Question 1

What to expect at your first visit

Accepted Answer

The first visit usually involves a detailed medical history and a exam. You will be asked questions about your menstrual period, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, pelvic pain, and disorders that can affect reproduction, such as thyroid disease. You and your partner will be asked about health concerns, including:

Medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal remedies
Illnesses, including STIs and past surgery
Birth defects in your family
Past pregnancies and their outcomes
Use of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs

You and your partner also will be asked questions about your sexual history, including:

Methods of birth control
How long you have been trying to get pregnant
How often you have sex and whether you have difficulties
Past sexual relationships

Question 2

What are the basic tests for women

Accepted Answer

Tests for infertility include laboratory tests, imaging tests, and certain procedures. Imaging tests and procedures look at the reproductive organs and how they work.

Laboratory tests may include blood and urine tests. A urine test can tell when and if you ovulate. Blood tests can measure:

Progesterone levels (to see if you have ovulated)
Thyroid function (problems with the thyroid may cause infertility)
Levels of the hormone prolactin (high levels can disrupt ovulation)
Ovarian reserve (egg supply)

Imaging tests and procedures may include:

Ultrasound exam
Sonohysterography
Hysterosalpingography
Hysteroscopy
Laparoscopy

You may not have all of these tests and procedures. Some are done based on results of previous tests and procedures. You also may track your basal body temperature (BBT) at home.

Question 3

What are the basic tests for men

Accepted Answer

Testing for a man often involves a semen analysis (sperm count). This is done to assess the amount of sperm, the shape of the sperm, and the way that the sperm move. Blood tests for men measure levels of male reproductive hormones. Too much or too little of these hormones can cause problems with making sperm or with having sex. In some cases, an ultrasound exam of the scrotum may be done to look for problems in the testicles.

Question 4

How can lifestyle affect fertility

Accepted Answer

Women who are underweight, overweight, or exercise too much may have a harder time getting pregnant. In women, drinking alcohol at moderate or heavy levels and smoking may reduce fertility. In men, smoking, heavy drinking, and using marijuana can reduce sperm count and movement.

Question 5

How can health conditions affect fertility

Accepted Answer

<div class="accordion-content wysiwyg-content" aria-hidden="true">
In women, several health problems can affect women’s fertility, including:
<ul>
<li>
Problems with reproductive organs or <a class="tooltip" data-tippy-content="Substances made in the body that control the function of cells or organs." aria-expanded="false">hormones</a>
</li>
<li>
Scarring or blockages of the <a class="tooltip" data-tippy-content="Tubes through which an egg travels from the ovary to the uterus." aria-expanded="false">fallopian tubes</a> (from past <a class="tooltip" data-tippy-content="Infections that are spread by sexual contact. Infections include chlamydia, gonorrhea, human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS])." aria-expanded="false">sexually transmitted infections [STIs]</a> or <a class="tooltip" data-tippy-content="A condition in which tissue that lines the uterus is found outside of the uterus, usually on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic structures." aria-expanded="false">endometriosis</a>)
</li>
<li>
Problems with the <a class="tooltip" data-tippy-content="A butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck in front of the windpipe. This gland makes, stores, and releases thyroid hormone, which controls the body's metabolism and regulates how parts of the body work." aria-expanded="false">thyroid gland</a> or <a class="tooltip" data-tippy-content="A gland located near the brain that controls growth and other changes in the body." aria-expanded="false">pituitary gland</a>
</li>
</ul>
 
In men, infertility can be caused when the tubes that carry sperm from the <a class="tooltip" data-tippy-content="Paired male organs that make sperm and the male sex hormone testosterone. Also called “testes.”" aria-expanded="false">testicles</a> are blocked.
</div>

Question 6

Why are imaging and other procedures done

Accepted Answer

Different imaging tests and procedures are used to look at the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes to find problems. Some procedures also are used to treat certain problems if they are found. The procedures that you have depend on your symptoms as well as the results of other tests. Common imaging tests for female infertility include the following:

Ultrasound exam—This test can predict when ovulation will occur by viewing changes in the follicles.
Sonohysterography—This special ultrasound exam looks for scarring or other problems inside the uterus.
Hysterosalpingography—This X-ray procedure shows the inside of the uterus and whether the fallopian tubes are blocked.
Hysteroscopy—This procedure uses a camera with a thin light source that is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. This can show problems inside the uterus and help guide minor surgery.
Laparoscopy—This procedure uses a camera with a thin light source that is inserted through the abdomen. This can show the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the outside of the uterus.

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