Infertility is a growing concern for couples, impacting both men and women. It can result from various factors including hormonal imbalances, lifestyle choices, genetic conditions, and underlying medical issues, all of which require medical attention. For men, infertility is often related to sperm quality, while women may face challenges such as ovulation disorders, fallopian tube blockages, or conditions like endometriosis.
Dr. Sandeep Mane, a Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility in Thane, emphasizes the importance of undergoing comprehensive fertility testing before starting any treatment. He explains that understanding the root causes of infertility is crucial for designing effective, personalized treatment plans. These tests assess hormone levels, egg and sperm quality, reproductive health, and other factors that contribute to conception.
Dr. Mane shares the key tests that are recommended for couples before they consider fertility treatments:
Tests for Women
Ovulation Testing: A test to measure hormone levels like progesterone and determine if ovulation occurs.
Ovarian Reserve Monitoring: This helps assess the quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs through tests like Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels, and antral follicle count via ultrasound.
Saline-Infused Sonography or HyCoSy: This test is preferred over Hysterosalpingography (HSG) for checking fallopian tube blockages and assessing the structure of the uterus.
Pelvic Ultrasound: Used to examine the uterus and ovaries for fibroids, cysts, or any abnormalities.
Hormone Panel: Includes blood tests to measure estrogen, testosterone, thyroid function, prolactin, FSH, and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) levels—all vital for fertility.
Tests for Men
Semen Analysis: This test evaluates sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape) to identify any male infertility issues.
Hormone Testing: This checks testosterone levels and other hormones like LH and FSH, which are essential for sperm production.
Genetic Testing: Crucial for detecting genetic or chromosomal abnormalities that could impact sperm quality, particularly important for couples with a history of recurrent miscarriages.
Invasive Tests: Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy are advanced diagnostic procedures performed under general anesthesia. These tests provide detailed insights into conditions like adhesions, mild endometriosis, and tubal inflammation, which are not always visible through routine ultrasounds. These conditions can be surgically treated to improve fertility.
By undergoing these tests, couples can gain a clear understanding of their fertility health and work with specialists to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Fertility testing is an essential step in addressing infertility without delay, ensuring higher chances of success with Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and ultimately helping couples achieve their dream of parenthood. For the best outcomes, it is crucial for couples to consult a fertility expert to guide them through this journey with care and precision.
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