Infertility assessment is the process of evaluating individuals or couples who are having difficulty conceiving a child. It involves a comprehensive series of medical evaluations and tests to identify potential causes of infertility.
Everything You Need to Know About Infertility Assessment.
Infertility Assessment for Male
Infertility is a serious condition, and both men and women can suffer from it. Low sperm count, poor sperm quality as well as pre-existing medical conditions are some of the reasons behind infertility. Various assessments are there that help in detecting the reason behind failed pregnancies. Your partner must opt for these tests if both of you are facing issues in your sexual life.
- Medical history: Medical history is one of the most important reasons behind male infertility. Doctors will ask about your partner’s sexual habits. For example, knowledge about the correct timing of intercourse, usage of lubricants, etc.
Apart from that, childhood history like precocious puberty, STDs, urinary tract infections, etc. If your partner has diabetes or pulmonary infections, then he must talk about it with the doctor.
- Physical Examination: A thorough examination focusing on the genital area and secondary sexual characteristics can provide clues to hormonal imbalances or physical abnormalities.
- Semen Analysis: This is a fundamental test where a sample of semen is analyzed in a lab to assess various parameters such as sperm count, motility (movement), morphology (shape), and volume.
- Hormone Testing: Blood tests may be conducted to measure hormone levels, such as testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin. These tests can help identify hormonal imbalances that may contribute to infertility.
- Genetic Testing: Genetic testing may be recommended to identify any genetic abnormalities that could affect fertility.
Infertility Assessment for Female
Most infertility specialists ask to take tests in case you are suffering from failed pregnancies. The test is useful in detecting whether you have any infertility issues. At times, even if you have proper menstrual cycles and a healthy weight, miscarriages happen. Due to this reason, it is best to take infertility tests, as it will help you to determine the underlying issues.
- Medical history: A detailed history includes questions about menstrual cycles, past pregnancies, contraceptive use, pelvic infections, surgeries, and any relevant family history of infertility or reproductive disorders.
- Physical Examination: A thorough examination focusing on the reproductive organs, breasts, and signs of hormonal imbalances or structural abnormalities.
- Ovulation Assessment: This may involve tracking menstrual cycles and basal body temperature charts to assess regularity and timing of ovulation. Ovulation predictor kits and blood tests for hormone levels (e.g., progesterone) may also be used.
- Hormone Testing: Blood tests to measure levels of hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, thyroid hormones, and prolactin. These tests help evaluate ovarian function and identify any hormonal imbalances.
- Ovarian Reserve Testing: Tests such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and antral follicle count via ultrasound provide an estimate of a woman's remaining egg supply and ovarian function.
- Pelvic Ultrasound: This imaging test may be performed to assess the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes for any structural abnormalities, ovarian cysts, fibroids, or signs of endometriosis.
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG): A specialized X-ray procedure where dye is injected into the uterus and fallopian tubes to detect any blockages or abnormalities in the fallopian tubes and uterine cavity.
- Laparoscopy: In some cases, a surgical procedure may be recommended to directly visualize the reproductive organs, diagnose conditions like endometriosis, and treat any identified abnormalities.
- Genetic Testing: Screening for genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities that may affect fertility, especially if there is a family history or suspected genetic condition.
