Functional Lab Testing
Laboratory testing should form a core part of any fertility investigation process. While identifying physical symptoms may provide useful clues when taking a patients case history, without scientific testing any conclusions reached are merely educated guesswork.
For more details on bio-chemical markers that may be analysed and test pricing, please click here.
Cardiovascular Screening
Good blood quality and proper flow are imperative for reproductive health, as the blood carries vital nutrients to the follicles within the ovaries, as well as to thicken up the endometrial lining and to the testes for proper sperm development.
If you test positive for blood markers that predispose you to 'sticky' blood, this may result in miscarriage or difficulty conceiving.
Infection & Immune Screening
Screening for STI's is one of the first tests you may be asked to consider when trying to conceive. However, lesser known sub-clinical infections may also be present and these may be tested for also.
For those with a history of auto-immune disease, screening for immune-markers that are known to impact fertility may be of particular importance to your fertility potential.
Endocrine Screening
Nutrient Deficiencies
The interplay between hormones in the body is one of the most influential factors in reproductive health.
Endocrine organs are constantly in communication with one another, hence a problem with one organ may lead to dysfunction within
another.
Common endocrine screenings would be;
- Thyroid Panel including thyroid anti-bodies
- Ovarian Function Test (assessment of oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone levels)
- Adrenal hormones- DHEA & Cortisol
- Melatonin
Long term use of the oral contraceptive pill and many other medications is known to deplete nutrient reserves.
For optimal fertility and a healthy pregnancy, nutrient levels for the man and the women should be kept within the ideal range.
Vitamins A, C, E, D, B group vitamins, Zinc, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, essential fatty acids and amino acids are often deficient and testing is the best way to ascertain if dietary or supplement intervention is required.