How is Fertility in Women Tested by Doctors?
Globally, up to 15% couples in the reproductive age suffer from infertility. This is one of the main causes of psychological and emotional distress in both men and women, according to an article on the National Health Portal India. Any woman who is unable to conceive after a year of unprotected sex should visit the best maternity hospitals, such as those in Hyderabad. They can consider a fertility test to identify the root cause of the problem.
Doctors usually recommend the following tests to know why you have failed to conceive.
Ultrasound Scan
A trained sonographer will carry out the scan to examine the womb, fallopian tubes, ovaries and the pelvic area. It helps diagnose an abnormally shaped uterus, blocked tubes and cysts in the ovaries. Fibroids and endometriosis can also be detected through the scan. All these conditions can hamper the process of pregnancy. Additionally, a transvaginal scan is performed to check the overall health of your reproductive organs. It can determine whether the follicles inside the ovaries are functioning normally.
Gynecologic History
In the first visit to the maternity hospitals in Hyderabad, the doctor will ask several health-related questions. The most common ones are about the frequency of your menstruation cycle, previous pregnancy outcomes, birth control used, sexually transmitted infections, if any, and alternate treatments taken. These are essential to diagnose the cause of infertility. They also determine whether any tests or procedures are required. If you have consulted a doctor before, make sure to bring all the medical reports and prescriptions for a better workup.
Blood Tests
Hormone imbalance can lead to ovulation malfunctions. This is because hormones are closely associated with the functioning of the ovaries. Tests will be performed during various times of the menstrual cycle to detect hormone levels in the blood. This will determine whether the eggs produced are of high quality and whether the ovaries are receiving proper hormone signals. The levels of the thyroid hormones, prolactin and Hepatitis are also checked through the tests.
Ovarian Reserve Test
This test is for those who are above 35 years of age and have unexplained infertility. Also, if you have had a reproductive surgery, have a family history of premature menopause or have only one ovary, you could be at a high risk of depleted eggs. Ovarian stimulation and chemotherapy are added risk factors. An ovarian reserve test is usually performed to check for the number of eggs. This is done through blood tests or sonography.
Laparoscopy
A laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen to detect scarring and endometriosis. This requires a small cut on the belly button. Doctors can remove ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids, which are a few potential causes of infertility.
Other effective tests are hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsy, postcoital test and hysterosalpinogram or HSG. However, not all women undergo these tests. Most of the procedures are suggested by the doctors at maternity hospitals in Hyderabad, depending upon specific conditions. In fact, 85% couples are likely to get an answer to the infertility after these tests are done.
