What leads to Infertility?

Infertility can be caused by various factors. In women, irregular ovulation or hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can hinder fertility. Structural issues like blocked fallopian tubes or uterine abnormalities can also contribute. Men may experience low sperm count or poor sperm quality, often due to factors like hormonal imbalances, genetic disorders, or lifestyle choices like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Other common causes include age, stress, obesity, sexually transmitted infections, and certain medical conditions like endometriosis. Understanding the underlying causes and seeking appropriate medical assistance can help couples overcome infertility challenges and pursue alternative options like fertility treatments.

How to check for infertility?

Exams and infertility tests are part of the first assessment of infertility treatment to try to determine why you and your spouse haven't conceived. Physical examinations, as well as the sexual and medical histories of both spouses, are part of a typical reproductive evaluation. Men have their sperm examined to determine sperm count, motility, and structure. Doctors first observe ovulation in women to determine whether it is taking place. This can be identified and tracked using a stimulate ovulation home test kit, ultrasound examinations of the ovaries, or hormone-detection blood tests. Treatment for Infertility can be feasible if a cause is identified.

(A) Female Fertility Assessment

A thorough history is taken prior to the Physical Examination to –

• Assess the menstrual cycle's bleeding frequency which can assist in determining whether ovulation is taking place or whether there are problems such as ovarian reserve being depleted due to aging or uterine anomalies (uterine fibroids or polyps) being present.
• Gather data on prior STIs, painful periods or interactions, and/or a history of abdominal surgery.
• Comprehend and gather data about social behaviors such as smoking, alcohol drinking etc.

Various physical examinations are conducted during female infertility testing to check for any potential hormonal issues and analyze the pelvic organs. Below are some of the female infertility tests conducted–

Urine Test -

Your physician could advise you to do a luteinizing hormone, or LH, urine test at home. Just prior to ovulation, this hormone is present in high concentrations.

Blood Test -

Follicle-stimulating hormone level, or FSH, is a hormone that causes your ovaries to prepare an egg for release each month and may be measured in a blood test.

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) -

It is also known as a "tubogram," and it consists of many X-rays of your uterus and fallopian tubes. Your doctor injects liquid dye through the vagina before taking X-rays. An alternative technique substitutes saline and air for dye and ultrasonography.

Hysteroscopy -

A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted by your doctor through the cervix and into the uterus. They can observe any issues there and, if necessary, collect tissue samples.

Transvaginal Ultrasound -

An ultrasound "wand" is inserted into the vagina and moved toward the pelvic organs by the physician. They will be able to examine pictures of the uterus and ovaries using sound waves to look for any issues. Your doctor may also examine the progesterone levels in your blood. An increase in progesterone indicates ovulation.