Determine The Gender Of Your Baby

Have you made the choice to go to the doctor then? Heck, I’d also be a bit nervous – especially with not knowing what to expect! But in truth, infertility tests are pretty standard, so it isn’t too hard to get a clue as to what might be required. At your first consultation the doc will ask a whole pile of questions with reference to your sexual and medical history, so be ready! You’ll probably have to undergo a physical too, and then if the doctor can’t see anything obviously wrong there you might need to get started on the next phase of testing.

For the ladies:

· Urine tests and blood tests – You might need to do a couple of urine tests throughout the month to check if you’re ovulating. Urine tests and blood tests will also test for hormonal problems, such as lots of prolactin which instructs your body not to ovulate but to manufacture milk instead – not conducive to pregnancy! The test will also detect if you have any STDs.

· Postcoital test – Although this test isn’t used that often anymore it involves having sexual intercourse the day before you ovulate and then visiting the doctor for an internal examination within a couple of hours. This is to confirm if the sperm are doing okay and swimming in the right direction.

· Pap smear – You ought to have a pap smear at least once every two years anyway, but the doctor will take a swab of cervical tissue to check for abnormal cells which could be a sign of cancer.

· Pelvic Examination – Generally a couple of fingers inside and a couple of fingers outside to test for any lumps. The doc may also use a speculum – a tool to look inside – and might also take swabs for screening.

· Pelvic Ultrasound – This test makes use of sound waves to check for any structural abnormalities.

· Laparoscopy – Involves one or two small incisions to insert a tiny camera and possibly a surgical instrument to look for any problems. The procedure is done under anaesthetic.

· Sonohysterogram – Similar to an ultrasound but saline solution (salt water) is squirted into the uterine cavity. This is used to look for any structural irregularities.

· Hysterosalpingogram – Fluid is squirted into the cervix and uterus to check via X-ray for obstructions in the fallopian tubes. This test is quite cool because every so often the fluid itself clears the tubes!

· Endometrial Biopsy – Uterine health is crucial for getting pregnant so these tests can check the condition of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus).

· Antibody test – A test to see if your body is making anti-sperm antibodies.

· Hysteroscopy – Just like a laparoscopy, barring the fact that the camera is inserted through the vagina.

For the men:

· Blood tests – To check FSH, LH and testosterone levels to check if the guy has a pituitary gland problem, and also to screen for STDs.

· Semen analysis – Yup, you’ll need to do your thing in a cup and get it tested pretty soon after before all the spermies die of old age. Many vigorous well-built sperm are ideal.

· Testicular Examination – Normally part of the physical, it might be used to look for variococeles – large veins that cause the testicle to get too hot and therefore damage sperm.

· Antibody test – Hopefully your system isn’t manufacturing anti-sperm antibodies.

· Ultrasound – Testicular abnormalities may be discovered by ultrasound scanning.

· Testicular Biopsy – The doctor will take a swab of tissue from the testicles to see if they contain sperm, especially if the semen doesn’t have any sperm in it.

Genetic testing could help to locate any genetic conditions that make infertility more likely. The easiest tests are done first and if no problem is found then extra testing might be needed. This is good because the more complicated testing procedures are fairly expensive! The discomfort of having someone examining your privates makes the physical discomfort even worse, but many of the tests are not uncomfortable in the least.

All of those tests will really help you uncover what is causing your infertility. When you know what the problem is then you can decide what to do about it. Alternatively, after all those tests you could still find that you’re infertile and without any idea why, or you may find that your problem isn’t treatable and that can be really difficult. You’ll generally find that the infertility clinic you attend will have therapy available – and it’s usually a good idea to take advantage of it whether you know what the problem is or not.

Here is more information on Reasons for Infertility. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Infertility. 

Tags: Pregnancy //