what kind of tests will they conduct for infertility? how will they determine if I am not fertile?
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Raffi says:
May 24, 2010 at 2:37 am (UTC 0)
if the doctor says that u are…
MissM says:
May 24, 2010 at 2:37 am (UTC 0)
The other answers all have good info, but I wanted to add one other way that an infertility diagnosis can be determined–the results of an IVF cycle. If your issue has to do with embryo quality, chromosomal abnormalities, etc. sometimes it will not be apparent until you attempt an IVF cycle. When the doctor examines the developing embryos by microscope, he/she can learn a lot about what migth be causing the problem. I know several couples who were classified as unexplained for years until they tried IVF, and then they were diagnosed with poor embryo quality after the first cycle.
CK says:
May 24, 2010 at 2:37 am (UTC 0)
My doctor started by having me chart my basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and cervical postion. She also wanted me to do ovulation predictor kits every month, which measure the LH in your urine. These were done so she could track any patterns. She also had me do a blood test on Day 3 of my period. It measures various hormones. Many women have problems with their thyroid, which can be seen through this test. They can go on to make sure that your fallopian tubes are not blocked. They can do ultrasounds to look at your ovaries and actually see if you are ovulating. They can also test some of your uterine tissue to make sure it is adequate. There are tons of things they can test. It is all based on your symptoms or the specific problems you are having (whether it is an ovulation problem or something else). Check with your doctor. I am sure they would be more than happy to go over the tests with you and figure out which you need. Good Luck!
Rene A says:
May 24, 2010 at 2:37 am (UTC 0)
There are many tests that are done in a full infertility work up:
Your doctor will first do a medical history. Your doctor will ask questions about your sex life, your birth control methods, any sexually transmitted disease (STDs), medicine use, and the use of caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs. Your menstrual cycle and exercise patterns will be checked. If STDs are suspected, more tests may be done.
A complete physical examination of both you and your partner is done to check your health. A woman’s physical examination usually includes a pelvic examination and Pap test. A man’s physical examination usually includes a testicular examination as well as a sperm anaylsis.
Blood and Urine tests include:
-Luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone tests may be done during a woman’s menstrual cycle to help see whether she is ovulating. LH may be checked in a man to see whether he has a pituitary gland problem.
-Thyroid function tests may be done to check for thyroid hormone problems that may be preventing ovulation.
-Prolactin is a hormone made by the pituitary gland. It may be checked if a woman has menstrual cycle or ovulation problems.
-In some cases, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) may be used to check a woman’s egg supply (ovarian reserve). Experts question the value of the FSH testing for infertility.
-A testosterone test may be used to see whether a problem with the testicles or pituitary gland is preventing a man from being able to father a child. A low amount of testosterone can lead to low sperm counts.
-Tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may be done. These may include urine samples or samples from the cervix or urethra.
Other test that may be done:
-The postcoital test checks a woman’s cervical mucus after sex to see whether sperm are alive and able to move normally through the mucus. This test must be done the day before or the day of ovulation. Many doctors question the value of the postcoital test to check for infertility. It is not done very often.
-Home LH urine test kits can be used to see when ovulation occurs. Sometimes a woman’s basal body temperature (BBT) is also checked at the same time.
There are other tests as well. They may do an ultrasound to look at your uterus and ovaries. And there are more invasive tests. Read this: http://www.sharedjourney.com/test.html
The best thing you can do to help is:
Go buy the book: Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler. Go buy a basal thermometer at the drug store. You need to start charting your waking tempertaures (basal body temperature) so that you can get an accurate picture of what is happening in your cycles. This information can aid you in having sex at the correct time as well as providing your doctors with information that can lead them to figuring out what the problem is.
A doctor will start with the basic least invasive tests and build from there until an answer is found.