ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: To indicate the simplicity and the feasibility of this new diagnostic technique for infertility investigation. Ferti-test is a technique which combines dye-test and pelvic post coital test, using inexpensive surgical material. Ferti-test allows to perform laparoscopy only in very necessary cases, without loosing diagnostic quality. METHODS: Up to September 2001, 30 patients aged from 24 to 46 years, with infertile problems were enrolled. All the patients, in a preovulatory period, underwent dye-test combined with pPCT. Before the operation, all the patients were investigated for endocrinological assessment; an evaluation of sperm liquid in all the partners and a PCT have been carried out. All these data were organized in a specific diagram, which allowed to recognize the normality or the specific class of pathology of infertile couple. RESULTS: The purpose of this study is to remark the simplicity and the feasibility of this new diagnostic method. In our study, no patients who underwent dye-test and pelvic PCT had any complications. Only 7 patients with negative dye-test and pelvic PCT underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that Ferti-test is an effective and reliable technique for the first level evaluation in infertile couples. Ferti-test is well tolerated and requires minimal cost. With Ferti-test it is possible to screen the patients who actually need laparoscopy and to reduce risks and costs.
