Fertility Treatment
Ovulation occurs approximately 14 days before your period begins. You ovulate around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle, and your most fertile days are days 12, 13 and 14. Ovulation occurs on day 21 of a 35-day menstrual cycle, and your most fertile days are days 19, 20, and 21. There are certain signs that a woman is ovulating such as Rise in basal body temperature, typically 1/2 to 1 degree, measured by a thermometer, Higher levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), measured on a home ovulation kit, Cervical mucus, or vaginal discharge, might appear clearer, thinner, and stretchy, like raw egg whites, Breast tenderness, Bloating, Light spotting, and Slight pain or cramping in the side.
Fertility Tests
The fertility specialist will go through entire medical history with the couple trying to conceive during the initial appointment, as well as the fertility tests needed. Blood tests, physical checks, and a sperm analysis will all be performed. To inspect the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, the doctor will usually prescribe an ultrasound as well as a specialist X-ray. Man and woman, this process checks the fertility levels of both. While we often associate pregnancy with the woman’s body, fertilization actually involves two people.According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), one or more contributory infertility causes are present in 25% of all infertile cases. According to the ASRM, male factor infertility accounts for 40% of infertility cases, whereas irregular ovulation accounts for 25% of female infertility.
Fertility Tests for Women
All fertility tests need not be chosen for each instance. The more intrusive fertility tests, such as diagnostic laparoscopy, are just used when symptoms or other tests indicate in that route, or when there is no other way to find a cause for infertility. Fertility testing for women often means:
- A standard gynecological examination
- Testing for sexually transmitted diseases (at times STDs do lead to infertility)
- Blood tests, which could include LH, FSH, thyroid hormones, androgen hormones, prolactin, estradiol (E2), and progesterone, to assess for thrombophilia and antiphospholipid syndrome (in situations of frequent miscarriages). Anti-mullerian hormone, or AMH, is another hormone that can be examined.
- Some of the blood tests will need to be done on a specific day of the menstrual cycle. FSH, for instance, is normally measured on the third day of the cycle. On day 21 or 22 of the cycle, the progesterone level is routinely examined.
- Ultrasound is used to check for polycystic ovaries, bigger ovarian cysts, fibroids, and, occasionally, to establish ovulation.
- Uterus’ shape and the uterine lining thickness are also checked by ultrasound. Ultrasound can also be used to do an antral follicle count, which forecasts the amount of eggs accessible in a woman’s ovaries.
- The hysterosalpingogram, or hysterosalpingogram, is used to determine whether the fallopian tubes are open and unblocked, as well as the morphology of the uterus.
- Endometrial biopsy is a procedure in which a tiny piece of tissue from the uterine lining is removed. This is a somewhat uncommon test.
- Hysteroscopy is a procedure that includes passing a telescope-like camera through the cervix into the uterus to examine inside the uterus more closely. In case an HSG exam revealed probable abnormalities or was inconclusive, it is performed.
- During this exam, your doctor may perform an endometrial biopsy.
- Sonohysterogram is a procedure that includes injecting a sterile liquid into the uterus (through a catheter) as well as using ultrasound to evaluate the uterus and uterine walls.
- An invasive fertility testing method is diagnostic laparoscopy. Just when symptoms indicate endometriosis, forming a portion of treatment for blocked fallopian tubes, in few cases of infertility problems (unexplained) this test is opted for.
Male Fertility Tests
The major fertility test for males is sperm analysis. It entails the man submitting a sample of his sperm to a laboratory for analysis. To ensure that the results are accurate, the test should be repeated again on different days. In most cases, a semen study is all that is required to identify male infertility. However, more testing may be required, such as:
- A urologist will perform a general physical examination.
- Specialized sperm analysis, includes sperm genetic testing (to seek for antibodies) and sperm appraisal (to look for immobile sperm, checking whether they are alive or dead)
- Blood tests to assess hormone levels, most commonly FSH and testosterone, but also LH, estrogen, and prolactin, as well as STD testing
- The seminal vesicles and scrotum are evaluated using ultrasound.
- Urinalysis (urine testing) after ejaculation to evaluate retrograde ejaculation
- Testicular biopsy is a simple surgical operation that involves the excision of testicular tissue.
- Vasography is a specialist X-ray used to examine the male reproductive systems for blockages.
Couple Fertility Tests
Certain fertility tests require both partners to participate. Genetic karyotyping and post-coital testing are two of the tests available (PCT). When recurrent miscarriage is a concern, genetic karyotyping can be used to check for genetic diseases that could cause miscarriage. PCT measures the interaction of the woman’s cervical mucus and the guy’s sperm hours following sexual intercourse, albeit it is no longer widely used.
Semen Analysis
Semen analysis, often referred to as a sperm count test, examines a man’s sperm for health and viability. Semen is the fluid generated after ejaculation that contains sperm (along with other sugar and protein components). A sperm analysis evaluates three key aspects of sperm health such as number of sperm, shape of sperm, and movement of sperm or sperm motility. To get a good idea of sperm health, doctors will often do two or three independent sperm analyses. The tests should be done at least seven days apart and over the course of two to three months, according to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC). Sperm counts can fluctuate from day to day. The most definitive solution can be achieved by averaging the sperm samples.
Fertility Treatment Options
Treatments for Men
Factors affecting one’s way of life. Discontinuing some drugs, lowering or eliminating dangerous substances, enhancing frequency and timing of intercourse, exercising frequently, and optimizing other aspects that may otherwise affect fertility can all help to enhance chances for pregnancy.
Medications. Certain drugs can help increase sperm count and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. These drugs have been shown to improve testicular function, particularly sperm production and quality.
Surgery. Surgery may be able to cure a sperm obstruction and restore fertility in some cases. In some circumstances, treating a varicocele surgically can boost your chances of getting pregnant.
Retrieval of sperm. When ejaculation is difficult or there are no sperm in the ejaculated fluid, several approaches are used to collect sperm. They might even be utilized when assisted reproductive procedures are being considered but sperm levels are low or aberrant.
Treatments for Women
Some women just require one or two treatments to increase their fertility. Other women may require a combination of treatments in order to conceive.
Fertility medications are used to stimulate ovulation. Fertility medicines are the most common treatment for women who are unable to conceive because of ovulation problems. Ovulation is regulated or induced by these drugs. Consult your doctor about your fertility medicine options, including the advantages and disadvantages of each.
IUI (intrauterine insemination) is a method of conceiving. Healthy sperm are directly introduced in the uterus throughout IUI about the time the ovary releases one or more fertilized eggs. The timing of IUI can be matched with your regular cycle or with fertility medicines, depending on the cause of infertility.
Fertility restoration surgery. Hysteroscopic surgery could be used to address uterine disorders like endometrial polyps, a uterine septum, intrauterine scar tissue, and certain fibroids. Endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, and bigger fibroids may necessitate laparoscopic surgery or an abdominal incision.
Fertility Drugs and Their Side-Effects
Bloating, headaches, breast discomfort, upset stomach, hot flashes, and mood changes are the most typical adverse effects of fertility drugs. The most common side effects of fertility drugs are multiple pregnancies (such as twins, triplets, or more) and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
The Fertility Treatment Journey
When someone is making efforts to conceive for a long time but hasn’t been successful. Is it necessary to see a fertility specialist? Schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist, or reproductive endocrinologist, in case you are below 35 and have been putting efforts to conceive for an year or more without success. In case you are more than 35 years old, you should seek care within six months.
In any case, expect to undergo a battery of tests and examinations to establish what is obstructing your attempts to conceive. A rundown of everything you should know before visiting a reproductive specialist has been outlined in this write up.
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