Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate whether a simplified infertilityinvestigation protocol, focusing on the use of hysterocontrastsonography (HyCoSy), one blood test, and a semen analysis,would be sufficient as an initial screening test to selectcouples for specific treatment.
Methods: The infertile couples underwent gynaecologicalexamination, cervical sampling for cytology and Chlamydiatrachomatis culture, B-mode transvaginal ultrasonographyand basic hormonal analyses followed by a HyCoSy, and asemen analysis. A preliminary diagnosis was made for allpatients. A management plan for treatment was suggestedwhen possible; otherwise further examinations wererecommended. The data were stored for later analysis and theroutine investigation protocol was then adhered to and afinal diagnosis and treatment were decided upon.
Results: Agreement between the diagnosis based on HyCoSyand our routine protocol was present in 74% of cases(N = 73). In 13% (N = 13) there was partial agreement. In36% the HyCoSy based protocol was considered sufficientto suggest treatment.
Conclusions: A simplified approach may lead to asignificant reduction in both the time and cost of investigating aninfertile couple.
Keywords: hysterosalpingo contrast sonography, hysterosal pingography, infertility, laparoscopy, simplification
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