Tests for men
The testicles must create enough healthy sperm, and the sperm must be ejaculated effectively into the vagina and go to the egg in order for male fertility to be achieved. Male infertility tests are used to see if any of these systems are dysfunctional.
A male has to go through a general physical exam, including examination of the genitals. The following fertility tests may be performed:
- Semen analysis: One or more sperm samples may be requested by your doctor. Masturbation or pausing intercourse and ejaculating your semen into a clean container are the most common methods for obtaining sperm. Your sperm is tested at a laboratory. The presence of sperm in the urine may be evaluated in some cases.
- Hormone testing: A blood test may be performed to detect your testosterone and other male hormone levels.
- Imaging: Imaging procedures such as a brain MRI, transrectal or scrotal ultrasonography, or a test of the vas deferens (vasography) may be used in some cases.
- Genetic testing: Genetic testing may be performed to identify if infertility is caused by a genetic problem.
- Testicular biopsy: A testicular biopsy may be conducted in some circumstances to uncover anomalies that contribute to infertility or to harvest sperm for assisted reproductive procedures like IVF.
- Other specialty testing: Other tests to check the quality of the sperm, such as examining a semen specimen for DNA fragmentation, may be conducted in some conditions such as unexplained infertility or miscarriages.
Tests for women
Women’s fertility is dependent on their ovaries producing healthy eggs. The reproductive tract must allow an egg to move through the fallopian tubes and fertilise with sperm. The fertilised egg must make its way to the uterus and implant itself in the lining. Female infertility tests look to see if any of these functions are failing.
You may be subjected to a general physical examination, which may include a gynaecological examination. Tests for fertility may include:
You may be subjected to a general physical examination, which may include a gynaecological examination. Tests for fertility may include:
- Ovarian reserve testing: The quantity of eggs available for ovulation is determined by this test. Hormone testing early in the menstrual cycle is a common first step in this method.
- Ovulation detection: Ovulation can be detected using a number of methods, including LH urine test kits, transvaginal ultrasound, endometrial biopsies, hormone blood tests, and the basal body temperature (BBT) chart.
- Hormone testing: Other hormone tests look at ovulatory hormones and pituitary hormones like TSH and prolactin, which regulate reproductive activities. Prolactin is a hormone that regulates the amount of prolactin in the body. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in the blood are measured by this test.
- Imaging tests: Ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries is used to detect uterine or ovarian illness. A sonohysterogram, also known as a saline infusion sonogram, is sometimes used to examine details inside the uterus that a normal ultrasound cannot reveal. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is another fertility test recommended to examine congenital uterine anomalies, uterine scar tissue, fibroid tumors or polyps.
- Genetic testing: Infertility testing also involves genetic tests such as karyotyping, PGT or DNA sequencing of specific genes for women with unexplained infertility concerns.
Depending on the situation, a patient may be subjected to the following tests:
- Hysteroscopy: Your doctor may recommend a hysteroscopy to test for uterine disease based on your symptoms. Your doctor will put a small, lighted instrument through your cervix into your uterus to view any potential abnormalities during the procedure.
- Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy involves making a small incision behind your navel and inserting a thin viewing equipment to examine your fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus is all part of this minimally invasive procedure. Endometriosis, scarring, blockages or abnormalities of the fallopian tubes, and problems with the ovaries and uterus can all be detected with a laparoscopy.
Before the cause of infertility is diagnosed, not everyone needs all, or even many, of these tests. You and your doctor will select which tests to have and when they will be done.
Tags: Fertility Investigations
