Infertility tests for Females:
Infertility is a state in which a couple is unable to conceive after 12 months of having unprotected intercourse frequently. The occurrence of infertility will increase with the increase in age. Fertilization in women’s bodies includes various steps such as:
- The brain has to release reproductive hormones that can control ovary function
- Ovary should release an egg
- The fallopian tube picks up the egg
- Sperm has to go through the uterus to reach the egg in the vagina
- Sperm mixes up with the egg and forms the embryo
- This embryo travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus and stays under the uterus line.
Infertility occurs if there is an issue with any one of these steps.
To get rid of infertility, it is better to take tests as early as possible. There are a few fertility tests that are conducted currently by healthcare professionals which may include:
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- Ovulation test: This is a kind of blood test that checks for hormones like Luteinizing Hormone(LH), Prolactin, and Progesterone. LH or Luteinizing Hormone is a sex hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. This hormone is responsible for reproductive activities in the human body i.e.:puberty, menstruation, ovulation, testosterone, and sperm production.
- Hysterosalpingography: In this testing, healthcare professionals take an x-ray of the uterus and check whether fluid is coming out of the uterus or not. This type of X-ray uses contrast so that internal organs like the uterus and fallopian tube will be visible. They will check whether there is any blockage in the fallopian tube and detect if there is any issue in the uterus. This procedure will take place in between the two weeks of menstrual cycle. Hysterosalpingography is used to see the condition of Fallopian Tubes. HSG helps professionals to deal with Infertility issues. Women can conceive if their Fallopian tubes are in open state. Fallopian tubes acts as a path of fertilization. If Fallopian tubes are closed, it will be difficult to fertilize.
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- Ovarian reserve test: This test checks the quality and quantity of eggs based on blood tests and vaginal ultrasound. This is used to check egg count as it starts decreasing with the increase in aging. The test results will let them know how well you react to In Vitro Fertilisation(IVF). This is used to check whether one is capable to fertilize or not. You have all your eggs by birth and you can’t create an egg afterwards, this stock of created eggs residing in your body is known as “Ovarian Reserve”. You can go for Ovarian Reserve test if you are suffering from a health condition that is disturbing the Egg count.
- Hormone testing: These are the tests that will check sex hormones that can help in the fertilization process. This testing will detect levels of Estrogen, Progesterone, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, Thyroid hormones and Luteinizing Hormone. If one neglects Hormone testing, there will be an occurrence of Hormonal imbalance which leads to Infertility. Hormone Testing is a blood test used to treat disorders like PCOS and Uterine Fibroids.
- Imaging: This test helps in checking any abnormalities regarding pregnancy. It checks whether there is any issue with the fallopian tube and uterus. This imaging test includes a detection process like Hysterosalpingogram(HSG).
- Transvaginal Ultrasound: This is similar to Imaging which can provide a clear picture of the pelvic region. The doctor will look for abnormalities in the region by using this procedure. This is an imaging procedure which provides doctors to see organs in pelvic region such as: cervix, uterus fallopian tube and ovaries. It detects if there is any abnormality in these regions. This is used to monitor pregnancy too.
- Hysteroscopy: This is a procedure of checking the uterus if there is any internal bleeding. This is used to check factors of abnormal bleeding in the uterus. This procedure will be handled by a Hysteroscope. Hysteroscope is a small diameter tube which is used to check Uterus and Cervix by sending it through Vagina. In addition, this procedure will ensure the results of Hysterosalpingography(HSG).
- Laparoscopy: This is a surgical procedure which involves checking for any abnormalities in Pelvic region and stomach region. Laparoscopy is the surgery which can be handled using Laparoscope which is a thin and light weighted rod with camera at the end. This operation detects if one is suffering from Endometriosis which will harm pelvic region if it is neglected at earlier stage. By making few cuts on the abdomen region, they will send this Laparoscope inside. If needed, they will make few more cuts and check if there is any abnormality at pelvic region. Surgeons will do their operation by watching at their monitor and as everything inside abdomen is getting recorded by Laparoscope, they will handle this procedure carefully. Laparoscopy is also used for removal of tumors.
- Blood Tests: Doctors will recommend Blood test to check levels of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone(FSH). If FSH levels are high in one’s blood, they are less probable to get pregnant and viceversa. Blood tests will be taken during early stages of Menstrual Cycle. Some doctors recommend blood tests to check levels of Anti-Mullerian Hormone(AMH). AMH levels in blood represent ovary functioning in your body.