Infertility workup testing involves a comprehensive evaluation to identify potential factors contributing to difficulties in conceiving. This process typically includes various examinations and procedures aimed at assessing both partners' reproductive health.
Here's an overview of what may be included in an infertility workup:
Blood tests may be performed to evaluate hormone levels, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), AMH, Prolactin, thyroid function, and others, to assess ovarian function and overall reproductive health.
For men, a semen analysis is essential to assess sperm count, motility, morphology, and other parameters that affect sperm quality and fertility.
Women may undergo ovulation monitoring through blood tests and/or ultrasound examinations to track hormone levels and follicle development throughout the menstrual cycle.
This imaging procedure involves injecting a contrast dye into the uterus and fallopian tubes to detect any blockages or abnormalities that may hinder conception.
An ultrasound examination may be performed to visualize the pelvic organs and detect any structural abnormalities in the uterus or ovaries.
In some cases, a minimally invasive surgical procedure called laparoscopy may be recommended to evaluate the pelvic organs directly, particularly in cases of suspected endometriosis or pelvic adhesions.
Semen analysis has become an essential diagnostic procedure widely used among men today. It plays a pivotal role for couples facing fertility challenges, particularly when male factor infertility emerges as a prominent issue. Through semen analysis, various factors such as low sperm count, impaired sperm motility, and irregular morphology can be detected, thereby impacting a woman's ability to conceive with her partner.
Typically, it is advised to test semen following an abstention period ranging from a minimum of 2 days to a maximum of 7 days. The professional responsible for conducting this examination is known as an Andrologist. Adhering to the WHO criteria for semen analysis is strongly advised by experts in the field. The Andrologist will evaluate your semen to assess various parameters, including:
Volume of Semen
Normal semen volume of a single ejaculate should be at least 1.5 ml.
Sperm Count
Sperm count means the number of sperms present in your semen. 1 ml of semen should contain at least 15 million sperms. A concentration less than that is called Oligozoospermia.
Colour
A normal semen sample appears opalescent grey. Any deviation from this to red or yel-low may indicate presence of blood, infection etc.
pH
Normal pH for semen is around 7.2. A higher or lower pH indicates infection or contam-ination respectively.
Morphology
Morphology refers to the physical structure or form of something, such as the shape, size, and appearance of objects or organisms.
Motility
Motility refers to the ability of cells or organisms to move spontaneously and actively. In the context of sperm, it describes the ability of sperm cells to swim effectively, which is crucial for fertilization.
The Transvaginal Scan (TVS) is an ultrasound examination that offers a comprehensive view of the female pelvic organs, encompassing the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It furnishes detailed imagery from within the uterus, facilitating the detection and diagnosis of various conditions affecting female reproductive health, such as fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or potential fertility issues.
A transvaginal ultrasound has the capability to produce highly detailed images of multiple female genito-urinary organs, including the vaginal cervix, uterus, urinary tract, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
Additionally, it examines for alterations in the size, positioning, or morphology of female reproductive organs like the ovaries and uterus.
Ovaries may develop cysts, and the transvaginal ultrasound can aid in their detection.
It is useful for assessing the thickness of the walls of the urinary bladder.
It is also utilized for evaluating the thickness of the uterine wall, encompassing both the myometrium and endometrium.
It can assist in the early detection of pregnancy.
The process of a transvaginal ultrasound is typically not painful. It is somewhat more invasive compared to the standard ultrasound. Women may feel slight discomfort during the insertion of the transducer, but this usually diminishes shortly afterward.
Throughout pregnancy, the transvaginal ultrasound procedure is completely safe. The insertion of the transducer into the vagina does not pose any risk to the fetus's health. Additionally, a crucial point to note about transvaginal ultrasounds is that they do not involve radiation, further enhancing their safety during pregnancy.
While a TVS may induce some discomfort, it should not be painful. Should you encounter pain during the scan, it's crucial to inform your doctor promptly.
A TVS might be advised for exploring unexplained pelvic discomfort, irregular menstrual cycles, inexplicable vaginal bleeding, or to evaluate fertility. Moreover, it is frequently employed in early pregnancy to verify the pregnancy, ascertain the gestational age, or screen for ectopic pregnancy.
A TVS typically lasts for approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
While a TVS is generally deemed safe, there is always a slight risk of infection or bleeding linked with internal examinations. If you observe any unusual symptoms following the scan, such as pain, fever, or abnormal discharge, it is imperative to promptly contact your doctor.