- February 16, 2025
Pregnancy can be a beautiful experience for a couple. However, if you are unable to conceive after a year of trying, a medical evaluation becomes necessary to identify the underlying causes and potential treatment. A comprehensive infertility diagnosis is conducted on both the man and the woman, as fertility challenges can be caused by either or both parties. But how is it evaluated?
In this blog, we will explain the common tests doctors perform to identify the underlying issues. We will also help you to overcome the psychological challenges that come with it and explain your opinions.
A] Tests For Identifying Causes of Infertility In Females
- Ovulation Test: An ovulation test is a blood test done to detect a hormone called progesterone. Progesterone is produced after ovulation and helps to detect if and when the woman is ovulating. This test can help to determine the ovulating days if the woman is experiencing irregular menstruation.
- Hysterosalpingography: Hysterosalpingography is an x-ray done to assess the health of the uterus and fallopian tube. The doctors will also look for blockage in the fallopian tube and abnormalities in the uterine cavity like fibroids, polyps, or uterine septum. The procedure is usually done after menstruation ends to ensure the patient is not pregnant.
- Ovarian Reserve Testing: Ovarian reserve testing uses a combination of blood tests and ultrasound. This test helps the doctor measure how many eggs are present in the woman’s ovaries. The blood test checks for anti-Müllerian and follicle-stimulating hormones. Ultrasound is used to determine how many follicles release eggs.
- Imaging Test: Imaging tests like ultrasound and MRI are used to check for diseases relating to the uterus and ovaries. Imaging tests help doctors to see organs clearly and identify problems by visual inspection. Imaging tests help to accurately diagnose problems like uterine fibroids, fallopian tube blockages, and ovarian cysts.
Thyroid Function and Other Hormone Tests: Hormonal problems like thyroid imbalance can cause female infertility. Doctors conduct a blood test that checks pituitary and thyroid hormones. This helps to identify the root cause of infertility.
B] Test For Identifying Causes Of Infertility In Males
- Semen Analysis: During the first visit, the doctor will ask for a sample of the male’s semen. The sample will be sent to a laboratory to check for the quantity and quality of sperm, the shape of the sperm, and sperm motility. The doctor may conduct two to three sperm analyses to find out the average result.
- Hormone Test: Male fertility hormones like testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), prolactin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone are often tested to see if they are at healthy levels. A disbalance in hormones or glands is a prime contributor to infertility. Doctors conduct blood tests to check for these hormones.
- Genetic Testing: Genetics can also be critical in low fertility and sperm count. Doctors use blood tests to look for abnormalities in the Y chromosome, which can indicate a genetic factor. Genetic testing can also identify congenital problems like cystic fibrosis, which can cause infertility.
- Testicular Biopsy: The doctors take a small sample of the testicle tissues to test it in a lab. This can help to determine if the lack of sperm is caused by a blockage in the reproductive tract or lack of production. This technique may also be used to retrieve sperm for assisted conception like IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation).
Imaging: Imaging tests like MRI and ultrasound are often done to identify defects in hormonal glands, the scrotum, and other reproductive organs. Imaging may also be suggested if doctors suspect a tumour in the pituitary gland that increases prolactin production and suppresses sperm production.
C] How To Address The Physiological and Psychological Challenges Of Infertility Tests?
Infertility tests can often induce physiological and psychological stress on the couple. The stigma around infertility can lead to self-hatred, depression, and anxiety. If you are struggling with these problems, reach out to us for advice. Open communication with your partner and couples counselling can also help. Remember, infertility tests are a way towards a solution.
During your consultation, you need to be physically and emotionally prepared. Follow the doctor’s guidelines before your visit to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Women may require tracking ovulation and menstruation before the diagnosis. And men will be required to abstain from ejaculation for about a week before the sample is taken.
D] Infertility Treatments Available At Nurturing Petals
- Follicular Monitoring: We use ultrasound to monitor the development of follicles and pinpoint when ovulation occurs. This helps to maximise the chances of conceiving.
- Ovulation Induction: We induce ovulation using medications if the woman is experiencing irregular ovulation. Ovulation induction is a popular treatment for conditions like PCOS.
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): IUI directly places the sperm into the uterus during ovulation. This is recommended for couples experiencing mild male infertility.
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): IVF helps to tackle problems like blocked fallopian tubes and advanced maternal age by fertilising the eggs outside the body in a laboratory.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): If the couple is diagnosed with male infertility, ICSI can help to improve the chances of conceiving by injecting sperm directly into the egg.
Conclusion
Infertility tests can help couples who are struggling to conceive find the root cause of their problem. Tests like ovulation testing, hysterosalpingography, and ovarian reserve testing can help to identify infertility problems in women. And tests like semen analysis, genetic testing, and testicular biopsy help to identify infertility in men. We use these tests to accurately diagnose the root cause of infertility and create tailored treatment programs.
If you are facing such problems, visit our fertility clinic in Andheri today!
Also Read: Frequency of sexual intercourse in couples trying to conceive?
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