If you and your partner are trying to have a baby for more than one year but not able to have a baby, you may need to consider having a fertility test. There are a number of tests to check the fertility.
Fertility tests are the best way to determine whether you are infertile and also to identify the cause for infertility. By identifying the cause of infertility, it can be treated and you can have the best chances of getting pregnant.
When Do I Need a Fertility Test?
You do not need to worry if it takes up to one year to get pregnant. But, if you are trying to have a baby for more than a year and if it didn’t work, you need to talk to a doctor about fertility testing. If you are more than 35 years old, you need to get a fertility test after 6 months of trying to become pregnant.
In addition to this, a few health conditions can affect your pregnancy. If you have any of the following conditions, you need to undergo a fertility test within a year of trying to get pregnant:
- Repeated miscarriages
- Irregular periods
- Thyroid problems
- Reproductive system problems of uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries
- Pelvic inflammatory diseases
- If your partner is suspected to have male infertility
- Ectopic pregnancy
Fertility Tests for Women
In women, fertility is based on the healthy eggs released by the ovaries. Then, the eggs should be passed through the fallopian tubes and combine with sperm for fertilisation. The fertilised eggs again need to travel to the uterus to implant in the lining.
The following fertility tests for women are conducted to determine if any there is any problem with these processes.
Ovulation test: A blood test is conducted to determine the hormone levels in your body and to know whether you are ovulating or not.
Hysterosalpingogram: This test is conducted to check if the fallopian tubes are open or blocked and also to know the condition of the uterus.
Endometrial Biopsy: This test identifies if you have any hormonal imbalances that can prevent you from sustaining a pregnancy. It also checks the levels of ovulatory and pituatary hormones that control the reproductive process.
Ultrasound scan: Ultrasound is performed to check womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. It helps to check the health of the ovaries. In a few cases, saline infusion sonogram is used to view the uterus in detail, which is not possible with a normal ultrasound scan.
Hysteroscopy: Depending on your situation, if your doctor suspects any uterus disease, this test is performed.
Laparoscopy: This is an invasive surgery and is performed only when the symptoms show up endometriosis. During this surgery, a small incision is made beneath the navel to examine fallopian tubes for any blockages and also to determine any problems with uterus and ovaries.
You do not need to undergo all the above mentioned tests to identify the cause of infertility. Your doctor decides which tests you need to have.
Fertility Tests for Men
In men, fertility involves the production of healthy sperms and the sperms ejaculation into the vagina effectively and then travelling to eggs. Male fertility tests are used to determine if there is any problem with these processes. The tests include:
Semen test: The man needs to provide a semen sample for evaluation. The semen is analysed in the lab and in some cases, urine may be used for the test.
Hormone test: This test is used to determine the levels of testosterone and other male hormones.
Genetic test: This test is used to determine if there is any genetic problem that can cause infertility.
Testicular biopsy: This is a minor surgical procedure used to identify any problems related to infertility or to collect sperm for other reproductive methods.
Vasography: It is a specialised X-ray used to identify any obstructions in the male reproductive organs.
How Infertility is Treated?
After completing the required tests, you need to visit your gynaecologist to discuss the results, further tests, treatment and other steps that need to be taken. The treatment is based on the cause of infertility. In a few cases, only one partner needs to undergo treatment whereas in other cases, both the partners need to undergo treatments.
The treatment methods usually include medicines, lifestyle changes, hormone therapies or surgical procedures. Fertility treatments such as IVF and IUI are also suggested if there is a problem with eggs or sperms.
To know more about infertility or treatment methods, visit Angels fertility Centre right away!