What to Expect with Parryscope Fertility Testing for Women
Quick look at Parryscope female fertility testing
The Parryscope® approach is a breakthrough method of fertility testing for women that is very gentle, fast and accurate. Women who are evaluated by Parryscope receive instant results after an approximate 15 minute procedure. Dr. John Preston “Pres” Parry carefully explains these results to provide each patient with a clear, in-depth understanding of her infertility and the treatments most likely to achieve pregnancy.
The Parryscope approach evaluates ovarian reserve, blockage of the fallopian tubes and the uterus’ receptiveness to embryo implantation and successful pregnancy. These are three components for fertility in women. This comprehensive fertility test involves the expert technique developed by Dr. Parry, using saline, ultrasound and a small, flexible hysteroscope (a lighted viewing instrument for looking inside the uterus).
Though no test is 100 percent accurate, most women will have a reasonable understanding of their fertility after the Parryscope approach, whereas additional testing afterward often doesn’t add much. This method can go beyond hysterosalpingograms (HSGs) to give a better understanding of fertility with less pain and less risk.
For an appointment, contact us online or call 888-4PR-SCPE (477-7273)
Questions & answers about Parryscope fertility testing for women
How accurate is Parryscope?
Very – likely better than HSG, the traditional standard test of infertility in women. In a study of 435 women, the Parryscope technique was found to be 98-100 percent successful in identifying blockage, which is better than that typically found with HSG.
Combined with sonographic evaluation of uterine issues, pelvic scarring and the quantity of a woman’s eggs, the Parryscope approach gives a more thorough look at a woman’s fertility than many classic approaches.
How painful is Parryscope compared with HSG testing?
The Parryscope technique was designed with a woman’s comfort in mind, improving on standard HSG testing by using a much thinner and more flexible scope, as well as requiring less dilation of the cervix and avoiding dyes and X-rays.
In one of our studies, women reported that they experienced very little pain during the Parryscope technique compared with HSG. The study showed women are 110 times more likely to experience maximum discomfort with HSG than with the Parryscope approach. Of the women studied, 91 percent had no discomfort, minimal or only mild discomfort. Additionally, for women who had both the Parryscope technique and HSG, 85 percent strongly preferred Parryscope.
Is Parryscope safe?
This fertility testing method for women seems as safe, or safer, than alternative tests such as HSG. Parryscope appears to result in less infection than other transcervical (through the cervix) procedures, with a very low (0.2 percent or less) infection rate. By using a flexible and narrow hysteroscope for viewing, there is less potential for damaging tissue, which can also cause pain. With Parryscope, vasovagal reactions (fainting due to drop in blood pressure) are rare and seem less frequent than in other types of testing.
Is the Parryscope approach covered by healthcare insurance?
At this time, we aren’t accepting insurance. However, patients can explore filing an out-of-network claim with their insurance.
How much does the Parryscope approach cost?
It is typically comparable to the cost of HSG testing, though costs among providers for standard testing can vary considerably.
Where can I book a Parryscope fertility testing appointment?
Dr. Parry offers phone consultations for prospective patients seeking evaluation and then he can travel to perform the procedure at one of the Parryscope testing locations. See all Parryscope fertility testing locations.
TRUTH IN NUMBERS
Parryscope fertility testing study
What to expect with the Parryscope approach
The initial consultation and information
After prior determination as to whether a woman is a reasonable candidate for the Parryscope approach, we typically perform a pregnancy test on the day of the procedure. Other important considerations include risk for tubal disease, and those higher risk women may need antibiotics prior to hysteroscopy.
The procedure involves no sedation and generally no pain medication, although women who take pain medications prior to Pap smears may consider doing this. The entire exam typically takes 15 minutes or less, with usually under five minutes for the hysteroscopy portion of the evaluation.
Parryscope involves gently inserting the thin, flexible fiber optic camera vaginally past the cervix and into the uterus. The Parryscope approach allows the doctor to evaluate:
- The fallopian tubes with the patent-pending method of using air infused saline with a hysteroscope
- The lining of the uterus where an embryo would attach for pregnancy (also with a hysteroscope)
- An ultrasound for evaluating ovarian reserve (“egg supply”), the sliding sign assessment for pelvic scarring, and the muscle and exterior of the uterus.
Related Resource: How Does Parryscope Evaluate Infertility?
The steps to the Parryscope approach
- An internal ultrasound is used to look at the uterus, ovaries and mobility of structures in the pelvis. Though typically the fallopian tubes cannot be seen, if they are it likely reflects a hydrosalpinx/hydrosalpinges, suggesting damage.
- If not using a vaginoscopic approach (without a speculum), a speculum is placed to identify the cervix, which may or may not be cleaned with chlorhexidine to reduce the risk of infection.
- The physician begins saline flow for optimal viewing through the small hysteroscope.
- The physician gently guides the thin and flexible camera into the uterus.
- By observing the release of air bubbles in the saline solution, the physician can identify blockages that would prevent fertilization or the fertilized egg from travelling to the uterus.
- The physician removes the camera (and speculum if used).
- A last ultrasound may be performed to see if saline infused during hysteroscopy provides additional information that wasn’t visible before.
Understanding fertility test results
During and after the exam, Dr. Parry will discuss the woman’s test results with her so she better understands her fertility, particularly any issues that are identified. Then Dr. Parry will discuss treatment options, including whether she should focus on natural conception, low-tech therapy (oral medications and inseminations) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
The Parryscope approach identifies most factors for fertility, so additional testing for the woman frequently isn’t needed. However, the male also plays a role in fertility, so a semen analysis should also be considered before finalizing fertility treatment plans.
Is the Parryscope approach right for you?
If you are interested in learning more about testing your fertility, call us or contact us online to schedule an appointment. Dr. Parry can discuss balancing the risks and benefits relative to other approaches of diagnosing infertility and whether the Parryscope approach is right for you.
For an appointment, contact us online or call 888-4PR-SCPE (477-7273)
Related Resources