Entering a fertility clinic can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re single. You hand over your paperwork to the receptionist, which includes forms meant to be filled out by your partner. But since you don’t have one, you hand over only your forms. Suddenly, another nurse interrupts and points out that they only have one set of fertility history. She reads your chart and exclaims, “Oh, she’s single…” and is about to say something else. You cut her off, concerned about the sensitive information being discussed in the reception area where two couples are present. Fortunately, they apologize, and you can proceed with your visit.
One of the most surprising things you’ll learn at the fertility clinic is that you’re born with all the eggs you’ll ever have. However, as you age, your eggs age too, and some become chromosomally abnormal. Unfortunately, your fertility doctor can’t determine how many chromosomally normal eggs you have. This aging process is one reason why the risk of miscarriage increases as you get older.
Your pre-conception diagnostic period involves a comprehensive assessment of your fertility health. This includes genetic screening, gynecological exams and pap smear, mammograms, HSG exams, thyroid function tests, blood typing, CMV, STI panels, A1C, HCG, progesterone, estrogen, FSH, AMH, and antral follicle count via ultrasound. It’s a lot of information to absorb, but it’s necessary to make informed decisions about your fertility journey.
Throughout your fertility journey, you will hear about “Day 3 blood work,” which refers to the ultrasound and blood work you receive at the beginning of each treatment course. The Day 3 blood work and ultrasound test for ovarian reserve, which can be impacted by various factors such as fibroids. One of your initial Day 3 blood work and ultrasound revealed that you have a small fibroid that could potentially interfere with implantation. You may need a minor outpatient procedure done with a laparoscope to remove it, which could take up to four to six weeks to recover.
While all this information may seem overwhelming, it’s essential to be informed and take the necessary steps to ensure your fertility health. Remember these key takeaways:
- Your eggs: you’re born with all the eggs you’ll ever have. As you age, your eggs age too, and some become chromosomally abnormal. Unfortunately, your fertility doctor can’t determine how many chromosomally normal eggs you have.
- Pre-conception diagnostics: this involves several screenings used to determine your fertility health, including genetic screening, gynecological exams and pap smear, mammograms, HSG exams, thyroid function tests, blood typing, CMV, STI panels, A1C, HCG, progesterone, estrogen, FSH, AMH, and antral follicle count via ultrasound. These screenings are necessary to get a complete picture of your fertility health.
- Day 3 blood work: refers to the ultrasound and blood work you receive at the beginning of each treatment course. These tests check for ovarian reserve, which can be affected by various factors such as fibroids. If you have fibroids, they could potentially interfere with implantation. Like me, you may need a minor outpatient procedure done with a laparoscope to remove it, which could take up to four to six weeks to recover.
Diagnostic screenings may seem daunting, but they’re crucial for understanding your fertility health and making informed decisions about your journey. Understanding what to expect from these screenings can help you feel more prepared and confident as you navigate the fertility clinic. Knowledge is power.
