Examination Methods for Women

• Ultrasound examinations
  The next step is to carry out a detailed examination of the reproductive organs with an ultrasound scanner. This safe and painless procedure is carried out through the vagina, as this enables the physician to see the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus in close-up.


• Hormone testing
  In order to rule out the possibility of problems with egg maturation, tests are carried out on certain days of the monthly cycle to determine the levels of various hormones in the blood. At the beginning of the cycle these are: Oestrogen, LH, FSH, androgen, prolactin, TSH. In the second half of the cycle progesterone and oestrogen levels might be measured.


• Examination of the Fallopian Tubes
  If it is suspected that the fallopian tubes are damaged then imaging or surgical examination methods can be used.
  In the imaging method an ultrasound scan is used to establish the function and condition of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. Such methods include hysterosalpingography (imaging procedure) and laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). A contrast agent is used to obtain clearer images.
  These imaging procedures can be carried out as an outpatient procedure with no anaesthetic. However, for more detailed clarification it is better to undertake a laparoscopy.


• Laparoscopy
  A laparoscopy is performed under anaesthetic. First of all a very small incision is made below the navel and a rod-like instrument (laparoscope) is inserted into the abdominal cavity. This instrument acts as a camera which relays images to a monitor giving the physician a detailed image of the reproductive organs.
  During the procedure it is also possible to surgically remove cysts and growths or destroy endometriotic deposits if necessary. Complications from this procedure are very rare and mainly involve damage to internal organs or infections.
  Problems in connection with the use of anaesthetics are equally rare. In the event that we need to carry out an examination of this type we will inform you in detail of the potential risks.


• In a hysteroscopy a very thin probe is inserted into the uterus through the vagina to detect malformations, troublesome fibroids or alterations of the mucous membranes in the cavity of the uterus.
  This method enables the physician to view the uterine cavity and the fallopian tube passage over a camera mounted on a probe and, if necessary, to carry out surgical procedures.