Preconception & Pregnancy Lab Tests
In our journey to optimal health, we often overlook the unsung heroes living within us – the microorganisms that form our gut microbiome.
These tiny inhabitants, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, play a vital role in maintaining our well-being. While our bodies can't produce all the essential building blocks we need, our microbiome steps in to fill the gap. Together, in a harmonious symbiotic relationship, we thrive. In our functional nutritional practice, we're passionate about harnessing the power of microbiome testing to revolutionise your family’s healing journey.
Available Functional Fertility Tests at our clinic
Nutrigenomics fertility testing
PROFESSIONAL GENETIC TESTING
MTHFD1, MTHFR, Methylation
Nutrigenomics is an area of genomics which focuses on genes that relate and respond to nutrition and lifestyle interventions. Mutations called SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) alter gene functions and up- or down-regulate its activity. Genes impact our methylation, hormone functions, nervous system, detoxification and even how well we absorb or use certain minerals and vitamins. By knowing which genes have SNPs, we can target their function. Genes are not your destiny, however modifiable environmental factors may influence their activity, positively or negatively. I highly recommend testing for both partners.
As a certified Lifecode GX Nutrigenomics Practitioner, I use DNA testing for my fertility clients to further personalise their nutrition and lifestyle program and provide more targeted support.
DUTCH HORMONE TEST
DRIED URINE TEST FOR COMPREHENSIVE HORMONES
A broad urine test for both women and men facing infertility. DUTCH test is a comprehensive assessment of sex and adrenal hormones and their metabolites. It also includes the daily, free cortisol pattern, organic acids, melatonin and a biomarker for oxidative damage of DNA. This test also examines possible hormonal imbalances (PCOS, Endometriosis, Fibroids), irregular or painful periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, repeated miscarriage, fatigue, male hormonal health and more.
Patients need to collect four or five dried urine samples over a 24-hour period. Dried samples are stable for several weeks making them convenient to ship worldwide.
DIGESTIVE HEALTH
COMPREHENSIVE DIGESTIVE STOOL TEST Genova,GIEffects,Microbiome
The advanced stool test provides immediate and actionable clinical information for the management of gastrointestinal health. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies and biomarkers, stool tests offer valuable insight into digestive function, intestinal inflammation, and the intestinal microbiome. The health of the entire female and male body is dependent on a healthy gut and gut microbiome. The microbiota plays a major role in the reproductive endocrine system throughout a woman’s lifetime by interacting with oestrogen, androgens, insulin, and other hormones. Imbalance of the gut microbiota composition can lead to several diseases and conditions including infertility. Stool test can be easily collected at home.
ORGANIC ACIDS TEST
COMPREHENSIVE NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT
A comprehensive functional and nutritional assessment, using first morning void urine collected at home. The test assesses a broad array of macronutrients and micronutrients, as well as key biomarkers (organic acids, amino acids) that give insight into digestive function, toxic exposure, mitochondrial function and oxidative stress.
Egg health is influenced by mitochondrial function or dysfunction. Oocytes (immature eggs) have the highest concentration of mitochondrial DNA content in the human body; therefore, its health is especially important before conception. Additionally, the first several days of embryo development are powered by cellular energy produced by maternal mitochondria.
VAGINAL HEALTH
VAGINAL HEALTH AND MICROBIOME TEST
One key microbiota site is the vaginal tract, which hosts over 200 species of microorganisms. The vaginal microbiota is a dynamic and complex ecosystem comprised of fluctuating populations that modulate host immune responses and maintain homeostasis. Disruption of microbiota composition and functions, termed dysbiosis, has been linked to a multitude of disorders including bacterial vaginosis, premature delivery in pregnant women, infertility, miscarriages and increased risk of sexually transmitted infections.
Analysis and monitoring of the vaginal microbiota is therefore extremely important for health and can be used to inform treatment plans and lifestyle factors.
SEMEN AND SPERM QUANTITY AND QUALITY
These routine tests are performed by doctors and fertility clinics. Due to my extensive network, I most likely will be able to direct you to the correct laboratory within close proximity of your home. The laboratory analysis can identify semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm morphology and motility, pH level and potential infection markers. I additionally recommend my clients to test for DNA fragmentation, which could also affect conception.
Once we find the root-causes, we work together mainly on modifiable lifestyle factors, including nutrition and in some cases antibiotics or other treatment is necessary.
SEMEN ANALYSIS
COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT
These routine tests are performed by doctors and fertility clinics. Due to my extensive network, I most likely will be able to direct you to the correct laboratory within close proximity of your home. Some markers however would only be possible to be checked at private labs. I usually provide an extensive list to my clients of what markers are essential to be checked to start investigating your root-causes of infertility. These markers include thyroid, metabolic and nutritional markers. Some of my patients might additionally need food allergy or intolerance testing.
BLOOD TEST
HAIR TOXIC ELEMENTS EXPOSURE
Hair elements analysis provides information regarding recent and ongoing exposure to potentially toxic metals. Hair can be considered as an excretory tissue more than a functional tissue. Hair is a metabolic end product that incorporates trace elements into its structure during its growing process. Toxic elements may be 200 to 300 times more highly concentrated in hair than in blood or urine. Arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead and mercury are all shown to impact male fertility negatively. Heavy metals have an indirect impact on methylation pathways and interfere with the functions of the nervous system and cardiovascular system and detoxification. I recommend this test to some of my clients who experience sexual impotence or is likely to have decreased testosterone production. It is important to note that I analyse this test in conjunction with patient symptoms and other laboratory test results. This non-invasive screening test requires only small amount of hair.
HEAVY METAL TOXICITY
Looking for Answers on Your Fertility Journey?
Our advanced fertility lab testing helps uncover the root causes behind conception struggles - for both women and men. With personalised insights into your hormones, nutrients and overall reproductive health, we’ll guide you toward clearer next steps and better outcomes.