Infertility evaluation, testing, and treatment

What are the primary considerations in evaluating fertility?

One of the key considerations when it comes to evaluating infertility is age. For men, we’ll perform a semen analysis to make sure sperm counts are at the appropriate levels.

For women, one of the more frustrating aspects of aging is that mature eggs tend to be more difficult to fertilize. And then, fertilized eggs must be carefully monitored to make sure other problems don’t arise. We’ll also perform hormone testing, as hormones are essential to establishing a successful pregnancy.

What should you expect from a thorough fertility evaluation?

The process of infertility evaluation and diagnosis includes a complete medical exam as well as a series of tests intended to assess the fertility factors present in both women and men. A thorough evaluation helps your doctor hone in on what further tests to run and what treatments are most likely to result in conception.

For new patients, you can expect the initial evaluation to look at male fertility health, ovarian function and the quality of your eggs, and the condition of your uterus and fallopian tubes.

Male fertility health

For the male, the evaluation will pay close attention to the quality of his sperm and will take into consideration reproductive history and lifestyle. You’ll have questions like whether or not you use a hot tub, or if you have medications or exposure to various organic chemicals. Piecing all this together allows us to understand male fertility status.

A thorough sperm analysis can provide a lot of answers with it comes to fertility challenges. The analysis will examine semen volume, motility, and morphology, or the percentage of normally shaped sperm.

Also, the male may need to undergo a urologic examination to make sure that his urinary tract and reproductive organs are functioning as expected.

Female fertility health

Like her male partner, the first step in understanding a woman’s fertility health is by gaining a thorough understanding of her reproductive history and habits. Then, we’ll determine if and when you are ovulating each month. Often this can be accomplished with a simple home ovulation kit, but sometimes a blood test or ultrasound of the ovaries can be used.

If there are no issues when it comes to ovulation, the next step is a couple of common tests. The first is hysterosalpingography, which uses an x-ray to make sure the fallopian tubes are open and that an egg can pass freely.

With laparoscopy, a tiny camera is used via a small incision in the lower abdomen so that the doctor can closely examine your ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. This is also the method used to check for evidence of endometriosis.

What are some available infertility treatment options?

The type of treatment suggested will depend on the nature of the problem, the woman’s age, and the couple’s personal preferences. One of the most common forms of treatment is medication, which is a great way to treat ovulation issues.

In general, the medications work to regulate hormone levels, and women who take fertility drugs are at an increased risk of delivering multiple children. Medication is highly effective at solving fertility issues, but surgery may be necessary if there are any physical abnormalities in your reproductive system.

A third treatment may involve reproductive assistance, which manipulates the sperm and eggs so that conception can occur. In vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination are examples of this.

If you are experiencing fertility issues, give us a call or send us an email so that we can schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals!