[ad_1]
Infertility tests determine why a woman cannot get pregnant or why a man cannot impregnate a woman. Procedures include physical exams, blood tests, ultrasounds, and laparoscopy. Infertility insurance can help defray costs.
The purpose of an infertility test is to determine why a woman is unable to get pregnant or why a man is unable to get a woman pregnant. There are a variety of procedures used during an infertility test. Some of the most frequent procedures given to men during infertility these tests are physical exams, semen analysis and blood tests. Women commonly have physical exams, blood tests, pelvic ultrasounds, hysterosalpingography, and laparoscopy.
After visiting an infertility specialist, a man and a woman will typically be advised to time their attempts to become pregnant according to the woman’s menstrual cycle. A woman is best prepared for pregnancy immediately before ovulation and during ovulation. If it is determined that a couple has tried hard enough and is still unable to get pregnant, an infertility test will typically be recommended.
The first tests performed are usually physical exams. For men, this particularly involves an examination of the testicles. For women, this involves an examination of the pelvic region and a Pap smear.
Blood tests are used to examine the blood of men and women in order to determine hormone levels. Prolactic hormone can be tested to see if a woman has menstrual or ovulation complications. Testosterone levels are often tested in men. Low testosterone levels can produce a low sperm count, which can cause infertility. In addition to blood tests, a semen analysis is often provided to study the quality of a man’s sperm, his sperm count, sperm movement, and the number of white blood cells in semen.
If an initial infertility test does not reveal the source of the problem, more advanced tests will usually be administered. A pelvic ultrasound is done to examine the size and shape of the ovaries and uterus. A hysterosalpingogram is an x-ray that examines the inside of the uterus and fallopian tube. This test can reveal an obstruction that could be preventing sperm from traveling through the fallopian tube or preventing an egg from entering the uterus. He can also examine the uterus for potential problems that could be preventing an egg from being fertilized.
Laparoscopy is an infertility test conducted to examine a woman’s pelvic organs with a small scope inserted through her belly. This is done to find cysts, adhesions, and infections that could be preventing pregnancy. Women are given an anesthetic before undergoing this procedure.
There are many causes of infertility. In men, the most common culprits are often low sperm counts and poor sperm movement. This can be due to both genetic and environmental factors. For women, blocked fallopian tubes, high levels of the hormone prolactin, ovulation disorders, and early menopause are common causes of infertility.
While infertility tests are mostly effective, not all infertility can be fixed. More complex tests can be quite expensive. Some couples have even opted to purchase infertility insurance to defray the costs. Either way, thorough infertility testing can be a worthy investment for couples who have done their research and exhausted all other avenues.