Doctors often use several tests designed to measure a woman’s fertility levels.
Women, especially those under age 35, may be stricken with some type of fertility issue if they have been attempting to conceive for anywhere from six months to a full year to no avail. In such instances, a physician or fertility expert might order one or more of the following diagnostic tests that might help determine what the underlying problem is.
Specific Fertility Investigation Examinations for Women
There are quite a few tests that can be done to calculate your fertility:
Blood Tests – Diminished blood concentrations of sexual and reproductive hormones such as estrogen, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) could indicate the presence of numerous infertility-inducing ailments. Many blood examinations are conducted during a woman’s menstrual cycle and can provide crucial information such as the quantity and strength of the eggs her body is producing.
Ovarian Reserve Test – This diagnostic tool measures the number of eggs produced inside a woman’s ovary. A limited number of produced eggs might indicate any number of significant reproductive issues. However, scientists and other reproductive specialists opine that while quantity is important, egg quality could be of greater significance. Women with a decreased egg count can still become pregnant, and those with normal or excessive counts might struggle with infertility. Thus, healthcare professionals believe that ovarian reserve is not always a completely accurate indicator.
Vaginal Ultrasound – During this diagnostic test, a physician uses an ultrasound machine, which uses sound waves to capture images of the vaginal region. Some physicians and reproductive specialists claim that this type of examination might prove more beneficial than egg or blood testing because such action enables medical professionals to obtain a look inside the reproductive tract and see what events are transpiring. In turn, fertility-threatening ailments like cysts, fibroids, damage and even malignancies can be seen, and prompt treatment protocols can be initiated.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) – This examination is performed using an X-ray. Before X-ray images are captured, a dye is injected into the recipient’s fallopian tubes. Then, the captured images will reveal any abnormalities, such as blockages or damage, within the structures. Fallopian tube obstruction can be a significant hindrance to proper and timely egg fertilization.
Pelvic Examination – During this test, a doctor will closely examine the reproductive organs contained inside the pelvic region for any disease or structural abnormality.
Lifestyle Questions – In certain cases, infertility issues may be caused by lifestyle choices. When performing any type of fertility test, the physician in question might also ask whether a woman smokes, drinks alcohol excessively, resides or works in an environment laden with allergens or toxins or frequently ingests any over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Male Fertility Tests
Fertility experts estimate that as many as 50 percent of all infertility cases can be traced back to some type of male reproductive issue. The most common male problem is sperm-related. The male partner of a couple dealing with fertility struggles is strongly encouraged to undergo a thorough evaluation of his reproductive system, particularly in relation to sperm count, strength and motility.
Potential Treatment Options
Fortunately, infertility might be overcome through the administration of several potential therapeutic protocols. Specific treatment will depend on several different factors, including the underlying condition and severity, the age of the individuals in question and their overall health. Treatments can vary from treating a specific illness, initiating hormone replacement therapy, surgical intervention to alleviate reproductive system blockages or eliminating potentially problematic lifestyle habits.
