What is Fertility Evaluation? Why It’s the First Step to Treatment

When people desire to build their families, they may be faced with challenges that prevent them from doing so. Potential infertility is evaluated in two clusters, those that are 35 years old and below, and those above 35. As well, people who want to become pregnant should have been having unprotected sex regularly. If they are aged 35 and below, they should be able to conceive within 12 months of trying. For those above 35, they should be  able to conceive within six months of trying.  

If after consistent trying they are unable to conceive, then they need to consult with a professional healthcare provider. The earlier infertility is diagnosed, the better the chances of finding treatment options that could facilitate the process of family building. This article will be discussing the context and content of fertility tests. So let us explore different facets of fertility evaluation to get a better understanding of why this is so vital. 

Why Do You Need a Fertility Evaluation?

Usually one would require a fertility evaluation if they have been actively trying to become pregnant for more than six to 12 months without success. Some of the most common fertility challenges for women have to do with ovulation. For men, the challenges have to do with how their sperm functions. 

While there are factors that affect fertility such as age, health, medical history, diet and lifestyle, fertility evaluations are used to determine the probable cause of infertility. Doctors can then weigh different options and present choices for treatment to their patients when they have a better picture about the cause of infertility. 

Who Should Get a Fertility Evaluation?

Fertility evaluations are for anyone who is faced with challenges when trying to become pregnant. However, there are other circumstances when fertility evaluation would be of benefit. After the age of 35, women’s hormonal production begins to decline due to a reduced ovarian reserve. As a result, they may face challenges when trying to become pregnant naturally. A fertility evaluation is valuable in checking their hormone levels and ovarian reserves to determine the best course of action for their family building goals.  

Fertility testing is also beneficial for couples who are trying to become pregnant, but are facing recurrent miscarriages. One of the main causes of miscarriages has to do with anomalies in the embryo’s DNA. DNA anomalies could prevent the embryo from developing normally, so in nature’s mysterious way of selecting the fittest candidates for survival, one experiences a miscarriage. While this is not pleasant, fertility evaluations can analyse the potential parents’ DNA for anomalies that could possibly be contributing to the repeated miscarriages.  

There are times when men experience infertility due to a low sperm count. Millions of sperm are released when a man experiences an orgasm and these travel from the vagina to the fallopian tube. For a sperm cell, this is a very long distance and the more the sperm, the better the chances of fertilization. Therefore when a man has a low sperm count, the odds of fertilization are greatly reduced. Fertility testing assesses the quality of sperm to see if they are in general good health, as well since sperm count is not the only factor that impacts fertility.  

What Are the Different Types of Fertility Tests?

There are several types of fertility tests that are used to assess what the cause of infertility could be. Some of the main tests are hormone testing, semen analysis, ultrasound and hysterosalpingogram. Let us look at how the tests are done and analysed.  

Hormone Testing

Blood tests are what are used to do hormone tests in fertility evaluations. The hormone tests done in fertility revelations are to ensure that they are at normal ranges. If there is an anomaly in hormone levels it could point to issues in the reproductive system. 

The hormones that are tested in women are follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, progesterone, prolactin, anti-mullerin hormone, estradiol, and thyroid levels. In men, the hormones tested are follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and inhibin. 

Semen Analysis

Sperms are the key ingredient to fertilization. For men the quantity and quality of sperm is crucial to family building success. The quantity of sperm has to be within a certain range within the volume of semen from a single ejaculation. If the quantity is lower than normal ranges, it presents problems in building a family.

Again, the quality of sperm a man produces is vital to fertilization. Typically, the structure of sperm cells consists of a head, tail and midpiece. The head contains half the DNA that is necessary during fertilization. The midpiece contains the mitochondria that provide energy for swimming, while the tail is what helps the sperm move. These three elements are required for natural fertilization. 

Ultrasound and HSG

An ultrasound is an imaging test used to view the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. A regular ultrasound is used on the surface of the abdomen to view the female reproductive system. In order to view the ovaries in better detail, transvaginal ultrasounds are used. 

Hysterosalpingography is an x-ray of the uterus, used to check for blockage in fallopian tubes. A contrast agent or dye is injected into the uterus and highlights the uterus from the inside under x-ray. Using this contrast agent, it is possible to see if the fallopian tubes are blocked or not. 

Conclusion

Fertility evaluations are vital for those who wish to build families. If one has been trying to build a family without success or has plans of building a family in the future, it is recommended that they go to a professional healthcare provider for fertility testing. The results provide insight that can be used as a basis for exploring family building options and decision making on the same. 

If you would like to know your fertility status, if you have been trying to build a family but are facing challenges doing so, or simply want to know more about family building and options that are available to you, contact San Diego Fertility. Our fertility experts are on hand to respond to your queries and walk with you through your family building options. 

FAQs:

When should I consider a fertility evaluation?

Consider a fertility evaluation if  you have been trying to conceive for more than 12 months without success, if your periods are irregular or absent, if you have experienced multiple miscarriages, if you have had previous infections, surgeries or treatments that could affect fertility, if you have a history of reproductive health conditions such as endometriosis or PCOS.

Can I still conceive naturally after a fertility test?

Yes! Fertility tests only provide insight to your reproductive health and do not affect your ability to conceive. 

What if my fertility test results are normal but I still can’t conceive?

Typically a professional healthcare provider may request for further tests, recommend lifestyle changes, or explore options in assisted reproductive technologies.

How much does a fertility evaluation cost?

While different clinics in different locations may have variations in costs, the general range is between $200 - $500 for basic evaluations and $1,000 - $3,000 for comprehensive evaluations. Some insurance may cover these costs partly, so check what your plan covers with your provider. 

What happens after my fertility evaluation?

Typically, after your fertility evaluation, your fertility specialist will review your test results with you, discuss the possible causes of infertility if any come to light, and then recommend the next steps.