Infertility Tests
Why undergo Infertility Tests?
To help us find out the reasons behind our failed attempts to become pregnant, infertility tests are to be performed. These tests will include your general history or background, physical examination, semen analysis, blood tests and a number of special procedures. Your reproductive specialist will encourage you to try fertility awareness methods wherein we learn to understand the ovulation process and the best time to become pregnant.
These infertility tests are often suggested if a couple is experiencing physical problem pertaining to ejaculation and ovulation; has had unprotected sexual intercourse for over six months and conception has not occurred; or if a series of attempted pregnancies have resulted to miscarriage.
It may take a number of infertility tests before a cause can be determined, and they also offer no assurance that infertility may be cured. As these tests come in dozens, it is important to consider the affordability of the procedures. You and your partner should discuss the amount of testing both of you would want to partake in, and be ready for the amount of effort, commitment and money that will be involved.
Infertility Tests for Women
Fertility evaluations for women are recommended for women, four of these are the basics identified as: Hormonal evaluation; X-ray of uterus and fallopian tubes; post-coital examination and transvaginal ultrasound of the pelvis.
Hormonal evaluations are done to measure hormone levels and identify any problems in the ovulation process. Blood and urine tests will also be performed to check your LH (Luteinizing hormone) and progesterone levels. These kinds of tests will also be done to check on thyroid and pituitary hormones.
Another infertility test via hormonal testing used to evaluate the egg quality and the smoothness of the ovulation process is the Ovarian Reserve Testing. This kind of testing is done to determine effectiveness of eggs after ovulation.
Physical examinations including Pelvic examination and Pap Smear will also be performed. These are to evaluate the condition of the uterus. Another thorough examination called Hysterosalpingography evaluates the condition of both your uterus and fallopian tubes. This procedure involves the injection of fluid into the uterus and an X-ray is performed on the uterus, to determine if there is a presence of blockages that causes failed ovulation.
Laparoscopy is another procedure that is used to test the condition of the uterus. Unlike other procedures, Laparoscopy involves the use of general anesthesia wherein a thin viewing device will be inserted into your abdomen and pelvis to check on your fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries.
Infertility Tests for Men
There are also four basic tests for the male partners who have normal reproductive function: Semen Analysis which include sperm count and sperm quality evaluation; General Physical examination; Hormone testing and Transrectal and scrotal ultrasound.
As with women, general physical evaluation will be done. Genitals examination, medical history evaluation including current ailments and medications and sexual habits will be done. Once various infertility causes have been ruled out after this exam, males will be subjected to semen analysis wherein sperm quality will be evaluated.
Semen Analysis will involve one or multiple semen samples to be analyzed for quantity, color, and presence of infections and blood. From these tests, sperm count, motility (movement) and shape will be examined.
Hormonal Testing for men will be done by your medical adviser. Testosterone and multiple hormones control sperm production and to test the hormonal levels will pinpoint the specific causes of male infertility.
The Transrectal and Scrotal Ultrasound will identify the problem of getting sperm across for conception. Most men don’t have problems in producing sperm, however blockages may be present and abnormal sperm flow may be due to retrograde ejaculation, absence of vas deferens and blockages, and Anti-sperm antibodies.
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for over six months and think you may be suffering from infertility, it is best to speak with your medical adviser about the condition. Getting a thorough understanding on infertility could help us decide on the following courses of actions to take. A number of treatments and medical innovations are now available to help us overcome infertility and it is important that we find the best option for us.
