Infertility: Medical Investigations

Infertility can be caused by a variety of issues in both men and women. There are various investigations that a couple may have to go through to find the cause of the infertility. Only then can doctors be able to put a plan in place on how to proceed to help the couple to conceive. Some conditions can be treated to improve chances but in most cases couples end up needing fertility treatment.

Investigations for the female partner.

A physical examination of the pelvic area

This is to check for infection, lumps or tenderness, which could be a sign of fibroids, ovarian tumours, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) ("Diagnosis Infertility").

Blood tests

Hormonal blood tests will be taken to check for the following:

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Helps control a woman’s menstrual cycle and the growth of follicles containing eggs in the ovaries.

• Estradiol: An important form of estrogen.

• Luteinizing hormone (LH) level: Linked to ovarian hormone production and egg maturation.

• Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH): Indicates ovarian reserve.

• Serum progesterone: Assesses ovulation.

• Prolactin: Evaluates pituitary function.

• Androgen levels; relevant for both men and women ("Blood Tests for Infertility").

  
  

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) tests

This will include a test for chlamydia which can affect fertility.

Scans

A trans-vaginal ultrasound scan of the pelvis to check the health of the womb (uterus), ovaries and fallopian tubes. If further investigations are needed, the doctor may suggest a hysterosalpingogram or a laparascopy (keyhole surgery).

Investigations for the male partner.

Infertility issues in men are commonly caused by problems with sperm. A Semen analysis is done to check for problems such as low sperm count or sperm not moving properly. The male partner will also have STI tests.

These are basic preliminary tests. Doctors may suggest other special tests like genetic tests or chromosome tests if necessary. Whatever tests are suggested, its important that the couple understands the necessity. The NHS will fund medical examination costs for infertility in most circumstances, but in the private sector couples will have to pay for the tests.

Works Cited

“Blood Tests for Infertility.” Progyny, 16 Feb. 2023, progyny.com/education/fertility-testing/blood-tests-infertility/. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024

"Diagnosis Infertility." NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/diagnosis/. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

“Semen Analysis Report: Purpose, Procedure, & Results.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/what-is-semen-analysis. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.