Infertility – Know About The Available Medical Tests

Infertility! It is one of the soaring problems faced by young couples these days. It has been said that one in every six couples is prone to be a victim of infertility, and there is infertility treatment available.

If you have been trying to get pregnant for a long time, like a year or more and you are having a problem in conceiving, you must see your doctor. You will have to get a general overview of the process, from testing to treatment and also reasons for female infertility. The female infertility treatment is often preceded and followed by a variety of medical tests. Being aware of the available female infertility test and diagnosis for infertility can help you make decisions and take a right action on time before it is too late.

Once you have finalized to carry out tests for infertility, you must be aware of the female infertility symptoms and patience required for all these procedures. Your doctor will need to determine what your sexual habits are and may make recommendations about changing them. You must be free, frank and open while communicating with your doctor. The trial period of tests, diagnosis of male and female infertility and treatment may extend over months. Evaluation can be expensive and in some cases it may involve uncomfortable procedures. Many medical plans may not reimburse the cost of infertility treatment.

Here is a brief information on what kind of tests to expect.

Tests for Male Infertility

For a man to be fertile, the testicles must produce enough healthy sperm, and the sperm must be ejaculated effectively into the woman’s vagina and be able to travel to the egg. The male infertility treatment attempts to determine whether any of these processes are impaired. You may have a general physical exam, which includes an examination of your genitals.

Specific male infertility test may include:

1. Semen Analysis:

Your doctor may ask for one or more semen specimens. Semen is obtained by masturbating or by interrupting intercourse and ejaculating your semen into a clean container. A laboratory analyzes your semen specimen for the health of sperm and semen fluid, then analyzes symptoms of male infertility.

2. Hormone Testing:

A blood test to determine the level of testosterone and other male hormones is common in causes of male infertility.

3. Trans-rectal and Scrotal Ultrasound:

Ultrasound can help your doctor look for evidence of conditions such as retrograde ejaculation and ejaculatory duct obstruction.

4. Genetic Testing:

Genetic testing may be done to determine whether there’s a genetic defect causing infertility.

Tests for Female Infertility

In order to conceive and get pregnant, a woman’s ovaries must release healthy eggs for the male sperm to fertilize it. The uterus, ovaries and Fallopian tubes must be healthy and working properly.

Now if you are facing problem of infertility, your gynecologist may order certain tests that will determine if any of these processes are impaired. Which test will be right for you will be based on your medical history and any symptoms you may be experiencing? You will have to go through a general physical exam which includes a regular gynecological exam.

Specific fertility tests may include:

1. Ovulation Testing:

A blood test is performed to measure hormone levels to determine whether you’re ovulating, if you have not had positive home ovulation tests.

2. Hysterosalpingography:

Hysterosalpingography (his-tur-o-sal-ping-GOG-ruh-fee) evaluates the condition of your uterus and fallopian tubes. X-ray contrast is injected into your uterus, and an X-ray is taken to determine if the cavity is normal and ensure the fluid spills out of your fallopian tubes. Blockage or other problems often can be located.

3. Ovarian Reserve Testing:

This testing helps determine the quality and quantity of the eggs available for ovulation. This approach often begins with hormone testing early in the menstrual cycle.

5. Other Hormone Testing:

Other hormone tests will check the levels of ovulatory hormones, as well as thyroid and pituitary hormones that control reproductive processes.

6. Imaging Tests:

Pelvic ultrasound looks for uterine or fallopian tube disease. Sometimes a hysterosonography (his-tur-o-suh-NOG-ruh-fee) is used to see details inside the uterus that are not visible on a regular ultrasound.

Depending on your situation, your testing may include the following, but these are in rare cases:

7. Other Imaging Tests:

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may request a hysteroscopy to look for uterine or fallopian tube disease.

8. Laparoscopy:

This minimally invasive surgery involves making a small incision beneath your navel and inserting a thin viewing device to examine your fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. Laparoscopy may identify endometriosis, scarring, blockages or irregularities of the fallopian tubes, and problems with the ovaries and uterus.

9. Genetic Testing:

Genetic testing helps determine whether there’s a genetic defect causing infertility. You may need to have all, or even many of these tests to diagnose the cause of your infertility. Which tests need to done and their sequence depends on discussion and agreement between you and your doctor.

In case of minor problems, like hormonal problems, etc. simple few ways to boost your fertility may be suggested. Natural supplements like evening primrose oil and coenzyme q10 are good to enhance your chances of fertility. In some cases, it may be difficult to find a specific cause. Finally, there’s no guarantee even after all the testing and counseling that conception will occur. In such cases, you may have to opt for any of the available infertility treatments.

Have you gone for any of the infertility tests? Which of them have proved helpful to you? Please share with us in the comment below to help our readers.