Family & Children HealthThe Pregnancy › Tests for Fertility in Women

Inability of a couple to carry a pregnancy and naturally conceive a child for a period of more then one year is a condition of infertility. It is also known as sub fertility. Infertility is a serious worry for many couples because it's a diagnosis that has the potential to dramatically alter the life that you always imagined for yourself. Hence to accept that you are infertile is very very devastating. One recent study conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that the majority of women up to age 39 who didn't become pregnant in their first year did become pregnant in their second year, without any medical assistance. For women between ages 27 and 34, only 6% were unable to conceive in their second year. And for 35- to 39-year-old women, only 9% were unable to conceive in their second year, provided their partner was under 40. So even if you've been trying to get pregnant for a year, this does not mean you are infertile and rush into expensive infertility treatments before you need to.

If you have irregular menstrual periods, pelvic inflammatory disease, no menstrual flow for more than six months, repeated miscarriages and pain during menstrual cycles, then it’s time for you to take medical assistance. Both partners need to go through a comprehensive physical and medical assessment. Tests for female infertility and a semen analysis should start immediately. Because male factors account for approximately 50% of all infertility cases, it is important to examine both partners for possible infertility issues.

The best thing to do is to make an appointment with an infertility specialist. He or she will start by talking with you and your partner about your medical health and habits. During this appointment, the doctor will extensively discuss medical history and lifestyle issues. Topics such as birth control use, menstrual and pregnancy history, current and past sexual practices, medications used, surgical history, other health issues and what your lifestyle is like as well as your work/living environment will all be discussed. A thorough physical examination will include blood tests to check levels of female hormones, thyroid hormones, prolactin, and male hormones, as well as for HIV and hepatitis. Breasts and hair growth will be looked at. A pelvic exam is also an important part of evaluating fertility, along with a pap smear.

After the first appointment and the physical testing,infertility specialist would do some initial testing. This initial testing will evaluate whether ovulation is occurring, when it should be occurring, ovarian function, and uterine function during the ovulation process. Usually one of the first questions regarding female fertility is whether you are ovulating or not. Ovulation evaluation includes following types of test.

Ovulation testing-- to confirm if ovulation is occurring by looking through your temperature charts, using ovulation predictor kits and blood tests and ultrasound.

Ovarian function tests--These tests are looking to see how the hormones are functioning and working during your ovulation cycle.

Luteal Phase testing--Testing will evaluate progesterone levels, more extensive hormone testing, and possibly a endometrial biopsy.

Hormone tests-- Most all of this testing will revolve around thorough hormone tests.

Once the ovulation process is done through the fertility specialist will also like to undertake following test to ascertain the reasons of infertility.

Cervical mucus tests:
This involves a post coital test (PCT) which determines if the sperm is able to penetrate and survive in the cervical mucus. It also involves a bacterial screening.

Ultrasound tests:
This is used to assess the thickness of the lining of the uterus (endometrium), to monitor follicle development and to check the condition of the uterus and ovaries. An ultrasound may be conducted two to three days later to confirm that an egg has been released.

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG):
This is an x-ray of your uterus and fallopian tubes. A dye is injected through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes. The dye enables the radiologist to see if there is blockage or some other problem in the fallopian tubes or uterus.

Hysteroscopy:
This is a procedure that may be used if the HSG indicates the possible presence of abnormalities. The hysteroscope is inserted through the cervix into the uterus, which allows your fertility specialist to see any abnormalities, growths, or scarring in the uterus. The hysteroscope allows the physician to take pictures which can be used for future reference.

Laparoscopy:
This is a procedure done under general anesthesia that involves the use of a narrow fiber optic telescope. The laparoscope is inserted into a woman’s abdomen to provide a view of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. If any abnormalities such as endometriosis, scar tissue or other adhesions are found, they can be removed by a laser. It is important to confirm that you are not pregnant before this test is performed.

Endometrial biopsy:
This is a procedure that involves scraping a small amount of tissue from the endometrium just prior to menstruation. This procedure is performed to determine if the lining is thick enough for a fertilized egg to implant in and grow. It is important to confirm that you are not pregnant before this test is performed. The procedure is somewhat uncomfortable and therefore, a painkiller is given beforehand.

These tests are not mandatory and it depends on patient to patient basis. Many couples will require to go through few tests and there will be many who has to undergo all the tests. Infertility specialist will guide you to go through appropriate test which are suitable for your treatment. After the testing is done, about 85% of couples will have some idea why they're having trouble getting pregnant.

Good news for people wanting to start family and moving first step towards the parenthood. No matter what is causing infertility, there are answers. Talk with your fertility specialist. In many cases, planning ahead and preventing female fertility problems early on can help set the stage for a healthy pregnancy.If you think that infertility may be affecting your chances of conception, contact Rotunda fertility clinic. A Female / male fertility specialist can help by running tests to diagnose potential infertility causes and provide assistance with infertility solutions and treatment.

contacting Rotunda Clinic:All Appointments are scheduled according to your convenience at Rotunda Fertility clinic

You can contact for further assistance at http://www.wewantababy.com or http://www.iwannagetpregnant.com or http://www.rotundaivf.com or http://www.rotunda.co.in or email at rotunda.tchr@gmail.com or simply a phone call at +91 22 2655 2000 or +91 22 26405000.

Know all about IVF Procedure, IVF Cycle, IVF Cost and Starting treating infertility at http://ivftreatmentindia.wordpress.com

Article By: WeWant ABaby

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