Infertility is a sensitive issue for most people and many couples shy away from getting themselves tested or consulting a fertility doctor even if they have been struggling to conceive for a while. Contrary to popular belief, infertility is not just a female problem. Male infertility comprises a significant percentage of infertility cases.
There are a number of steps to diagnose infertility and find out the underlying causes. The fertility specialist can suggest specific tests only after studying a detailed medical and reproductive history of both partners. This is usually followed by a thorough physical examination and preferably a vaginal ultrasound.
- Female Fertility Testing
- Blood Tests
Blood Tests
A set of blood tests can be suggested to check for general health, hormonal tests to ascertain the ovarian reserve status and to rule out certain hormonal disturbances leading on to infertility and also specific tests to know the underlying causes of recurrent pregnancy loss if any.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound is done to assess uterus, ovaries and adnexa. This modality helps in ruling out uterine abnormalities like malformations of the uterus, fibroids, adenomyosis, endometrial polyps etc. Certain ovarian pathologies like cysts/polycystic ovaries and ovarian reserve testing through antral follicle count can also be done.
Hysterosalpingography
Hysterosalpingography is a test that examines the uterus and fallopian tubes and reports on any uterine malformations and the presence of any blockages in the fallopian tubes.
Male Fertility Testing
Male fertility testing can be initiated with a general physical exam by an Andrologist or an urologist.
Semen Analysis
Semen Analysis usually the most common fertility test as almost 40% of couples struggle with infertility due to poor sperm quantity, quality or motility.
Hormone testing
Harmon testing may be carried out to ascertain the causes leading on to poor sperm parameters.
Ultrasound examination
Ultrasound examination is another important tool of investigation in male infertility.
Fertility tests help in early diagnosis and treatment so as to achieve conception at the earliest. I hope you have found this article informative. As a part of the ‘World Infertility Awareness Month, we at Manipal Fertility are on a mission to create further awareness throughout this month. If you have any queries, feel free to call us on 1800 208 44 44 or mail your query to [email protected]
