Infertility is an increasingly common problem. According to estimates, approximately 15% couples try for a baby unsuccessfully. The rising incidence of this disease is associated with the changing lifestyle and deferring the decision about enlarging the family. There may be many causes of the problem; however, infertility affects women and men equally. How can you check if it concerns you a well? What tests you should take? Where to start diagnosing its causes?

If after one year of regular sexual intercourse (4-5 times a week) without contraception a couple didn’t achieve pregnancy, they should consult a specialist. Most often at the first stage the specialist recommend several diagnostic tests. It is important that both partners take those tests.

As regards women, the most performed tests include:

  • AMH
  • nhibin B
  • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)
  • Estradiol (E2)
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
  • Prolactin (PRL)
  • Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (anti-TPO)
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-SO4)
  • Metoclopramide Test x 2 (MTCx2)
  • Testosterone (TST)
  • Thyreotropic Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

 

And men? For them the most important indicator is semen analysis. In addition to the basic semen tests, significant information can be supplied by the examination of the sperm cell morphology under high magnification (MSOME), Hypo-osmotic Swelling (HOS) Test and enhanced SOME+HOS test. In some cases, additional sperm DNA fragmentation test is recommended.

Following the analysis of the results, evaluation of reproductive organs and the detailed medical interview the doctor will be able to determine the cause of problems with getting pregnant. After that he or she will present the options of treatment. The treatment method is selected by the couple together with the specialist, after considering all pros and contras, in the context of their world view and possibilities. It should be remembered that the indications for insemination of IFV is not a final sentence. This is one of the ways to fulfil your dreams about parenthood, a manner in which the medical science can help you, an option you can use. In the treatment process, it is important who is supervising this process and in what atmosphere it takes place. For these reasons it is worth thinking what clinic to choose. Next time we will write about the issues to consider while selecting the fertility clinic 🙂