One in six couples experience trouble conceiving. A good first step is to see a Fertility Specialist who can assess your overall reproductive health and conduct some simple tests to identify any underlying causes of pregnancy delay.
These fertility tests typically include:
- Female infertility tests: a combination of blood tests and ultrasound scans to help identify any specific issues such as PCOS or endometriosis and to check ovulation is occurring each month.
- AMH Test: a simple blood test that measures the level of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) in the blood and provides a good indication of ovarian reserve.
- Semen analysis: the most important male fertility test which measures the number of sperm in a sample as well as their motility and morphology.
- Genetic testing: for patients who are at risk of a variety of inheritable conditions we offer sophisticated scientific techniques to test for genetic disorders including pre-implantation genetic testing, karyomapping, and non-invasive prenatal testing.
Causes of infertility
Causes of infertility are many and varied and involve male, female or a combination of factors. They include problems with:
- Production of sperm or eggs
- Structure or function of male or female reproductive systems; and/or
- Hormonal and immune conditions in both men and women.
After a woman’s age, a little known fact is that male infertility is the biggest single factor influencing a couple’s chance of conception [40% sperm related cause].
In 10-20% of couples no cause will be found, this is called Unexplained Infertility, which can be particularly frustrating for you and your partner.
You may have undergone preliminary testing with your GP or referring gynaecologist. Your fertility specialist will review your results and history before recommending a treatment plan. Before we determine the best treatment plan for you, further investigations may be necessary and typically these can include:
Ovulation tests, also known as ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), are a reliable and convenient way to determine when you are most likely to ovulate, or release an egg from your ovaries. This is an important aspect of fertility and conception, as ovulation is the time when an egg is most likely to be fertilized by sperm. By tracking your ovulation, you can increase your chances of getting pregnant by timing intercourse around your most fertile days.
Ovulation tests work by detecting the presence of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine. LH is a hormone that surges just before ovulation, and the increase in LH can be detected in your urine using an ovulation test.
Ovulation tests are an important tool for anyone trying to get pregnant, and they can be especially helpful for women with irregular menstrual cycles or those who have difficulty predicting when they will ovulate. It also gives us a baseline report to compare with later in your treatment.
Ultrasound scan
An ultrasound scan checks the lining of your womb (endometrium) and diagnoses any conditions that may be distorting the lining.
It allows us to check:
- If you have any fibroids or polyps, which could affect your cycle
- If you have any ovarian cysts
- How easy it will be to collect your eggs from the ovaries
- The size of your ovaries and if there are many small follicles.
It also gives us a baseline report to compare with later in your treatment.
Checking the fallopian tubes and uterus is an important step in the fertility evaluation process, as these structures play a key role in fertility and pregnancy.
There are several tests that can be used to assess the fallopian tubes and uterus, including:
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): This test involves injecting a dye into the uterus and fallopian tubes and using an X-ray to see if the tubes are open and the uterus is normal in shape.
- Sonohysterogram (SHG): This test involves injecting saline into the uterus and using an ultrasound to examine the shape and size of the uterus and look for any abnormalities.
- Laparoscopy: This is a surgical procedure in which a small incision is made in the abdomen and a laparoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end) is inserted to examine the fallopian tubes and uterus.
It’s important to note that these tests are not always necessary and are typically only recommended if there are concerns about the fallopian tubes or uterus, or if other fertility tests have not provided a clear diagnosis. If you have questions about these tests or are experiencing fertility issues, it’s a good idea to speak with a reproductive healthcare provider.
Diagnostic laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are two procedures that are commonly used to diagnose and treat fertility issues.
Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure in which a small incision is made in the abdomen and a laparoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end) is inserted to examine the inside of the abdomen and pelvis. This procedure can be used to diagnose a wide range of fertility issues, including endometriosis, fibroids, and blocked fallopian tubes.
Hysteroscopy is a similar procedure that is used to examine the inside of the uterus. During a hysteroscopy, a small camera is inserted through the cervix to examine the uterine lining, fallopian tubes, and surrounding tissues. This procedure can be used to diagnose uterine abnormalities, such as uterine fibroids or polyps, and to remove tissue that may be causing fertility issues.
Both laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that you can go home the same day as the procedure. While these procedures are generally safe, they do carry some risks, including bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding organs. If you are considering these procedures or have any questions about them, it’s a good idea to speak with a reproductive healthcare provider.
A fertility panel, also known as a fertility test, is a group of tests that are used to assess a person’s fertility and identify any potential issues that may be impacting their ability to get pregnant. Fertility panels can be done for both men and women and typically include a variety of tests that assess different aspects of fertility, such as hormone levels, sperm count and motility, and ovarian reserve.
Fertility panels are often recommended for individuals or couples who have been trying to get pregnant for an extended period of time without success, or for those who have a known or suspected fertility issue. These tests can help to identify any underlying issues that may be affecting fertility and allow for early intervention, which can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
There are several different types of fertility tests that may be included in a fertility panel, including:
- Hormone tests: These tests measure the levels of various hormones in the body, such as LH, FSH, and estrogen, which play a key role in fertility.
- Semen analysis: This test measures the quantity and quality of a man’s sperm, including sperm count, motility, and morphology.
- Ovarian reserve testing: This test assesses the number and quality of a woman’s eggs, which can impact fertility.
If you are considering a fertility panel or have any questions about fertility testing, please schedule an appointment with us.
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