Infertility is affecting millions of people around the world but it is an issue that many are reluctant to talk about. If couples or individuals are trying to conceive but having no success, it can be difficult emotional exhaustion, as well as isolating. The good news is that medical advances have enabled doctors to detect infertility with greater accuracy and provide an effective treatment option.

Finding out what causes infertility is the initial and most important step on the journey to fertility. We’ll take readers through the entire process of diagnosing infertility–what is to be expected, what tests are required, and how experts can pinpoint the root causes for both females and males.

What is Infertility?

Infertility refers to the inability to get pregnant after 12 months of continuous, unprotected sexual relations or after six months if the woman is older than 35. It can also refer to the inability to carry an embryo to length which is often the case in the case of recurrent loss of a pregnancy.

Contrary to what many believe Infertility is a problem that is a problem that affects women and men equally. Research has shown that:

In 30% of cases the reason is female factors.
30% of this is due to male factors.
20percent is the mixture of both
10-20% is still unsolved even after extensive testing

Why Is Infertility Diagnosis Important?

Fertility is a complicated process that involves hormones and reproductive organs, eggs and the quality of sperm, timing, and much more. If you don’t know what’s wrong, treatment can become an impossible task.

A comprehensive infertility diagnosis helps:

Find the cause(s) of infertility.
Choose the best treatment strategy (e.g. medications IVF, surgery, etc.)
Be aware of potential issues in the early stages
Reassurance for the emotional by providing clarity

Early diagnosis also helps improve outcomes. For women who are over 35, fertility may decrease quickly, which is why an early evaluation is crucial.

How Is Infertility Diagnosed in Women?

Infertility diagnosis in women requires an array of tests that look at the levels of hormones and ovulation levels and reproductive anatomy more. The typical process takes place:

1. Medical History & Lifestyle Assessment

The fertility specialist will begin by asking you questions in detail about:

Menstrual cycle symptoms (regularity flow and discomfort)
Pregnancies that have been miscarried, past pregnancies or abortions
Sexual activity
Medical background (thyroid issues, PCOS, endometriosis)
Lifestyle habits (smoking, drinking stress, weight fluctuations, smoking)
Reproductive issues in the family history

This provides your doctor with crucial information and can help determine which tests are most important.

2. Physical and Pelvic Exam

A gynecological and physical exam can help identify any irregularities in the reproductive organs or indicators that indicate hormonal issues (such as excess hair growth and acne).

3. Ovulation Evaluation

Infertility that is absent or insufficient is among the most frequent factors that cause female infertility. The tests include:

Progesterone Blood Test: Usually, it is carried out on the 21st day of a 28-day period to confirm the presence of ovulation.
BBT (BBT) Charting: Aids in identifying temperature shifts related to Ovulation.
Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): Find the LH surge that occurs prior to ovulation.
AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) Test: Assesses the reserve of ovarian cells (egg quantity).

4. Hormonal Testing

Your doctor can check for hormonal imbalances using blood tests to determine:

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
Estradiol (Estrogen)
Thyroid (TSH)
Prolactin – Prolactin levels that are high can reduce the ovulation
Androgens A high level of male hormones could signal PCOS.

5. Imaging and Structural Tests

To make sure you are in good health and functioning, a variety of imaging tests can be performed:

Transvaginal Ultrasound :- Visualizes ovaries, the uterus, the endometrium, as well as hair follicles.
Hysterosalpingography (HSG) :- A special X-ray to assess the shape of the uterus and check if fallopian tubes are open.
Saline Sonogram (Sonohysterography) :- Saline solution is placed into the uterus to provide clearer ultrasound images.
MRI :- In certain situations it is possible to use an MRI can be used to search for uterine anomalies or endometriosis.

6. Laparoscopy (if required)

If initial tests fail to prove conclusive or in the event that an endometriosis, pelvic adhesion or other issues might be present, a doctor could do the procedure of diagnosis laparoscopy–a minimally invasive operation which allows direct inspection of pelvic organs.

How Is Infertility Diagnosed in Men?

Male factors are responsible for almost 50 percent of cases of infertility The evaluation of men as partners is vital. The typical process includes:

1. Medical History and Physical Exam

The doctor will inquire about:

Childhood diseases (e.g. Mumps, etc.) that occur following puberty)
Previous operations (especially around the groin area or the genitals)
Infections or injuries (e.g., STIs)
Medicines, steroids or testosterone supplements
Lifestyle habits (alcohol smoking, smoking and drug use)

A physical exam is a check-up for:

Size and shape of the testicular
The presence of varicoceles (enlarged veins)
The signs of a hormonal imbalance

2. Semen Analysis

This is the basis of testing for male fertility. Semen samples are examined to determine:

Sperm Count the number of sperm in a milliliter
Motility percent of sperm moving, active
Morphology Shape and structure of Sperm
Volume, pH as well as White Blood Cells

If abnormalities are detected A second test is typically conducted 2-3 weeks after the initial test to confirm the results.

3. Hormone Testing

Blood tests could include:

Testosterone
FSH and LH
Prolactin
The thyroid levels (TSH)

Hormonal imbalances may affect the production of sperm as well as libido.

4. Scrotal Ultrasound

An ultrasound can be used to find cysts, varicoceles or blockages within the testicular ducts.

5. Genetic Test (if required)

If the number of sperm is extremely insignificant or not present, genetic tests could be advisable to look for:

Microdeletions of Y-chromosomes
Klinefelter syndrome
CFTR genetic changes (linked to vas deferens)

Unexplained Infertility

In some cases, all tests come back normal but conception still doesn’t occur. This is known as unproved infertility which occurs in 10-20 percent of cases. Although it is a source of frustration, couples who have unresolved infertility can still have a high possibility of having a baby through treatment, particularly using IUI and IVF.

When Should You Seek Help?

You should get an assessment of your fertility

You’ve been trying to get pregnant for more than twelve months (or 6 months when the woman is older than 35)
Perhaps you’ve had intermittent or absent periods
You’ve had two or more mishaps
Your partner or you have previously identified reproductive issues or have had previous infections
You’re ready to know your reproductive health in greater detail

Conclusion

The diagnosis of infertility can be intimidating at first, however it’s one of the most rewarding steps on your journey to fertility. With the assistance of your physician you can determine the reason behind it, evaluate all options before you then take actions.