A critical evaluation of subfertility investigations.

Abstract

AbstractHo PC, Tang GWK and Ma HK (Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong). A critical evaluation of subfertility investigations.The investigations done for the infertile couple attending the Subfertility Clinic of the Hong Kong University Gynaecological Unit from 1975 to 1979 were reviewed. The Rubin's tubal insufflation test has been replaced partly by laparoscopy which was found to be the more accurate and informative method of tubal assessment. Basal body temperature charts were not accurate in the diagnosis of luteal phase defect. In 22% of patients, endometrial biopsy specimens were inadequate or could not be obtained because of technical difficulty and failed to give the information required. A seminal count of less than 20 million per ml was found to be indicative of decreased fertility of the male partner. Despite the increase in the number and varieties of investigations, there was little improvement in the overall pregnancy rate.