UTERINE EVALUATION

UTERINE EVALUATION AND TREATMENTS AT JUHI FERTILITY CENTRE

A woman’s uterus is lined by a specialised layer of cells called the Eneometrium, a lining that embryos implant and begin to develop during the pregnancy stage. It is this lining that is critical for thoroughly evaluating the woman’s uterine cavity to find out about potential defects or obstacles to implantation of the embryo. For instance, there is Uterine Scar Tissue (that comes from previous pregnancies or procedures) OR Polyps (a benign glandular growth) OR Fibroids OR other structural defects in the woman’s uterus.

METHODS OF UTERINE IMAGING

Currently there are four methods for evaluation of the woman’s uterus including:

• Transvaginal (Pelvic) Ultrasound (TVS).
• Fluid Ultrasound (Hydrosonography).
• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG).
• Hysteroscopy.

Each of the above possesses their own merits and demerits. The doctors based on the woman’s patient case pick the method that caters to the specific clinical problem.

All of the methods are used in the first part of the woman’s menstrual cycle (at the end of her menses). They help to minimize the risk of infections, avoid interference from intrauterine blood and clots and finally, an early intrauterine pregnancy. In addition, evaluation can also be performed at anytime through usage of birth control pills.

TESTS TO EVALUATE UTERINE AT JUHI FERTILITY CENTRE

Based on the woman patient’s specific case, evaluation at Juhi Fertility Centre (JFC) is performed through the following tests:

• COMPLETE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: This takes into account even the external palpation of the woman’s uterus. The tests include a Pap’s Smear, Breast Examination and Cervical cultures.
• BASELINE PELVIC ULTRASOUND: It’s a transvaginal ultrasound examination that is usually performed at the onset of the woman’s menstrual cycle on day 2 or 3 or 4. The test results help the doctor precise information on the direction and length of the woman’s uterine cavity.
• HYSTEROSALPINGOGRAM (HSG): It’s a tubal evaluation that provides information regarding the structural defects of the woman’s uterine cavity.
• SONOHYSTEROGRAPHY: It’s an evaluation of the woman’s uterine wall and inner uterine cavity, performed during the process of filling of the uterus with a very minor amount of sterile fluid. The test provides information on the abnormalities of both the woman’s uterine wall and endometrial cavity which may affect the implantation of the embryo, increase miscarriage rates or interfere with the later delivery of the woman’s baby.
• ENDOMETRIAL BIOPSY: It is performed only on certain cases, mainly to diagnose problems in the development of the endometrium called Iuteal Phase Defect or to diagnose the possible infection of the woman’s endometrial lining.
• TRIAL (OR MOCK) TRANSFER: Hailed as an extremely quick and painless test that is performed on those women patients who are undergoing IVF in which a thin plastic catheter is used to assess the length and breadth of the curvature of the woman’s cervical canal and uterine cavity. This is to facilitate placement of embryos in the woman’s uterus during the time of the actual embryo transfer.

Taking into account various conditions in the woman’s uterus and ovaries that contributes to female infertility, doctors at Juhi Fertility Centre (JFC), a top Fertility Clinic in Hyderabad, may recommend the appropriate treatment for women patients having trouble conceiving.