Leela K Patel M.D. affirms that although hormones and genetics play a significant role in fertility, sometimes your physical circumstances may force you not to conceive, including your partner. If you have ever wondered how ovulation works, you might be surprised to learn the impact your environment and lifestyle have on your ability to conceive. Infertility evaluation can get pretty uncomfortable, especially with the procedures you are likely to go through to increase your chances of getting pregnant. However, the frustration and worry you might have with no luck trying to have a baby are worth the tests. Several factors contribute to your inability to get pregnant including issues with your fallopian tubes and uterus.
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What are the tests you are likely to go through during fertility evaluation?
Your fertility relies on your ovaries producing and releasing healthy eggs. After the release, your reproductive tract must allow the healthy eggs to pass through your fallopian tubes and join your partner’s sperm for fertilization. When fertilization takes place, the fertilized egg now travels to your uterus, where it implants the uterine lining. To check out if a successful process from release to implanting gets impaired, your gynecologist may recommend a comprehensive physical examination, which might include gynecological testing. The tests you are likely to go through include:
- Hysterosalpingography- this specific test entails assessing your uterus and fallopian tubes for issues like blockages. During the test, your gynecologist will inject an X-ray contrast into your uterus. After the injection, the healthcare provider takes an X-ray of your uterus to check for possible spills out of your tubes.
- Ovarian reserve testing- the test helps your doctor check out the number of eggs you have for ovulation. For your healthcare provider to carry out ovarian reserve testing, he will start with hormone testing early in your menstrual cycle.
- Ovulation testing- entails using blood tests to check out if you are ovulating or not.
- Imaging tests- your doctor may request a pelvic ultrasound to look for possible infections on your uterus or ovaries. In some instances, your gynecologist may use a saline infusion sonogram to see minute details in your uterus, which might not be visible on a typical ultrasound.
The healthcare expert can also recommend other hormone tests to determine the levels of your pituitary and ovulatory hormones responsible for controlling your reproductive processes. However, the tests are not limited to you alone. Your partner may also need to undergo a semen analysis to evaluate his sperm count, movement, and structure.
What does your initial fertility evaluation visit entail?
Before fertility evaluation, your doctor must first review your medical history. The medical expert may then advise you to go for a physical examination and some series of tests to evaluate your fertility. Since diagnostic tests are personalized, your doctor will conduct various tests tailored to meet your unique needs. The professional may also discuss your sexual habits and recommend ways to enhance your conception chances.
Nothing frustrates your fertility readiness like your inability to conceive. Trying endlessly to get pregnant can drain you emotionally. Fortunately, a fertility evaluation with your gynecologist can help you learn so much about your body and your ability to reproduce.