It's normal for couples who are expecting a baby to feel a lot of stress and anxiety when that dream is a little late. Even when we hear the word " infertility ," we get very scared. Because we think it can change the life we've always dreamed of. But in reality, this situation is not as hopeless as you might think.
Doctors usually suspect infertility if you haven't conceived after trying for about a year. However, this one-year period doesn't mean you can never have a baby. A recent study found that many women under the age of 39 who don't get pregnant in the first year are able to get pregnant in the second year without any medical treatment . So, it's important to understand this before rushing into expensive treatments.
When you go to see a doctor
If you have any concerns about your fertility, the best thing to do is to see a doctor, especially a fertility specialist. The doctor will first ask you and your partner about your health conditions and habits.
You may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed because some of the questions are a bit personal. But remember, it is very important to know all of this in order to find the exact cause of the problem. In many cases, the cause of infertility can be a combination of small problems on both sides . Therefore, it is essential to examine both of you thoroughly.
Before seeing a specialist, it's a good idea to do some research on the costs of the tests and whether they will be covered by your insurance.
Doctor, things I can ask you both.
The doctor will ask you both questions about your life and health habits. This may include questions like:
| Type of question asked | Description and why is it important? |
|---|---|
| Medical history | Any chronic diseases you have (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure) or surgeries you have had. These can affect fertility. |
| Drugs used | About any prescription medication you take. Some medications can affect fertility. |
| Lifestyle | About the use of coffee, alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs. These directly affect the quality of sperm and eggs. |
| Work and environment | Are you exposed to chemicals, toxins, or radiation at work or at home? |
| Sexual habits | Things like frequency of sexual intercourse, history of sexually transmitted diseases, etc. These can help determine the cause of the problem. |
| Men's underwear | Wearing tight underwear can increase the temperature of the testicles and hinder the production of healthy sperm. |
Things to ask a woman specifically
In addition, the doctor will definitely ask about your gynecologic history.
- Have you been pregnant before? What happened with those pregnancies?
- How have your periods been over the past year?
- Are your periods irregular? Have there been times when they stopped? Have you had spotting between periods?
- Have you noticed any changes in the amount of bleeding, such as large blood clots?
- What birth control methods did you use?
- Have you previously seen a doctor and received treatment regarding fertility?
If you have previously seen a doctor regarding this matter, don't forget to bring all relevant medical reports, X-rays, scan reports, etc. with you this time.
Basic tests: blood and semen analysis
After this conversation, your tests will begin. First, a general physical examination and some blood tests will be done.
- Blood Tests: These mainly check the levels of female hormones, thyroid hormones, prolactin, and male hormones in your body. They also check for infections like HIV and Hepatitis.
- Physical examination: This involves examining the vagina to check for sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, as these infections can also cause infertility.
- Semen Analysis : Your partner will also be asked to have a semen analysis. This is done to check the number, shape, and motility of the sperm.
In addition, your doctor will schedule several other blood tests based on the days of your menstrual cycle. For example, the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) tests are done on the second or third day of your period. This is done by looking at the hormone levels on different days of your cycle to determine whether you are ovulating properly.
Other special tests if necessary
After the initial tests, the doctor may recommend several more tests as needed. Not everyone will have all of these tests. The doctor will choose the one that is most appropriate for your situation.
| Name of the test | Simply do this... |
|---|---|
| Transvaginal Ultrasound Scan | A small scanning device is inserted through the vagina to check the condition of the uterus and ovaries. This can check whether the follicles in the ovaries, which mature eggs, are working properly. |
| Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) | This is also called a "tubogram." A special dye is inserted into the uterus through the vagina, and a series of X-ray images are taken of the fallopian tubes. It is the best way to find out if there are any blockages in the fallopian tubes. |
| Hysteroscopy | This is done if the HSG test detects a problem. A thin, telescope-like instrument is passed into the uterus and a camera is used to view the inside. |
| Laparoscopy | A camera is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen to look inside the abdominal cavity. This helps to check for conditions like endometriosis and scarring. This is a minor surgery performed under anesthesia. |
| Endometrial Biopsy | A small sample of tissue is taken from the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) to check whether the lining is in a suitable condition for an embryo to implant. |
Once all these tests are completed, about 85% of couples will be able to get a clear idea of what is causing their difficulty conceiving. Therefore, if you are worried and have any concerns, the best thing to do is to seek proper medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- Don't worry if you haven't conceived after trying for a year. It doesn't mean you'll never be able to have a baby.
- If you think you have a problem, the best thing to do is to see a specialist and get advice.
- Both men and women are equally affected by the issue of infertility. Therefore, it is essential for both partners to participate in testing and treatment.
- Answering the personal questions your doctor asks you honestly is a great help in finding the exact cause of the problem.
- Not all tests are done for everyone. Your doctor will decide which tests are appropriate for your situation. After the right tests, most couples are able to find the cause of their problem.
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