the couples who choose this treatment, to ensure emotional suitability.
 

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