[Ferti-test. A simple method for tubal function diagnosis: feasibility study]

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.

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.

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.

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.