What Can Be The Cause Of Male And Female Infertility
Infertility can sometimes be a very complicated condition. The process of conception is based on a very fine balance of hormones, timing and almost perfect conditions. A combination of male and female infertility issues is often the underlying source of problems that prevent a couple from conceiving.
In order to discover what may be the issue that is preventing conception, couples have to be tested and evaluated. These tests can be invasive and sometimes even embarrassing for the couples to go through. Being prepared for what is part of a male and female infertility evaluation can help couples know what to expect.
Initial Male And Female Infertility Workup
When looking at the male and female infertility workup be prepared for a standard physical to be performed. This will include an evaluation of sexual history, past pregnancies and even what birth control has been used. During this part of the exam a physician will be looking at clues that may indicate fertility problems such as female infertility symptoms that may be something like irregular menstrual cycles.
The male and female infertility workup will also include a physical exam, that include a gynecological evaluation for the female and the male will also be looked at. In both cases the physician is looking for any outward signs of a physical problem that is impeding conception. For the male this may include a varicocele, which is an enlarged vein on the scrotum sack that may impede the production of sperm.
Blood tests will be run on the couple to look at hormone levels and any problems with the thyroid in either partner. The male will also be asked to give a sample for evaluation of the sperm. The woman will have further testing to look at her ovulatory cycle and the next step is often tests to determine if the fallopian tubes or uterus is damaged. This step usually requires surgery in order for the physician to get an up close look at the uterus and fallopian tubes. The surgery is usually done in an out patient basis and is not considered to invasive.
All of these tests help a physician evaluate the monthly cycle and what is occurring that is preventing conception. Often couples find that it is several problems that may be factors and it can be a relief to find out what is happening. In about 15% of couples an answer is not obvious and this can be very frustrating.
The male and female infertility workup can take several months to complete and can also be very stressful for the couple. Once testing is completed a path of treatment will be recommended and based on findings can be as simple as fertility drugs and inseminations to the more complex higher technologies that involve removing eggs and fertilizing them in a petrie dish and then putting the embryos back in the woman’s uterus.
Infertility is a surprise for most couples and can be a difficult time in their lives, but there are options available for couples to be successful in their pursuit of a child.
