Infertility Facts and Treatment
 

Common Fertility Tests for Women

Often finding the cause of infertility in a woman can be invasive, emotional and often uncomfortable, both physically and mentally. Sometimes it can be easy to detect, however most of the time it is an involved process that takes months and sometimes years. A doctor will first do a thorough physical exam on the woman and
 infertility treatment
 
then will look at her present health, past medical history as well as her sexual history. Doctors need to isolate the problem and they will need to know if a problem exists such as a lack of ovulation for a woman or intercourse that is poorly timed.

The first step that needs to be taken in regards to tests for women is make sure that ovulation is occurring every month. If it is not then this could explain the problem. There is more than one way to find this out. A woman can check her ovulation at home by using a basal body temperature to make note of any changes that occur in her morning body temperature over a period of several months. Another option is to record the texture of the cervical mucus she has over a period of many months. There are also home ovulation test kits that can be purchased at grocery stores or pharmacies. A physician can also check a female patient's ovulation by way of blood tests and also if necessary, an ultrasound of the ovaries. If the patient is found to be ovulating as she is supposed to be, then other tests will need to be conducted.

The next step would be for common fertility tests to be done such as an endometrial biopsy which tests the health of the uterine lining; hormone tests which measure the balance of female hormones; measurements of how well the thyroid is functioning (a TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone level that lies somewhere between one and two is believed to be right for pregnancy to take place) and a laparoscopy which makes it possible for the doctor to clearly see all of the pelvic organs.

More Infertility Info

The most common cause of female infertility is a disorder related to ovulation. An other common cause of female infertility is blocked fallopian tubes, which can take place due to endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Repeated miscarriages are often linked to birth defects (or congenital anomalies), which can involve problems with the structure or makeup of the uterus and/or uterine fibroids. Age also plays a role in a woman's ability to conceive. A woman's fertility begins to decline slightly at age 30 and then takes a significant drop at age 35. After age 40 a woman has a one in ten chance of getting pregnant. The ovaries decline in their ability to produce eggs as a woman advances in years, and this is most readily seen after the age of 35.

 

 A pap smear to look for any signs that there may be an infection or cysts is a necessary diagnostic test for infertility problems.  Accompanying a pap smear is usually a pelvic exam that seeks to root out an infection or any kind of abnormalities. A test that is often done for infertility is a hysterosalpingography. In this case x-rays are used in order to look for physical abnormalities that might be affecting the fallopian tubes or the uterus. A

special dye is injected into the vagina that makes its way to the uterus and this dye clearly shows up on the x-ray. This test makes it possible for the doctor to see if the dye is able to effectively move through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes. This test therefore helps locate blockages if there are any. A blockage could make it difficult for an egg to travel down the fallopian tubes (both must be checked with the dye) and to find its way to the uterus. Blockages can also prevent sperm from reaching an egg.

Current Infertility News

02/06/2012
Infertility - Antidepressants May Cause Infertility In Males
A ntidepressants have become some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the US, especially SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).

Infertility - Antidepressants May Cause Infertility In Males

01/24/2012
Infertility IQ: Baby Making Myths - Research Summary
INFERTILITY: A person who is infertile has a reduced ability to have a child. A diagnosis of infertility does not necessarily mean a person is sterile-- that is, physically unable ever to have a child. Up to 15 percent of all couples are infertile, ...

Infertility IQ: Baby Making Myths - Research Summary

02/04/2012
Antioxidant Deficiencies And Infertility
A lack of antioxidants can cause oxidative stress which may be at the root of much male and female infertility especially when blood flow is poor.

Antioxidant Deficiencies And Infertility

01/30/2012
Grief Center offering new services for families dealing with infertility
The ups and downs of infertility treatment can take a toll on the families involved. Solace Tree and the Family Grief Center are now offering families an escape who are dealing with this difficult issue.

Grief Center offering new services for families dealing with infertility

01/30/2012
Grief Center offering new services for families dealing with infertility
The ups and downs of infertility treatment can take a toll on the families involved. Solace Tree and the Family Grief Center are now offering families an escape who are dealing with this difficult issue.

Grief Center offering new services for families dealing with infertility

01/30/2012
Frost & Sullivan Honours Merck Serono for Its Achievements in the Treatment of Infertility
LONDON-- - Based on its recent analysis of the infertility therapeutics market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Merck Serono, the pharmaceutical division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, with the 2011 Europe ...

Frost & Sullivan Honours Merck Serono for Its Achievements in the Treatment of Infertility


Infertility Book and Resources

Better Your Health


Infertility Facts
A Look at In Vitro Fertilization
Frequently Asked Questions About Infertility Part One
How is Infertility Diagnosed?
Medicines to Treat Female Infertility
What is Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)?
Common Fertility Tests for Women
Frequently Asked Questions About Infertility Part Two
Is Infertility a Woman's Problem?
Treatment for Infertility
What is Infertility?
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