Fertility Workup

Fertility Workup

How does the Doctor examine if I am infertile?

To determine whether you are infertile, Doctor will go over your health history, medications, sexual history and sex habits like how often you have sex.

Investigations:

In Men:

  • Physical examination
  • Sperm analysis to test the health of the sperm
    •

    In Women:

  • Medical history
  • Physical exam including pelvic exam
  • We make sure you ovulate regularly and your ovaries are releasing eggs
  • Blood tests are taken to measure hormonal levels
  • Ultrasound for ovaries and Uterus
  • X – Ray for uterus and fallopian tubes to look for tubal patency.
    •

    You should know: In 80% of couples the cause of infertility is either ovulation problem, blockage in fallopian tubes or a sperm problem. In about 5% to 15% of the cases, all tests would be normal, but causes are unknown.

    So, What are the treatments for infertility?

    In men infertility is treated with :

    1. Surgery: if the cause is varicocele (widening of veins in the scrotum) Or A blockage in Vas deferens (tubes that carry sperm)
    2. Antibiotics: to treat infections in reproductive organs
    3. Medications & counselling: to treat problems with erections or ejaculation
    4. Hormone treatment: if problem is a low or high levels of certain hormones

    In women infertility is treated with:

    1. Fertility drugs and hormones: to help women ovulate and restore hormonal levels
    2. Surgery: to remove tissue that is blocking fertility (endometriosis) or to open blocked fallopian tubes, fibroid removal, Cyst removal, polyp removal etc.

    In men and women, infertility can be treated with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). There are several types of ART:

    1. Ovulation Induction: Tablets and / or injections are given to stimulate ovaries followed by serial ultrasound the ensure egg release.
    2. Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI): Sperm is collected, processed and placed inside the women’s uterus while she is ovulating.
    3. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): The sperm and egg are collected and brought together in a laboratory. The fertilized egg grows for 3 to 4 days. Then the embryo is placed in women’s uterus.