Investigations of Infertility - Introduction

Investigation of infertility is done on the basis of your health condition. You will be advised to undergo particular tests based on the medical problems that you are facing which can be the probable cause of your infertility. Read more about it.Infertility can be caused due to various reasons. In order to treat the problem of infertility tests are done with reference to underlying problems causing infertility in females. Here is how infertility is investigated. In this articleHormone Essay TestTubal Patency TestOvulation TestLaparoscopy and HysteroscopyInvestigation of Infertility in MalesSemen AnalysisTransrectal UltrasoundHormone TestSpecialised Sperm TestingInvestigation of Infertility in FemalesHave a quick look at some of the tests that are carried out to investigate the problem of infertility in females.Hormone Essay Test Infertility investigations and management do not follow a rigid schedule of tests and procedures. You will only be asked to undergo those tests and procedures that have a bearing on your particular case. For example, if your periods have stopped, (amenorrhoea) you will be required to do tests that measure the levels of certain hormones in your body (hormone assays).Tubal Patency TestIf you have a history suggesting that your tubes may be blocked, then a tubal patency test will be required as a preliminary investigation. There are also cases where treatment can be started at your first visit to the clinic and you may return pregnant before any actual investigations have been set in motion.Ovulation TestOvulation problems are one of the common and primary reasons for infertility in many females. While investigating infertility, ovulation test may the first test recommended by most of the infertility specialists. For detecting ovulation problems, your doctor may recommend using an ovulation test kit to check if you are ovulating normally. Your progesterone levels may also be checked through a blood test, which will be done a week after your ovulate. Your doctor may also ask you to undergo an ultrasound to check follicle growth and the lining of your uterus to determine if there is any problem. Your doctor may also asses your ovarian reserve.Laparoscopy and HysteroscopyLaparoscopy is surgical procedure that is carried out by doing and incision on the umbilicus and inserting laparoscope to check if there are abnormalities that are causing infertility in females. Hysteroscopy is done by inserting a hysteroscope in the vagina to check for any abnormalities that are responsible for infertility in females.Investigation of Infertility in MalesPhysical examination is done and medical history is checked before performing any test. During such examination, doctors ask questions related to sexual health and any other illnesses, diseases and injuries that may affect fertility. Let us take a look at the tests that may be carried out to investigate infertility in males. Semen AnalysisSemen analysis is one of the important and primary tests that are done to determine if there is a problem of infertility in a male. Various factors like sperm count, mobility of sperm, shape of the sperm etc; are examined. The semen sample is taken and sent to the laboratory for analysis. This test is also done to check if there is any infection. In order to get accurate results semen analysis is done quite a lot of times. Transrectal UltrasoundThis test is performed in order to determine if there is any blockage in the tubes carrying semen.Hormone TestBlood test is done in order to check if there any abnormalities in hormone and they are functioning normally.Specialised Sperm TestingThis test is performed to access the ability of the sperm to stay alive after the ejaculation takes place and it’s capability of fertilising an egg.There are several other tests done to investigate infertility in males like genetic testing in case of low concentration of sperm, testicular biopsy to check the problem in sperm motility, post-ejaculation urinalysis to check if the sperm is transported back to the bladder etc.There is no need to worry even if any problem is detected. Due to the advancement in assisted reproductive techniques it is possible to conceive even if there are several infertility problems.