How is infertility diagnosed?
Author: Isabel Tagge
Website: http://www.Infertility-Tips.com
Added: Mon, Oct 30, 2006 20:40:55
Category: Infertility Questions
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The first step in diagnosing infertility problems is having the couple undergo physical examinations and a complete medical history. The couple needs to be evaluated in order to determine which of them has infertility problems. It may require blood tests and semen specimens for men, and exploratory surgery and ultrasound examinations for women.
During the medical examination, the physician will take information about the couple's sexual and medical history. In most cases, the physician will ask the following questions:
- What medical conditions are you currently experiencing?
- What medications do you usually take?
- Have you undergone past surgeries prior to this medical exam?
- Do you engage in sexual intercourse regularly?
- Do you use lubricants?
- Are you comfortable with your sex life?
- Do you feel frustrated about being unable to conceive a child?
For diagnosing infertility in women, there are physicians who specialize in reproductive endocrinology. These diagnostic examinations may include:
- Blood tests;
- Pap smear;
- Urine tests;
- Basal body temperature tests;
- Endometrial biopsy;
- Ultrasound;
- Post-coital examinations; or
- Complex tests such as laparoscopy and hysterosalpingogram.
For men, the diagnostic test is simpler. After taking his medical history and performing a physical examination, the doctor will test and evalute his sperm specimen. The doctor will be checking several factors, including:
- Sperm count;
- Sperm motility (movement);
- Maturity and shape of the sperm;
- The amount of sperm produced; and
- Acidity.
If he is found to have abnormal sperm, he will be referred to a fertility specialist who can administer the following tests:
- Hormonal blood tests;
- Imaging tests for checking on swollen veins;
- Testicular biopsy;
- Anti-sperm antibody tests;
- Hamster egg test;
- Human zona penetration test; and
- Bovine cervical mucous test.
keywords: Infertility | Fertility Pregnancy | ICSI | IVF | In Vitro Fertilization | sperm | Reproduction About the Author:
Isabel Tagge answers frequently asked infertility questions at PrettyGreatAnswers.com.
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