Cycle Monitoring

DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

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Diagnostic Services at Astra


	Female
	Cycle Monitoring
	Hysterosalpingography
	Sonohysterography
	Endometrial Biopsy
	Postcoital Test
	Antisperm Antibody Testing
	Laparoscopy & Hysteroscopy
	Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

	Male
	Semen Analysis
	Sperm Testing, Structure & Function
	Scrotal Ultrasound
	Antisperm Anitbody
	Testicular Biopsy
	Male Clinical Evaluation

Diagnostic Services - Cycle Monitoring

Cycle Monitoring is a procedure that allows the fertility specialist to map out the patients menstrul cycle.

We monitor the menstrual cycle in order to determine whether and when normal ovulation is occurring. We also will monitor the menstrual cycle in order to determine the dosage and timing of fertility drugs

During the first half of the ovulation cycle, a small cystic structure called a follicle grows within one of a woman’s ovaries. The ovarian tissue around the follicle produces the hormone estrogen. Estrogen circulates to the cervix, stimulating the production of mucus. Mucus provides a pathway through which sperm may ascend to the uterus and fallopian tube. Estrogen circulates to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) where it causes that tissue to grow. Estrogen probably is necessary for creating a proper environment in the fallopian tube for fertilization to take place.

At mid cycle, the pituitary gland releases a surge of the hormone luteinizing hormone (LH). The LH surge causes the ovarian follicle to rupture, releasing the egg from the ovary. The LH surge also cause the egg within the follicle to undergo maturational changes which allow that egg to be fertilized. Finally, the LH surge initiates the secretion of progesterone from the follicle. The follicle, now called the corpus luteum, secretes progesterone from ovulation until menstruation.

Progesterone circulates to the uterus where it causes changes that allow the endometrium to receive the egg for implantation. Progesterone counteracts the stimulation effects of estrogen on cervical mucus.

If pregnancy occurs, the newly implanted egg will release a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). HCG circulates from the uterus to the ovary where it maintains the production of estrogen and progesterone for several weeks until the pregnancy itself takes over the production of these hormones. In the absence of pregnancy, progesterone levels will drop two weeks after ovulation. The drop in progesterone level precipitates menstrual bleeding.