Common Fertility Tests and Their Significance

When couples are trying for a baby and have not been successful, there is a tendency that they may start wondering if they should carry out fertility tests. It is advised that in the instance that a couple has had unprotected sex for up to a year without birth control, and is under the age of 35 and for six months if over 35, it is important to check in with a doctor. It is crucial to go together as a couple for the tests and ask about common fertility tests and their significance. When they see the doctor, they will ask some questions about health and lifestyle, and they may also ask questions like:

• The medication the couple is on
• The medical history, including any chronic conditions
• Any surgeries that have been carried out on the couple
• The habits the couple has like smoking, alcohol intake, caffeine, or illicit drug taking.
• Any contact with chemicals, toxins, or radiation at home or work

There may also be questions regarding the couple’s sex life, such as:

• How often do they engage in sex
• The type of birth control that was previously used and how often they used it
• Any previous sexually transmitted diseases
• Any issues during sex
• If there has been any instance of sex outside the relationship

In most cases, the doctor may also want to know about things connected to the female’s fertility like:

• How often do they see their periods over the previous year?
• If they had been pregnant before
• If there has been any instance of irregular and missed periods or spotting between periods
• What types of birth control they have used
• If there have been any changes in period blow flow or any appearance of large clots
• If they have previously seen any infertility doctor or undergone any infertility treatments

What are fertility tests for women?

The whole dynamics of fertility in women revolves around the action of the ovaries in releasing healthy eggs. After the release, the fallopian tube must be free to allow the egg easy movement and also allow the sperm to meet the egg for fertilization to occur. The fertilized egg must then freely enter the uterus and implant in the interior lining. The tests for fertility in women revolve around figuring out if and where any of these processes have been impaired. There may be a general physical exam which would also include a regular gynecological examination. Some of the specific fertility tests will include:

• Ovarian reserve testing – This test helps determine the number of eggs that are available for ovulation. This is usually done after hormone testing that is done early in the menstrual cycle.
• Ovulation testing – This is done through a blood test that measures the hormone levels to determine if the female is ovulating.
• Hysterosalpingography – This test evaluates the condition of the uterus and the fallopian tubes. They also investigate and find out sites of blockages or other issues that may cause infertility. The test is done by injecting X-ray contrast into the uterus, then taking an X-ray to see the flow of the fluid and the outline of the organs.

• Imaging testing – this is done through pelvic ultrasound which looks for any present uterine or ovarian disease. In some cases, a sonohysterogram is also used to see the details inside the uterus that may not be present in a regular ultrasound; it can also be called a saline infusion sonogram.
• Other hormone testings – Other hormone testing check the levels of ovulatory hormones as well as pituitary hormones that control the reproductive process.

In some unique cases, there may be additional tests that may be conducted. They include:

• Hysteroscopy – The doctor may request this test depending on the symptoms seen; it may be done to examine for any uterine disease. During the procedure, a thin lighted device is inserted through the cervix into the uterus, to visualize it and spot any abnormalities.

• Laparoscopy – This is a minimally invasive surgery that involves making a small incision beneath the female’s navel and inserting a thin viewing device to examine the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus. A laparoscopy may also help visualize endometriosis, scarring, blockages, or any irregularities of the fallopian tubes, or any issues with the ovaries and the uterus.

What are the tests for men?

Male fertility requires the production of healthy sperm cells by the testicles and the ejaculation of this sperm into the vagina, where it travels to meet and fertilize the egg. The tests for male infertility attempt to pin down where there is any problem with these processes. There may be a general physical examination, which will include the genitals. Some specific tests include:

• Semen analysis – The male will be required to provide one or more semen samples, which are obtained by masturbating or interrupting coitus and ejaculating into a clean container. The sample is then handed in, where it is examined by a lab. The tests on the sample will examine the morphology, motility, and other indices that indicate healthy sperm cells.

• Hormone testing – This is done through a blood test, where the level of testosterone and other male hormones are determined.
• Genetic testing – This is done to determine if any genetic factors may be causing infertility issues and the exact genetic issue. This may then help in finding a solution for it.
• Testicular biopsy – This may be carried out in some particular cases. It is done to identify any abnormality that may contribute to infertility or to retrieve sperm cells for some assisted reproductive techniques like surrogacy or IVF.
• Imaging – In some cases, imaging studies like an MRI, a scrotal or transrectal ultrasound, or even an examination of the vas deferens may be performed.
• Other tests – In some rare cases, some other tests that may evaluate the quality of the sperm are carried out. The tests may evaluate the sperm sample for any abnormalities with the DNA.