Empowering Your Fertility Journey: A Personalized Pretest Initiative Accessible Through Your Primary Doctor

By Yemi Adesanya-Famuyiwa, MD

Montgomery Fertility Center

. http://montgomeryfertilitycenter.com/

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Empowering Your Fertility Journey: A Personalized Pretest Initiative Accessible Through Your Primary Doctor

Introduction

As a fertility specialist committed to making the fertility journey more accessible, I am excited to introduce a groundbreaking initiative that empowers individuals and couples right from the start. Our comprehensive Pretest Initiative is designed to be seamlessly integrated into your healthcare routine, with specific tests that can be conducted by your primary doctor before your initial fertility consultation. In this blog post, I will unveil the tests included in our initiative, emphasizing their accessibility through your trusted primary care provider.

The Pretest Initiative: Tests Conducted by Your Primary Doctor

Ovarian Reserve Testing:

• Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Test: Measures ovarian reserve and can be easily performed by your primary doctor during a routine blood test.
• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test: Assess ovarian function with a simple blood test, often available through your primary care provider.

Hormonal Profiling:

• Thyroid Function Tests: Evaluate the impact of the thyroid on fertility through blood tests, a routine examination that your primary doctor can facilitate.
• Prolactin Levels: Measure prolactin levels with a straightforward blood test, typically part of routine hormonal assessments done by primary care providers.
• Genetic Carrier Screening: Identify potential genetic disorders through a blood test, often offered by primary care providers as part of routine genetic screenings. Most patients are unaware that they may be carriers of genetic conditions that they may pass on to their children.

Male Fertility Testing:

• Semen Analysis: Evaluate male fertility potential through a semen analysis, a test your primary care provider can order for you. An abnormal semen analysis may also be the first sign of more serious underlying health issues.
• Infectious Disease Screening, STD Testing: Ensure the absence of sexually transmitted infections with routine testing, a service readily provided by primary care doctors during check-ups. Tests for HIV antibody, Hepatitis B antigen, Hepatitis C antibody, and a syphilis screen can be obtained from your local health department.

Pelvic Ultrasound:

• Schedule a pelvic ultrasound through your primary care provider to assess the health of the uterus and ovaries, checking for structural abnormalities or and noting how many antral follicles you have. This may portend how easy or not it will be to get eggs from you.

Diagnostic Imaging:

• Hysterosalpingography (HSG): If necessary, coordinate with your primary doctor to schedule an HSG, a diagnostic imaging test available at many healthcare facilities. This will let you know if your tubes are blocked or if you have any abnormalities with the inside of your womb.

Taking the First Step: What Patients Can Expect

• Consultation and Personalized Planning:
• Schedule a consultation with your primary care provider to discuss your fertility goals and determine the most relevant pretesting plan based on your unique circumstances.
• Education and Informed Consent:
• Receive detailed information about each test, its purpose, and potential outcomes. Your primary care provider will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
• Preparing Physically and Emotionally:
• Implement lifestyle modifications based on guidance from your primary doctor to optimize test results and enhance overall reproductive health.

Conclusion

Our Pretest Initiative is designed with accessibility in mind, utilizing tests that can be seamlessly integrated into your routine through your primary care provider. By taking these specific tests, you are proactively shaping the path to parenthood with the convenience and familiarity of your trusted healthcare professional. Together, let’s embark on this journey towards building the family you’ve always dreamed of, with the support of your primary doctor.

Previously published on medium.com