Preparation

Before starting your treatment, it is advisable to have the following examinations conducted by your doctor.

More information

Preparation

  • Chlamydia – cervical cell sample; however, a urine sample is now also sufficient.

    In addition, we recommend the following further examinations:

    • Cervical swab
    • Antibody test for rubella
    • If you work with children, you should be tested for parvovirus and CMV (cytomegalovirus).
    • Screening for fetal infections

    Since the examinations listed here are not mandatory, we kindly ask you to review the information provided and assess what is relevant for you.

Further examinations

Smear/ Cervical Swab

Women aged 23 to 59 should be screened for cervical cancer every three years. The examination is performed by your own doctor and involves a swab method in which the cells of the cervix are checked for abnormal cells. The swab is also done as a follow-up after treatment for precancerous stages of cervical cancer. This examination should be conducted before the start of treatment, as screening and treatment for cancer prevention are not possible during pregnancy.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a commonly occurring infectious disease caused by a parasite that primarily affects cats, but humans can also serve as intermediate hosts. Especially in pregnant women, a first infection can have devastating consequences, as the pathogen can cause severe developmental damage to the unborn child.

If you are in contact with children in your daily life, we recommend being tested for this as well.

Parvovirus (Fith Disease)

Fifth disease, also known as erythema infectiosum, is caused by parvovirus B19 and primarily affects children aged 5 to 15 during the winter and spring months. However, individuals of all ages can be affected. Parents of young children and those who work with children are particularly exposed. Fortunately, 2 out of 3 adults have already had the illness and are therefore immune. If you contract the virus during pregnancy, there is a risk that your child may develop anemia. Your doctor can determine whether you are immune to fifth disease through a blood test.

CMV (Cytomegalovirus)

CMV is a viral infection that most people have encountered by the age of 50. When infected, individuals often experience no symptoms or only mild symptoms resembling those of the flu. Generally, the virus poses minimal risk; however, it is a high-risk factor for an unborn child. The child can become infected through the mother at any point during the pregnancy. Congenital CMV can lead to neurological damage. Your doctor can determine whether you are immune to CMV through a blood test.

Rubella (German measels)

Rubella is a childhood disease for which you are immune once you have either contracted it or been vaccinated against it. However, if you have not had rubella or been vaccinated, complications such as birth defects or miscarriages can occur during pregnancy. For this reason, we recommend that you have a blood test performed by your doctor to check for antibodies in your blood. If you do not have antibodies, you can get vaccinated before starting treatment. However, treatment must not take place until three months after the vaccination.

Preliminary Examinations in Home Country

Almost all preliminary examinations can be conducted in your home country

Gynecologist

If you have previously suffered from an infection or multiple infections of the uterus or fallopian tubes, or have had chlamydia or gonorrhea, it may have led to the formation of scar tissue in the fallopian tubes, potentially obstructing the passage of the egg and sperm. Some women may also have infections in the lower abdomen without even being aware of it.

For this reason, we recommend that you get examined by your gynecologist before starting treatment with us. With this background knowledge, you will have the opportunity to find the best possible treatment option together with us.

The following examinations can be performed by your gynecologist.

Ultrasound

You are required to undergo an ultrasound before treatment can begin. (This examination is part of your fertility assessment with us, so you can also have it done here.)

We need information about:

  • The number of follicles (AFC – Antral Follicle Count), as the result will influence which type of treatment is best for you and what hormone dosage should be administered during the treatment.
  • The presence of any cysts, polyps, fibroids, or endometriosis cysts that may need to be treated before we can start your IVF treatment.

HSG & HSU (recommended before insemination treatment, not mandatory).

Hormonal Examinations

Hormonal assessments measure the blood levels of certain hormones that the body produces during each cycle. Hormones influence every step necessary for achieving a pregnancy, from egg development to ovulation and the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterine lining. We need these measurements (hormones, metabolism, vitamin D):

AMH (Anti Müllerian Hormone)

The result is significant regarding your egg reserve and indicates which treatment option is best for you and what hormone dosage is appropriate during the process.

TSH (Thyreoidea-stimulating hormone)

The result indicates whether your metabolism is balanced; if it is not, it can lead to increased prolactin release from the pituitary gland, which may affect egg quality and fetal growth during pregnancy.

D-Vitamin

Many studies suggest that vitamin D increases the chances of pregnancy and implantation. These tests can be performed at any time during the cycle.

 

We also recommend testing the following hormones:

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) – this hormone stimulates the maturation of eggs in the ovaries but should not be at a high level.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone) – this hormone promotes ovulation.

Estradiol (Estrogen Hormone) – this hormone regulates the processes in the ovaries.

Testing for these three hormones should be done on cycle days 2-5.