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Tests for Infertility


Most couples visit their doctor if their attempts at getting pregnant have been unsuccessful over a period of time. For women over 35, it may be better to visit your GP within 6 months of trying to get pregnant. To reach a diagnosis of infertility, a general physical check up and preliminary assessments will be carried out at first. Your doctor will need information about your sexual habits and past medical history, followed by more detailed tests for infertility. Keep in mind that evaluation and treatment of infertility is very often not covered by insurance and the expenses of the same can be prohibitive.

Tests for infertility includes:

  • Semen Analysis: To check for sperm quality, quantity and motility
  • Blood Test: To check hormone levels. A blood test will also indicate whether a woman is ovulating
  • Ultrasound Test: For men, an ultrasound will determine if there are any blockages or abnormalities in the ejaculatory ducts. For women a pelvic ultrasound will check for abnormalities in the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
  • Tests for Sexually Transmitted Diseases: STDs such as Chlamydia can affect fertility and will require antibiotics for treatment
  • Hysterosalpingography: This is a test for women used to show any blockages in the uterus or fallopian tubes
  • Laparoscopy: A laparoscopy may be recommended to investigate the female reproductive organs closely. Conditions such as endometriosis, blockages, scarring and other abnormalities will show up in a laparoscopy
  • Ovarianreserve Testing: To determine how viable the eggs are after ovulation
  • Genetic Testing: To check if any genetic disorder is causing the infertility
  • Thyroid Function Test: Several cases of infertility can be traced back to problems with thyroid functioning. Doing this test will indicate if your thyroid is performing normally

Signs & Symptoms
Treatments
References
  1. W Weidner, G.M Colpi, T.B Hargreave, G.K Papp, J.M Pomerol, The EAU Working Group on Male Infertility, EAU Guidelines on Male Infertility, European Urology, Volume 42, Issue 4, October 2002, Pages 313-322, ISSN 0302-2838, 10.1016/S0302-283
  2. Petra De Sutter, Rational diagnosis and treatment in infertility, Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Volume 20, Issue 5, October 2006, Pages 647-664, ISSN 1521-6934, 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2006.04.005.
  3. Vicki Denson, Diagnosis and Management of Infertility, The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, Volume 2, Issue 6, June 2006, Pages 380-386, ISSN 1555-4155, 10.1016/j.nurpra.2006.03.019.