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Fertility Testing

If you and your partner intend to have a baby and have been trying for long without any successful results, it is high time you get an infertility test done. There are a lot of taboos related to infertility and most of the people avoid talking about the topic, let alone seek help. Some even rule the possibility of being infertile without even going for proper evaluation and screening. We, at Zeeva, understand your concerns and this is the reason why we adhere to strict benchmarks when it comes to patient privacy and confidentiality. So if you are wondering if you should consider a Fertility test, give a break to your thoughts and consult our experts.

Fertility test is a blanket term used for a series of tests that are performed to assess a person's Fertility and also to find a fertile window in case of women. The test is usually prescribed when you are not able to conceive even after a year of regular unprotected sex. If the female partner is more than 35 years of age then the time limit is reduced to half, i.e. 6 months. Studies have shown that nearly 80 per cent of the couples, where the female partner is less than 40 years of age, are able to conceive naturally within a year of regular unprotected sex, which means having sex every two to three days without using contraception.

Nurses

When should you go for Fertility testing?

It is pertinent to note that not being able to get pregnant in the first year may not always mean that you have some Fertility problem. Some couples may even conceive in the second year. If you are young and healthy and haven't been trying for a baby for long, doctors may recommend you to try a bit longer. However, you should definitely opt for Fertility testing if:

  • You are a woman above 35 years of age, as age alleviates your chances of conceiving.
  • You have any underlying medical condition that might interfere with your ability to reproduce.

What happens during the test?

It is highly recommended that both the partners go to see a doctor together. The test starts with an interactive session with the doctor where he/she may ask certain questions about your general lifestyle and medical history, i.e.

  • Whether you are suffering from any chronic disease or disorder?
  • Whether you are on any medication?
  • Whether you've had a previous pregnancy?
  • Whether you are addicted to smoking, alcohol or substance abuse?
  • Whether you are constantly in contact with harmful chemicals and toxins?

This is followed by questions about your sex life, such as:

  • How frequently you have sex?
  • Have you ever used birth control pills?
  • Are you suffering from any sexually transmitted disease?
  • Do you experience any problems during or after having sex?
  • Is there any irregularity in your menstruation cycles?

Since the reproductive mechanisms of both the partners are completely different, there are distinct sets of Fertility tests for males and females. The question and answer session is followed by proper physical evaluation, BMI calculation and appropriate tests, which include:

Fertility tests for the female partner

  • Sonogram- Commonly known as ultrasound, it is an imaging technique that uses sound waves instead of radiations to examine the pelvic area. It helps to detect and assess problems like structural abnormalities in the uterus, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids etc.
  • Blood tests- Also known as blood hormone tests, these are carried out at different stages of the menstruation cycle to evaluate the hormone levels in the blood. Doctors usually check for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone and prolactin. The test also helps to determine whether the female is producing healthy eggs.
  • Ovarian reserve test- This includes simple blood tests and ultrasound scans that help to assess the quality and quantity of the eggs present in the ovaries. It is usually recommended for women who are at a higher risk of egg depletion, which include.
Nurses working at desk
 
Nurses working at desk

1. Unexplained infertility
2. Age (above 35 years)
3. Family history of premature menopause
4. History of reproductive surgery
5. History of chemotherapy

  • Laparoscopy- It is a minimally invasive procedure wherein tiny surgical instruments and a camera is introduced inside the body by making a small incision beneath the navel. This helps the doctors to have a look at your fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus, without actually accessing them. Laparoscopy can also help to detect problems like endometriosis, scarring, blockage, structural irregularities etc.
  • Sonohysterogram- It is carried out by filling the uterine cavity with a saline solution and using transvaginal ultrasound technique to capture clear images of the uterus for detecting lesions, fibroids and other abnormalities.
  • Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) - Also known as uterosalpingography, it involves the use of x-ray techniques to examine the shape and patency of the fallopian tubes and the uterine cavity.
 

Fertility tests for the male partner

Semen analysis- This involves the collection of the semen sample, which can be provided by ejaculating in a special container, and examining it in a laboratory to determine any abnormality in the morphology and motility of the sperms as well as to detect any infections. Since the sperm count can vary from specimen to specimen, the test may be repeated several times for precise results. Typically, a good semen analysis from a good andrology lab is sufficient to evaluate male Fertility along with confirming no problems in intercourse, however, in case of an abnormality in any of these the below mentioned tests may be recommended to you by the doctor.

  • Scrotal ultrasound- It involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to detect varicocele and other problems related to the testicles and surrounding structures.
  • Post-ejaculation urinalysis- Urine sample is collected when you are about to ejaculate and examined for the traces of sperm. The test is done to determine retrograde
  • Genetic tests- It involves the examination of the blood sample to determine any change or abnormality in the Y chromosomes as well as to diagnose various congenital or inherited syndromes.
  • Sperm function tests- This involves a series of tests to check whether the sperms are healthy enough to penetrate the egg and how long they survive after ejaculation.
  • Prostate sonogram- Also known as transrectal ultrasound, the procedure involves the use of a transducer or probe to examine the prostate and surrounding tissues.

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