Fertility Problems

Many a times the risk factors that cause infertility are unexplainable. Ovulation failure (especially in PCOD), tubal problems and endometriosis are common causes of infertility in women but the trouble may just not be only this. The male partner may be having low sperm count. In these cases additional treatments are required.

Tests for Women

Blood test is used to measure levels of progesterone and it is the simplest test performed to test fertility. Laparoscopy is done which includes inserting a narrow instrument with telescopic lens into the abdomen. The instrument lets the examiner observe the condition of uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, etc.

HSG or hysterosalpingsonogram is an X-ray procedure to observe if the fallopian tubes are “patent” (open). This is done by injecting a special dye through the cervix. This test is performed in the first half of your monthly period. This is the time when women can not conceive and hence an appropriate time for the test.

HSS or hysterosalpingosonogram is an ultrasound procedure. This procedure is also used to assess the fallopian tubes. The technique is equally helpful in examining uterine cavity for occurrence of fibroids.

Hysteroscopy is a lighted scope which is inserted through cervix and is used to examine the inside of the womb.

Tests for Men

Semen analysis can also be done at home using the kit. The procedure examines the number of sperm per millimeter i.e., sperm count and the number of motile sperms. The quality of progression of the sperms is equally important. This can be measured in terms of grading. It also examines the volume of semen and percentage of abnormal sperms.

During infection, the body may produce such antibodies which may observe sperms as foreign particles and let them clump together. Hence, fertilization is prevented. The test can be done in few different ways but MAR (mixed antiglobulin reaction) is the most common one.

Infertility Treatments

Many drugs are given to regulate the monthly cycle in women. Almost all fertility treatments come with side-effects. The drugs include clomiphene citrate, hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). Other treatments include IUI (intra-uterine insemination) and IVF (in-vitro fertilization), GIFT (gamete intra-fallopian transfer) and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection).