The Doctor's
Tests..
• A smear test
• Internal examination
• Urine and blood samples to check
for STDs such as Chlamydia
• Hormone test to check if you are
ovulating
• Examination of the partner's penis
and testes
• Semen sample for lab testing
The
Specialist Tests..
Semen Analysis:
A check on the sperm count in terms of volume,
number of sperm; a close examination of
the sperm formation, its activity level,
its normality, its shape, a check on infection,
level of white blood cells and the presence
of antibodies that may be attacking the
sperm
Blood Profile:
To measure levels of hormones viz oestrogen,
LH, progesterone and prolactin; insufficient
oestrogen or progesterone or excess testosterone
may affect ovulation frequency or obstruct
the proper formation of the uterus lining
required for the fertilized egg
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG):
This method should be done in the early
part of the menstrual cycle when there is
minimum chance of pregnancy, to prevent
harm to the fetus. It is an uncomfortable
procedure but can detect about 70% of tubal
blockages. It is an x-ray technique in which
dye is injected into the vagina to pass
through the uterus using a catheter. The
fluid's progress up through the fallopian
tubes will be monitored on an X-ray machine.
If it does not, one or both of the tubes
may be blocked. No anesthesia is required.
Laparoscopy:
A small incision will be made near the navel
about 12mm long, then a tube like endoscope
will be inserted. The light from the laparoscope
will guide the surgeon on the overall condition
of the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes.
The aim of this minor operation is to detect
ovarian cysts, endometriosis and blockages
of the tubes. Dye is passed through the
neck of the uterus into the tubes to detect
blockages. Abnormal growths can also be
viewed. Laparoscopy done in the second half
of the menstrual cycle can also reveal if
ovulation has taken place. It's a day procedure
involving the use of general or local anesthetic.
Hysteroscopy:
A procedure similar to laparoscopy but without
the cut, it uses the hysteroscope to check
for adhesions and other problems. This special
endoscope is passed through the neck of
the uterus.
Post-coital Test:
A test to examine the cervical mucus within
few hours of intercourse to check on sperm
activity. It is a good test to check on
male's fertility and female's ovulation.
Ultrasound Scan:
This scan will closely examine the ovaries,
check on the development of the ovarian
follicles and confirm ovulation
Human Zona penetration Test:
Also known as the Acrosome Reaction Test,
this test checks to see if the sperm is
able to penetrate the shell of the egg or
zona. The acrosome found in the head of
the sperm contains enzymes that break down
the egg and allow fertilization to happen.
This test primarily checks on the strength
of the sperm. In cases of infertility, none
of the sperm are strong enough to penetrate
the zona or there just isn't enough sperm
to allow penetration.
Biopsy:
A tiny sample of the endometrium will be
removed with or without a local anesthetic
in the second half of the menstrual cycle.
The sample will be checked in the lab to
see if it thickens enough after ovulation
and for any other changes effected by the
hormone progesterone.
Following these tests, if no medical problems
are found or identified, psychotherapy may
be recommended. Sometimes there is no apparent
problem with the reproductive system of
either partner that is causing the infertility.
Unexplained infertility cases will require
some assistance in conception in the form
of treatments. The good news is about 30-40%
of couples go on to conceive within 2 years
after specialist investigations.
