Diagnosing infertility in women
There are a variety of methods doctors use to test for infertility in women. If you are
struggling to conceive and suspect you are infertile these are some of the examinations
you can expect to undergo in order to reach a diagnosis.
The causes of infertility can range from the mild to the severe. It can stem from something
as simple as a poor diet to a more complicated issue such as a blocked fallopian tube.
Whether or not your issue requires medical treatment will depend on the diagnosis you
receive after testing.
However reaching an accurate diagnosis can require multiple tests on different parts of the
body. This is sometimes necessary to rule out every potential condition that could lead to
infertility.
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected sex. This
means that couples should generally wait at least a year to pursue testing. If you have
reached the one year mark and feel concerned about your health or inability to conceive
speak to a medical professional.
They may direct you to engage in one of the following tests:
Medical history evaluation
Most infertility examinations will start with a detailed evaluation of your medical history.
Doctors may ask you questions about your diet, alcohol intake, chronic medications, use of
birth control and other issues related to your sex life.
Ovulation tests
Doctors may recommend blood tests to check for certain hormones in order to determine if
your body is ovulating correctly. It is also not uncommon for medical professionals to
preform tests on your thyroid or cervix to rule out any abnormalities that may hinder
ovulation. Ovarian reserve testing in particular helps to determine the number of eggs
available for ovulation.
Reproductive organ examinations
You may be prompted to undergo testing on your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries as
blockages in these organs could lead to infertility. These tests are either done through x-
rays or ultrasounds.
Laparoscopy
In severe cases a laparoscopy may be recommended. This is a minimally invasive
procedure in which a small incision is made below the belly button in order to insert a
camera. This allows doctors to check for abnormal growths or irregularities in the pelvic
region.
DNA Testing
It is now also possible to obtain a detailed analysis of your genetics through DNA testing at
fertility clinics such as Supreme Fertility. This option provides customized DNA analytics,
which is specifically designed to uncover the root of any infertility issues couples may be
facing.
Diagnosing your fertility status can be an intrusive and intimidating process at times but in
the long run it could be beneficial to know the cause of any delays you may be
experiencing in starting a family.
By Cindy Harker
