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If you're preparing for a baby, you're probably already aware that getting pregnant can be difficult. Many couples may take longer to conceive than planned, which is when fertility testing may come into play. However, how much do you really know about testing female fertility?
In this article, we will describe female fertility testing, how it is done, when to consider it, and how couples can improve their understanding of themselves and their reproductive health to plan their families.
What Is Fertility Testing?
Fertility testing is a range of medical evaluations that optimally assess the family-planning capability of males and females. These tests can detect problems with ovulation, sperm production, hormonal levels, and other physical changes within the reproductive system. It isn’t only women who need fertility testing; male fertility testing is equally crucial in depicting the entire picture.
You don't need to wait for there to be an issue before being proactive – many people looking for peace of mind opt to get screened prior to attempting conception.
When Should You Consider Fertility Testing?
- If you have been trying to conceive for over a year, or six months if you’re over 35 years old.
- If you’ve experienced irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
- If you've had multiple miscarriages.
- If you have a medical condition such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or Endometriosis.
- Having a male partner with a history of testicular, prostate, or other sexual health problems also contributes to this condition.
Sometimes, couples planning for pregnancy hope to get tested, even if nothing applies, solely for peace of mind.
Common Female Fertility Tests
These women’s tests are the most common and include:
- Hormone blood Tests - assess egg reserve and ovulation through FSH, LH, estradiol, AMH, and progesterone hormone level metabolism.
- Ultrasound scans – Using transvaginal ultrasound allows thorough examination of the ovaries and the uterus, looking for cysts or fibroids among other issues.
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG) - A specialized x-ray evaluating the status of patency of fallopian tubes and normalcy of the uterus.
- Ovulation detection - This may include at-home tests or visits with your physician aimed at confirming the best periods.
Common Male Fertility Tests
- Semen Analysis: Assessing sperm count alongside motility (movement) and morphology (shape).
- Testosterone evaluation: checking testosterone along with some other regulatory hormones, also referred to as hormonal evaluation.
- Scrotal Ultrasound: Varicocele (enlarged veins) and some other conditions are checked using this ultrasound to identify any structural abnormalities.
- Genetic Testing: This is done as a follow-up to inconclusive results or if there is a known history of infertility in the family.
How to Prepare for Fertility Testing
- Inform your physician by tracking your menstrual cycles for at least 2-3 months; this provides valuable insights.
- As part of healthy lifestyle adjustments, refrain from smoking, alcohol consumption, and eat healthy food.
- Make sure to have open discussions with your partner because fertility testing is undertaken together.
- Advanced reproductive diagnosis and testing should be done in a specialized lab that is well-known and has a good reputation.
Why Early Testing Can Make a Difference
Getting help early means intervention without gaps in time that can cause a difference later. There are multiple things that can be done if there is an early diagnosis, like medications, assisted reproduction methods, even changes in lifestyle, or just having a better knowledge of one’s natural cycles can be beneficial.
Getting testing female fertility done early can help ease a couple's stress by allowing them to take action and make decisions without the constant question of “why isn’t it working?” hanging over them.
What If Everything Looks Normal?
You might not guess that unexplained infertility is more common than you think. This is when all the test results come back clear, and yet pregnancy still doesn’t occur. Just because you have unexplained infertility does not mean you have run out of options. In these scenarios, specialists will mostly suggest guided timed intercourse, ovulation induction, or assisted methods such as IUI or IVF.
Take the Leap Towards Gaining New Insight
Taking charge of your reproductive health is one of the most empowering things you can do, whether you are considering having children in the future or have initiated trying to conceive. Knowing your reproductive health today can set you up to plan ahead in life. The journey of understanding reproductive health is simpler than we often think, and answers can definitely be found. You can find information on complete male and female fertility and testing services at fsg-lab.com.
Conclusion
Following and understanding your fertility journey can often be both overwhelming and emotional, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The professionals at First Stem Cell and Genomics Laboratory provide advanced reproductive testing crafted specifically for your needs. Irrespective of whether this is the first attempt or you are trying for a baby over a period of time, comprehending how your body functions gives you the peace of mind in making informed decisions towards your future.