You and your partner may have been dreaming of having a baby and trying for it for a while. Sometimes this journey is not as easy as you think. It is normal to feel very sad and anxious when you have been waiting for months, maybe even a year, but there is no result. There are times when you think, "Why is this happening to us alone?" But you are not alone, there are many people who face this problem. The best thing is that there are medical tests that help us find the cause, namely fertility tests. Let's talk about this today.
When should you consider getting a fertility test?
Doctors usually advise us to think about this in situations like this.
- If you are under 35 years old: If you have not conceived a baby after about a year of normal intercourse without any birth control.
- If you are over 35 years old: And if you have not conceived after about 6 months of being together. (This is because fertility decreases slightly with age.)
- If your monthly menstrual cycle is irregular: That is, if your period comes more than 35 days late.
If this is the case, the best thing to do is for you and your partner to see a doctor together and seek advice.
What do you ask when you see a doctor?
When you go to see a doctor, they don't just ask you to do a test. They first ask you and your partner about a few things. It's like looking for clues to find the cause of the problem.
The doctor may mainly ask about these things:
- Details about the menstrual cycle: the day your period started, how many days it lasts, the amount of bleeding, and whether there is pain.
- About previous pregnancies: Details such as whether you have been pregnant before and whether you have had any miscarriages.
- Other illnesses: Are there any long-term illnesses such as diabetes, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, or have you had any previous surgeries?
- Medications: Are you currently taking any medications?
- Lifestyle: How much you consume things like coffee and alcohol.
- Work environment: It may also be important to consider whether you are exposed to toxic chemicals at work.
- About sex life: Things like how often you're together.
After gathering all this information, your doctor will decide which tests are right for you both. Remember, there is no single "best test" for everyone. The tests you need will vary from person to person.
What are the fertility tests for women?
There are several tests that can be done to determine the causes of a woman's fertility. Let's take a look at the main tests that are done.
| Name of the test | Simply put, what do you do with this? |
|---|---|
| Fertility Blood Tests | It checks for imbalances in hormone levels that affect ovulation and ovulation. This blood test is done on specific days of the menstrual cycle. It mainly checks hormone levels such as Progesterone, Estradiol, TSH (thyroid hormone), and Prolactin . |
| Ovarian Reserve Testing | This involves measuring the hormone AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) in the blood. At the same time, a scan through the vagina (Transvaginal Ultrasound) is used to check the number of antral follicles in the ovaries. This can give you an idea of how your egg reserve compares to others your age. This is not necessary for everyone, but is especially important for those undergoing treatments like IVF . |
| Genetic Testing | They are looking for any changes (mutations) in genes that could affect fertility. |
| Pelvic Ultrasound | This scan is done to check for uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, or other abnormalities. |
| Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) | This is a special X-ray test. It is used to check if the Fallopian tubes are blocked and if they are still in good condition. Blocked fallopian tubes are a major cause of infertility. |
| Hysteroscopy | A thin tube with a very small camera (hysteroscope) is passed through the cervix into the uterus and the inner wall of the uterus is carefully examined. If there are any small lumps, they can be removed right away. |
What are the fertility tests for men?
Infertility is not just a problem for women, so it's definitely important to get tested for male infertility as well.
| Name of the test | Simply put, what do you do with this? |
|---|---|
| Semen Analysis | This is the most important and basic test for men. It measures the sperm count, motility, and morphology of the semen. |
| Fertility Blood Tests | If there is a problem with the sperm analysis, a blood test is done to check hormone levels. This tests hormone levels such as Testosterone, FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone), and LH (Luteinizing Hormone) . |
| Testicular Ultrasound | This scan is done to check for any problems or blockages in the testicles and surrounding structures. |
| Post-Ejaculatory Urinalysis | Sometimes, there may be a condition where sperm does not go out but goes back into the bladder (retrograde ejaculation). This condition can be diagnosed by checking for sperm in a urine sample. |
What to do if the test results are abnormal?
It's normal to feel scared and anxious when you find out that a test result is abnormal. But that doesn't mean your journey is over. In fact, it means that we've found the cause of the problem and can now treat it.
Your doctor will explain the results to you and what to do next. You may need to do more tests, or you may be able to start treatment right away.
Remember, you don't have to give up on your child's dream just because there was something unusual on a test report. It's just an opportunity to identify the problem.
With the advancements in medical science, there are many successful treatments available, such as IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) and IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) . Your doctor will explain the treatment method that is best for you.
Can I test my fertility at home?
Yes, there are at-home fertility tests available at pharmacies and online. For example, there are urine tests that can help women find out when they are ovulating. And there are tests for men that give a rough idea of their sperm count.
But it's important to remember this: A home test is in no way a substitute for expert medical advice. These tests are only a rough guide. If you think there's something wrong with the test, it's best to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Take-Home Message
- If you're having trouble conceiving a child, don't be embarrassed or afraid. It happens to many people. The most important thing is to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
- Fertility testing is not about finding out who has the problem, but about finding the cause of the problem and providing a solution. That's why it's so important for both of you to go through this journey together.
- Whatever the test results, it's not the end of the world. With the advanced treatments available today, there are many opportunities to make your dream of having a child come true.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. Then you will receive the most appropriate guidance.
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