[Current possibilities in reproduction medicine. 1. Diagnosis]

The methods employed by assisted conception, presuppose a rational diagnostic evaluation. The endocrine work-up concentrates on demonstrating adequate ovulation. Today, apart from vaginal ultrasonography, this largely means LH determination in the urine in the middle of the cycle, together with progesterone measurements in the luteal phase. Recording the basal body temperature can offer no more than an orientation. The clarification of tubal patency is ideally served by laparoscopy with pertubation. With the aid of new sonographically visible contrast media, tubal flow can also be investigated using sonography. For the male work-up, classical evaluation of the ejaculate has declined in importance. As a means of establishing a fertility prognosis, forward progression, lateral movements of the head of the sperm, and functional sperm analysis (hamster oocyte penetration test) would appear most suitable.