Extended Diagnostics

Healthy function of the fallopian tubes is an essential part of the development of a pregnancy. If this is abnormal, either fertilization of the egg cannot take place or it can lead to ectopic pregnancies. Frequent causes of a blocked fallopian tube are infections, endometriosis, fibroids and adhesions. We can check the tubal passage on an outpatient basis in our practice using a water-based contrast medium. No surgery or anesthesia is necessary.

The examination is painless and takes about 10 minutes. Afterwards we will discuss your results.

In some cases, surgical treatment is useful.

With the help of a hysteroscopy or laparoscopy procedure, changes (e.g. endometriosis, polyps, fibroids, adhesions) can be detected and treated.

We will refer you to a hospital for this examination.

Blood coagulation disorders can be a cause of repeated miscarriages or the failure to achieve pregnancy. (This is not necessarily a health hazard in the non-pregnant state.) Reduced microcirculation can prevent permanent implantation of the embryo. However, with an appropriate administration of blood-thinning medication, such as heparin, pregnancy can often be maintained.

The only thing necessary for the examination is a blood sample.

In the case of an unusual family history, spermiograms, immature eggs, poor implantation, or a high miscarriage rate, a genetic examination of the couple and appropriate consultation may be necessary. This examination and consultation is carried out by our partners.

The implantation of the embryo is controlled by immune transmitters in the lining of the uterus. For the successful progression of a pregnancy, a balanced immune system is essential.

A disturbance of this TH1/TH2 immune balance (balance between cellular and humoral immune response) leads to miscarriages and placental maturation disorders with complications in the course of pregnancy or can completely prevent the implantation of the embryo.

The only thing necessary for the examination is a blood sample.

By fine-tissue examination of a sample of the uterus' mucous membrane, immunocompetent cells of the mucous membrane can be analysed, which influence the implantation. If, for example, the uterine natural killer cells can be displayed in increased numbers, immunomodulatory treatment can be of further help.
These immunocompetent cells are called uterine natural killer cells and plasma cells.

A collection of the uterine mucosa sample takes about 10 minutes and is possible without anesthesia.

If an elevated count of plasma cells is detectable, this can be an indication of chronic inflammation of the uterine lining and antibiotics are recommended.

If increased uterine natural killer cells can be detected, this indicates an immune response and an immunomodulatory therapy may be useful.

The Endometrial Receptivity Array Test, also known as ERA test, is a molecular diagnostic test to examine the receptivity of the endometrium. The receptivity of the endometrium is essential for the implantation of the embryo. As a rule, the endometrium is analysed in an ultrasound examination, although only the height and structure can be assessed. ERA goes further and can provide couples who have had repeated implantation failures with more precise data on the causes and thus ultimately increase the likelihood of pregnancy. For the examination, a small sample of the uterine lining is taken at a specific point in the menstrual cycle.

This procedure takes about 10 minutes and can be performed without anesthesia.

By combining two analytical examinations (histomorphological and immunohistochemical) of tissue samples of the endometrium, the optimal time for embryo transfer can be determined. This increases the chance of implantation of the embryo. For the examination, a small sample of the uterine lining is taken at a specific time in the menstrual cycle.

This procedure takes about 10 minutes and can be performed without anesthesia.

Occasionally a low fertilization rate is observed after a classic IVF and no motile sperm cells can be seen when checking the culture fluid. (Typically, sperm cells live for 3 - 5 days and are mobile during that time.)

In such cases, it is useful to monitor sperm motility over 24 hours as part of an extended spermiogram.

The DNA of sperm cells is the carrier of male genetic information. Damage can be caused by environmental influences such as smoking or environmental toxins. Fractures (fragmentation) can occur in the DNA which disturb the function of the sperm cells, resulting in a lower pregnancy rate.

A spermiogram is necessary for the examination.