Your Journey to Parenthood Begins at Our Fertility Clinic
For couples seeking assistance in building their families, our fertility clinic offers advanced and compassionate care. Embark on the journey to parenthood with confidence at our Fertility Clinic. Our dedicated team of specialists combines cutting-edge reproductive technologies with compassionate care to guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re exploring fertility options, undergoing assisted reproductive technologies, or seeking fertility preservation, we’re here to support you.
At Markham Kids Clinic, we understand the emotional and physical aspects of fertility, offering personalized solutions to help you achieve your dreams of starting or expanding your family. Your path to parenthood begins here.
Fertility Workup:
A fertility workup is a series of tests and evaluations conducted by healthcare professionals to assess a person or couple’s reproductive health and identify any potential issues that may be affecting fertility. The process is typically initiated when individuals or couples experience difficulty conceiving. The specific tests involved in a fertility workup can vary, but they often include the following components:
1. Medical History:
• A detailed medical history of both partners, including information about menstrual cycles, sexual history, previous pregnancies, surgeries, and any known health conditions.
2. Physical Examinations:
• For women, a pelvic exam may be conducted to check for abnormalities in the reproductive organs.
• For men, a physical examination may include assessing the testicles and looking for signs of anatomical issues.
3. Ovulation Tracking:
• Monitoring menstrual cycles to identify the timing of ovulation, which is crucial for conception.
• Methods may include tracking basal body temperature, using ovulation predictor kits, or monitoring cervical mucus changes.
4. Hormone Level Testing:
• Blood tests to assess hormone levels, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, and thyroid hormones.
• Hormone levels can provide insights into ovarian function and the overall hormonal balance.
5. Semen Analysis:
• A semen sample is analyzed to evaluate sperm count, motility, morphology, and other factors related to sperm health.
• This test helps assess male fertility.
6. Hysterosalpingography (HSG):
• An imaging procedure to assess the patency of the fallopian tubes and identify any blockages or abnormalities.
• It involves injecting a contrast dye into the uterus and taking X-ray images.
7. Pelvic Ultrasound:
• An ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs to check for abnormalities in the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
8. Genetic Testing:
• Genetic testing may be recommended to identify any genetic factors that could impact fertility or increase the risk of genetic disorders in offspring.
9. Diagnostic Laparoscopy:
• A minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows direct visualization of the pelvic organs to identify and treat certain conditions like endometriosis or pelvic adhesions.
10. Other Specialized Tests:
• Depending on individual circumstances, additional tests such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) testing, thyroid function tests, or tests for autoimmune disorders may be performed.
It’s important to note that the specific tests conducted in a fertility workup will depend on individual circumstances, and not all tests may be necessary for every person or couple. Fertility workups are typically tailored to address the unique factors influencing fertility for each individual or couple. If you are experiencing difficulty conceiving, it is advisable to consult with a fertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist who can guide you through the appropriate diagnostic process based on your specific situation.
Ectopic Pregnancy:
An ectopic pregnancy, also known as tubal pregnancy, occurs when a fertilized egg implants and begins to grow outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes. However, ectopic pregnancies can also occur in other locations such as the ovaries, abdominal cavity, or cervix, although these instances are less common.
Here are some key points about ectopic pregnancy:
1. Implantation Outside the Uterus:
• In a typical pregnancy, the fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tube and implants itself into the lining of the uterus. In an ectopic pregnancy, this implantation occurs outside the uterus.
2. Common Location:
• The majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tubes. This is why they are often referred to as tubal pregnancies.
3. Risk Factors:
• Previous ectopic pregnancy
• Inflammation or scarring of the fallopian tubes due to infection or surgery
• Conditions affecting the shape of the tubes
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Endometriosis
• Previous pelvic or abdominal surgery
4. Symptoms:
• Vaginal bleeding, which may be light or heavy
• Abdominal or pelvic pain, often on one side
• Shoulder pain (resulting from blood irritating the diaphragm)
• Weakness, dizziness, or fainting (signs of internal bleeding)
5. Diagnosis:
• Transvaginal ultrasound: This can help detect the location of the pregnancy.
• Blood tests: Monitoring the levels of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is typically lower in ectopic pregnancies compared to normal pregnancies.
6. Treatment:
• Ectopic pregnancies are not viable and cannot proceed to a full-term birth. Treatment options include:
• Medication: Methotrexate may be given to stop the growth of the embryo and dissolve the pregnancy.
• Surgery: In cases where the tube has ruptured or the pregnancy is not responding to medication, surgery may be necessary to remove the ectopic pregnancy or repair the fallopian tube.
7. Monitoring:
• After treatment, follow-up care and monitoring are important to ensure that the hCG levels decrease and that there are no complications.
Ectopic pregnancies are considered medical emergencies, especially if the fallopian tube ruptures, leading to internal bleeding. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent serious complications.
It’s important for individuals who suspect they may have an ectopic pregnancy or are experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding to seek immediate medical attention. Early detection and appropriate management can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. If you are concerned about ectopic pregnancy or experiencing related symptoms, consult with a healthcare professional for guidance and evaluation.
Gynecology Ultrasound:
A gynecology ultrasound, also known as a pelvic ultrasound, is a medical imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of the female reproductive organs. This non-invasive procedure helps healthcare professionals assess the structure and health of the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding pelvic organs. There are two main types of gynecology ultrasound scans: transabdominal and transvaginal.
1. Transabdominal Ultrasound:
• Procedure: A transducer (a handheld device that emits and receives sound waves) is moved across the abdomen after applying a gel to the skin. The gel helps transmit the sound waves and improves the quality of the images.
• Purpose: Transabdominal ultrasounds are often performed during early pregnancy to confirm the pregnancy, estimate gestational age, and check for the presence of multiples (twins or more). It can also provide an overview of the pelvic organs and detect abnormalities.
2. Transvaginal Ultrasound:
• Procedure: A transducer, covered with a sterile sheath and lubricated, is inserted into the vagina. This method allows for a closer and clearer view of the pelvic organs since the transducer is in closer proximity to the structures being examined.
• Purpose: Transvaginal ultrasounds are commonly used to evaluate the uterus and ovaries in more detail. They are especially useful for assessing conditions such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, and abnormalities in the endometrial lining. Transvaginal ultrasounds are also frequently employed during early pregnancy to closely examine the embryo and detect any potential issues.
Common Reasons for Gynecology Ultrasound:
• Pregnancy Confirmation and Monitoring: Confirming pregnancy, estimating gestational age, and monitoring fetal development.
• Pelvic Pain or Abnormal Bleeding: Investigating the cause of pelvic pain or abnormal uterine bleeding.
• Ovarian and Uterine Abnormalities: Detecting and evaluating ovarian cysts, fibroids, polyps, or other abnormalities in the uterus and ovaries.
• Endometrial Thickness: Measuring the thickness of the endometrial lining to assess the health of the uterus.
• IUD Placement: Confirming the proper placement of intrauterine devices (IUDs).
• Evaluation of Pelvic Infections: Detecting and assessing pelvic inflammatory disease or other infections in the pelvic region.
• Fertility Assessment: Investigating potential causes of infertility, such as abnormalities in the reproductive organs.
Gynecology ultrasound is a valuable diagnostic tool that provides real-time images and helps healthcare providers diagnose and monitor various gynecological conditions. The choice between transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound depends on the specific clinical scenario and the information needed by the healthcare provider. The procedure is generally safe and well-tolerated by most individuals. If you are scheduled for a gynecology ultrasound, your healthcare provider will provide instructions and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
