- Menstruation Cycle: Do you have regular menstrual cycles? It aids in diagnosing any possible ovulation problems.
- Sexual History: How often do you engage in sexual activities?
- Family History: Testing for hereditary disorders or early menopause.
- Risk Factors: Prior surgery, sexually transmitted diseases, or other personal factors affecting your fertility.
Infertility Workup at Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics
Starting a family may be one of life’s most exciting adventures, yet infertility could cause stress, especially when pregnancy does not happen sooner than expected. Most cases of infertility begin by finding the answer rather than a cure. In such cases, conducting a complete infertility workup will be the most crucial factor in identifying the cause of infertility.
In this regard, at Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics, rated as the best IVF clinic in Green Park, we make sure that we have completed a comprehensive infertility workup for all our patients to understand their reproductive health scientifically.
What is an Infertility Workup?
An infertility workup comprises different fertility tests to check the reproductive system of both partners. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society for Reproductive Medicine suggest that, in most cases, an infertility evaluation should be conducted after one year of having unprotected intercourse, or after six months for women over the age of 35.
This standard infertility assessment aims to pinpoint particular infertility problems that may arise from female infertility, male infertility, or both.
Step 1
The Foundation – Medical History and Physical Examination
Every infertility investigation process at Zemya IVF starts with a medical history. Your fertility expert will ask you about:
This is followed by a physical exam to assess the condition of your reproductive system and detect any hormone imbalance, like the one seen in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Step 2
Evaluating Female Fertility
The female infertility workup is generally centered around three main areas: ovulation, the anatomy (uterus and fallopian tubes), and ovarian reserve.
Testing Ovulation and Hormone Levels
Sometimes it is not so straightforward to infer that a woman is ovulating regularly. In such cases, doctors decide to conduct other tests. One test that monitors levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol can be done on day 3 of the cycle (the third day of menstruation). One more important consideration regarding fertility is to do a thyroid function test, since thyroid disorders can cause a major blockage in fertility naturally.
The Tests of Ovarian Reserve
Ovarian reserve testing is done through a series of steps, for example, the Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test, which is a predictor of ovarian reserve. These tests are instrumental in determining ovarian reserve, hence, the number and quality of eggs still left in a woman's ovaries. The outcome of tests showing diminished ovarian reserve or primary ovarian insufficiency (also called ovarian insufficiency) is instrumental in determining the level of urgency for infertility treatment.
Imaging of Anatomy
For examining the uterus and fallopian tubes, we utilize:
- Transvaginal ultrasound: A pelvic ultrasound that enables us to detect uterine fibroids, polyps or other problems with the uterus.
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): This is an X-ray that helps determine the patency of the fallopian tubes in terms of whether there is any blockage caused by scar tissue.
- Sonohysterography: This procedure involves minimal invasion and uses saline to have a better picture of the uterus.
In case of complicated cases like pelvic pain, laparoscopic surgery may be suggested to test for endometriosis or adhesions.
Step 3
Assessing Male Fertility
Since male factor infertility accounts for approximately 40-50% of total infertility cases, semen analysis is essential to the diagnostic work-up. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides the following standards that specify the criteria for male fertility:
- Counting of Sperm
- Motility of Sperm
- Morphology of Sperm
If the semen analysis test reveals abnormal results, additional tests might be done to detect any genetic defects causing the sperm production issue.
Step 4
Why? Moving from PCOS to Unexplained Infertility
With the results back, your doctor will explain what they mean, which could include:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), resulting in irregular ovulation;
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, known as the tubal factor;
- Infertility because of problems with cervical mucus, referred to as cervical factor infertility;
- Or, endometriosis, often diagnosed when a woman undergoes testing for pain issues.
Approximately 15-30% of cases show no abnormalities on any tests but still have difficulty conceiving. Such cases are classified as unexplained infertility, an unpleasant diagnosis but one that does not preclude pregnancy.
Step 5
Clinical Management and Treatment Options
The infertility investigation results guide the clinical management and the selection of fertility interventions. Zemya IVF & Fertility Centre is our happy place, offering a wide range of services:
- Optimizing Natural Fertility: Making changes in lifestyle and having intercourse at the right times.
- IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Best choice in cases of mild male factor infertility or cervical factor infertility.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF treatment is considered the best for the management of blocked fallopian tubes, poor-quality eggs, and severe male factor infertility issues as well.
- New Technology: The genetic screening technology is employed in identifying genetically defective embryos prior to implantation.
We ensure that there is close follow-up of our patients when doing in-vitro fertilization to avoid conditions like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Why Choose Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinic?
Being the best IVF center in Green Park, we know that conception begins with a correct map. Our philosophy for infertility assessment is based on the following principles:
1. Comprehensive
Nothing is left to chance, including thyroid profile and endometrial biopsy when necessary.
2. Empathy
Knowing the pressure related to fertility issues, we provide a caring atmosphere.
3. Technology-driven
Leveraging the most advanced assisted reproductive technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Generally, most tests, such as the blood test and pelvic ultrasound, don't cause any pain. Procedures like the HSG may result in mild cramping for only a few minutes, like menstrual cramps.
Typically, a complete infertility workup can be accomplished in one menstrual cycle, as the different tests have to be scheduled on specific days of your period.
That happens quite often. It may indicate female factors, or it could fall under unexplained infertility. Our fertility doctor will then check out more advanced diagnostic options.
There are major differences between cases. At our Zemya IVF & Fertility Centre, you will receive clear information about the cost of your infertility assessment.
Yes. They could include smoking, body mass, or excessive stress levels. You will be advised to maximize your natural fertility while on the treatments.