Fertility problems in a couple can be caused by one or both partners’ inability to conceive, so when seeking medical help, you will both undergo diagnostic tests for infertility which will help determine the cause of your problem. First of all you should know that these tests may in some cases involve uncomfortable procedures and may extend over a longer period of time. Claim Your 20 Free Pregnancy Tests – Click Here
Expect to be asked all kinds of questions about your private life, so choose a doctor you can be comfortable with in sharing such details. The three most relevant tests for male infertility include the following.
Semen analysis is the most simple and cost-effective test for male infertility. The semen specimen will be analyzed for semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility and morphology.
Your doctor will ask for a blood test, to determine the level of testosterone and other male hormones which play a major role in the correct functioning of your reproductive system. Detecting these hormones is important to ascertain what may be the cause of his infertility.
A scrotal ultrasound will help your doctor look for evidence of ejaculatory duct obstruction, an underlying cause that accounts for 1-5% of male infertility.
Here are the most common diagnostic tests to diagnose infertility in women.
There are several blood tests that will be done to measure levels of hormones produced by the thyroid gland as well as by the pituitary gland, hormones which are linked to ovulation. The hormones tested for are levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone, and luteinizing hormone (LH). Imbalanced levels of any of these hormones can affect fertility and cause difficulties conceiving.
Hysterosalpingography is a radiologic procedure meant to investigate the shape of your fallopian tubes and your uterine cavity. A fluid will be injected into your uterus and, using an X-ray machine, your doctor will determine if the cavity is normal and if the fluid progresses through the fallopian tubes. Any blockage can be located and corrected with surgery.
Hysteroscopy is an operative procedure that may be used to determine the functional status of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. During this procedure, a hysteroscope (an endoscope that carries optical and light channels or fibers) is inserted trans-vaginally into the uterine cavity allowing the doctor to perform an inspection.
Laparoscopy is a medical procedure that is performed under general anesthesia, and involves a small incision beneath the woman’s navel, through which a viewing device is inserted to examine the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. The advantage of laparoscopy is its accuracy in diagnosing infertility conditions and may be performed following an abnormal hysterosalpingogram or hysteroscopy.
These are specific diagnostic tests for infertility and, based on your medical history, your doctor will decide which test is right for you.
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