Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility.
Infertility
Transcript
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility.
Hi, I'm Dr. Roger Lobo with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Today we're talking about the diagnosis of infertility and the basic infertility evaluation when a couple does not conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse or after six months if the woman is over age thirty-five or if there are known problems with infertility.
We recommend that both partners be evaluated, but at-home questions that a woman might be able to ask herself include:
- Are my menstrual cycles regular?
- Are they coming basically every month with a little bit of variation?
- If I track my cycles, do I ovulate every month?
A board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist can provide a basic infertility evaluation and treatments. However, many causes of infertility are best treated by a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist. If there are sperm abnormalities, then the man should be referred to a urologist who specializes in male infertility.
The basic infertility evaluation for a woman looks at her ability to produce eggs and the condition and function of her uterus and tubes. A complete medical history and physical examination are important starting points. One of the first areas to check is a woman's menstrual cycles: is she menstruating regularly, and how often? This provides clues about whether she is ovulating. An over-the-counter ovulation kit can also be used to tell if her hormones are stimulating the release of eggs. Ultrasound may also be used to measure the growth of follicles.
For women who don't have regular periods, it's important to check hormone levels. When there is too little estrogen or too much of certain other hormones, ovulation can be affected. A test for ovarian reserve can check the number and quality of eggs remaining in the ovaries, which is important for the potential for a pregnancy.
Another important diagnostic test is a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). This X-ray procedure is performed to find out if the fallopian tubes are open and to see if the shape of the uterus is standard. A small tube is inserted through the cervix, and dye enters the uterus and flows out through the fallopian tubes.
Another test similar to the HSG is called a saline sonohysterogram, which uses ultrasound and a water-based solution to image the inside of the uterus.
The most basic test for male fertility is a semen analysis. Men are asked to abstain from ejaculating for two days and then collect a semen sample, usually by masturbation. Under a microscope, the number, movement, and shape of sperm are examined. If the sperm count is low, a repeat sample is requested.
When the results of all these tests are in, the couple and their physician can set up a plan for treatment or order additional tests if necessary.
To learn more, check out our other videos on fertility, including treatments for infertility.
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Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
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Infertility is the result of a disease (an interruption, cessation, or disorder of body functions, systems, or organs) of the male or female reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery. Watch Video
Basic Infertility Evaluation
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility. Watch Video
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An educational video that answers patient questions about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and management of uterine fibroids. Watch Video
Infertility Treatments
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various treatments for infertility. Watch Video
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In this video series, Dr. Roger Lobo explains the basics of infertility, including causes, treatments and coping methods. Watch Video
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Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
Male Fertility and Infertility - a patient education video
Male Factor Infertility is responsible for about 30% of infertility cases and can contribute infertility to an additional 20% of cases. Watch Video
Basic Infertility Evaluation
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility. Watch Video
Infertility Treatments
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various treatments for infertility. Watch Video
Understanding Fertility
In this video series, Dr. Roger Lobo explains the basics of infertility, including causes, treatments and coping methods. Watch Video
Surviving the Roller Coaster Emotions of Infertility Treatment
The experience of infertility is a rollercoaster of hope and disappointment. Treatment presents an opportunity for hope as well as a new set of challenges. Watch Video
Causes of Male Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of male infertility. Watch Video
FAQ About Infertility
Infertility is not an inconvenience; it's a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction. Learn the facts
Male Fertility Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Male Fertility better. View the infographicsFind a Health Professional
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