Infertility
Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve conception after one year of unprotected intercourse, or the inability to maintain a viable pregnancy until birth.
Infertility in Women
In women, FSH values on day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle indicate follicular reserve. Both FSH and LH baseline values are biomarkers of ovarian response. Another critical value is the day 2 or 3 serum level of estradiol. The estradiol value is generally expected to be below 50 pg/mL (183 pmol/L). As with FSH, a decreased number of follicles are usually obtained in women with higher estradiol values.
Siemens Healthineers Assays for the Evaluation of Women’s Infertility*
AMH
Androstenedione
DHEAS
Estradiol
FSH
LH
Progesterone
Prolactin
SHBG
Testosterone II
TSH
Infertility in Men
Some of the main endocrinological causes of infertility in men involve hormone abnormalities such as decreased bioactivity or insufficient levels of testosterone, reduced LH bioactivity or levels, and age-related increases in hepatic synthesis of SHBG. A deficiency in sperm concentration, motility or morphology can also lead to infertility.
Siemens Healthineers Assays for the Evaluation of Men’s Infertility*
Androstenedione
DHEAS
Estradiol
FSH
LH
Prolactin
SHBG
Testosterone II
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a fascinating transformation takes place in the body not only anatomically, but biochemically as well. It is critical to have the proper menu to identify infertility, improve likelihood of conception, and promote a successful birth.
First Trimester
The first trimester, from 0 to 13 weeks, begins on the first day of the last menses after the ovum has been fertilized. First-trimester testing is performed to assess further the health and future medical needs of the mother.
Siemens Healthineers Assays for the First Trimester*
HCG
Progesterone
Free ß-HCG§
PAPP-A§
Second Trimester
During the second trimester, weeks 14 through 26, rapid fetal growth occurs and many fetal organs begin to mature. Second-trimester testing is directed primarily toward evaluating actual and potential problems in the baby, such as developmental defects.
Siemens Healthineers Assays for the Second Trimester*
AFP
HCG
Unconjugated Estriol
Third Trimester
The third trimester, weeks 27 through 40, is the period in which fetal organs finish maturing, the growth rate decelerates and birth occurs.
The purpose of third-trimester testing is to monitor fetal well-being and the health of the mother.
Siemens Healthineers Assays for the Third Trimester*
PIGF‡
sFLT-1‡
Unconjugated Estriol
