Each year in South Africa, August is celebrated as Women’s Month to acknowledge the vital role of women in our society and to honour their remarkable tenacity and unwavering spirit.
Among the unique and amazing features that make women so special, their ability to conceive, carry a pregnancy and give birth to the next generation certainly stands out.

Sadly, however, for increasing numbers of women today, falling pregnant is a challenge.

Thankfully, there is good news and that is that in the majority of infertility cases, women’s fertility challenges can be very successfully treated at world-class fertility clinics right here in Sandton, Johannesburg – once the cause of the fertility problems is accurately determined.

This is because there is a wide range of possible causes of infertility among women including among others, for example, abnormal thyroid, advanced maternal age (35+), anovulation, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, cervical factor, uterine factor, diminished ovarian reserve, endometriosis, hyperprolactinaemia, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and even stress.

Given all these – and other possible causes, it becomes clear how important it is to determine the exact cause of your fertility challenges, because only then can the right fertility treatment be provided.

So how will you know what is causing your specific fertility challenges?

Fortunately, more good news is that at leading fertility clinics, such as Medfem Fertility Clinic, there are a range of tests available that will accurately determine the cause of a women’s fertility problems.

And once the cause has been pinpointed, it can be treated very successfully with a range of fertility treatments!

This Women’s Month, we want to reassure all women who are struggling to fall pregnant naturally that there is a cause for their infertility, and that identifying the cause will enable them to receive the right treatment that will help them build the family they dream of.

Below, we provide an overview of the fertility clinic tests and investigations that are offered to women at Medfem Fertility Clinic to determine the cause of their fertility challenges, assuring you of a very good chance of achieving a pregnancy with the assistance of a team of fertility experts such as our Medfem Fertility Clinic team.

Initial consultation

During a 30 – 60 minute initial consultation at Medfem Fertility Clinic, a highly qualified and experienced fertility specialist will extensively review of your medical history, as well as perform a comprehensive infertility physical exam and blood tests.

Fertility evaluation tests and investigations

Following this initial consultation, a basic fertility evaluation may be required, targeting ovarian function, tubal and uterine anatomy, ability of the sperm to reach the fallopian tube and even male factor.

Below is more information about the tests and investigations that may be required to accurately determine the cause of your infertility.

Ovarian reserve testing – The results of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) blood tests provide an indication of the number of eggs in your ovaries and helps predict how well you might respond to the fertility medications used in treatments such as superovulation, IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation), and ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection). We also use other estimates of ovarian or egg reserve such as an antral follicle count – a vaginal ultrasound examination.

Hysterosalpinogram (HSG) – this X-ray test allows your fertility specialist to look at the inside of your uterus and fallopian tubes, to evaluate the inside of uterine cavity and the patency of the fallopian tubes, and to uncover uterine abnormalities.

Ultrasound – this is a safe, painless and non-invasive way of evaluating the proper development of the egg follicle, which contains the egg, as well as the timing of its release. The results are also used for timing subsequent tests.

Post-coital test – performed during an appointment at the clinic following early morning intercourse, this test is used to assess if the sperm can penetrate the cervical mucus.
Mid-luteal phase progesterone level – this test reveals failure to produce adequate quantities of progesterone (luteal phase deficiency) following ovulation.

Hysteroscopy – a procedure where the doctor passes a hysteroscope—a narrow, telescope-like instrument with a camera on the end—through your vagina and cervix and into the uterus to directly examine the interior of your uterus. It is used to determine if you have any fibroid tumours, polyps, scar tissue, or other obstructions that could be affecting your fertility. There is no incision with a hysteroscopy, and most women recover within an hour or two. If necessary, the doctor can remove small samples for further examination.

Laparoscopy – a surgical procedure that involves looking directly into your abdomen and pelvis using a small camera that is placed through an incision in your umbilicus. It allows fertility specialists to evaluate and potentially treat gynaecological problems such as scar tissue (adhesions), endometriosis, and ovarian cysts that may affect your fertility. For this operation you will require a general anaesthetic and you will be asleep, but in most cases you will go home the same day. Most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few days to one week.

Prolactin, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and HIV – At Medfem Fertility Clinic, we routinely test all patients for prolactin, TSH, and HIV. A positive result for any of these tests will require intervention.

Where to get the right fertility clinic tests for women

Sadly, for many reasons, increasing numbers of women are facing fertility challenges.

It is very important, however, to realise that in most cases, infertility is caused by a medical condition, and once the cause of your infertility is accurately determined, it can be treated!

With the right tests at a registered and accredited fertility clinic, like Medfem Fertility Clinic, the exact cause of your infertility can be pinpointed, and then treated.

Medfem Fertility Clinic’s team are committed and understanding team of medical professionals, who have the experience, knowledge and desire to provide you with the best chance of finding the cause of your fertility challenges, so you can receive the right treatment to help you have the baby you long for.

Since the 1980’s, our team at Medfem Fertility Clinic has assisted couples struggling with infertility to experience the joy of parenthood, helping to bring more than 18,000 babies into the world.

If you would like to meet one of our fertility specialists at our purpose-built advanced fertility clinic conveniently located in Sandton, Johannesburg, simply click here to book an initial consultation or contact us telephonically on +27 (11) 463 2244.

Our Fertility Specialists can also meet with You During a Virtual Consultation Via Zoom or Skype. Click here to book a virtual consultation now.

We look forward to meeting you at Medfem Fertility Clinic!