DIAGNOSING INFERTILITY
The overall causes of infertility are shared about equally between male and female partners, and can include genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Because of the complexity of infertility, it is important that your infertility evaluation is customized based on your individual history and goals.
Ovarian Reserve Assessment
An ovarian reserve assessment allows us to look at how many eggs are available and how quickly the ovaries are aging. The egg quality and quantity is evaluated by looking at age, hormone tests, and ultrasound imaging. The results of ovarian reserve assessment help us to determine the potential success of fertility treatments and how aggressive the approach to treatments should be.
Uterine Assessment
The uterus allows sperm to travel to the eggs, the embryo to implant, and the baby to grow. An assessment of the uterus generally includes a pelvic ultrasound. Sometimes, your physician may recommend a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), which is a procedure where a dye is injected through a soft plastic catheter into the uterine cavity and X-rays are taken to assure that dye spills from the fallopian tubes. This shows that the fallopian tubes are open and the uterus is normally shaped.
Semen Analysis
Semen analysis allows us to look at the quantity, shape, and movement of the sperm. While male infertility is caused by a variety of factors, we begin our initial testing with a semen analysis to identify any potential issues. Additional testing may be performed based on the results of the semen analysis.
Other Laboratory Testing
Additional testing should be individualized based on a couple’s history and goals, and can include other hormonal testing, genetic testing, prenatal and infectious disease labs, or referrals to other specialists for further evaluation.