Fertility evaluations offer a structured approach to assessing reproductive health for individuals and couples seeking to understand their ability to conceive. These assessments begin with a review of a patient’s medical and reproductive history by professionals specializing in fertility services. They may include a range of diagnostic procedures tailored for both female and male reproductive systems.
What Female Fertility Evaluations Exist?
Female fertility evaluations start with a comprehensive review of health history, including medical conditions and menstrual cycle patterns. Evaluating the menstrual cycle can reveal irregularities and provide clues about hormonal function. Blood tests are commonly used to measure reproductive hormones.
Ovulation tracking can be performed to detect hormonal surges, indicating the fertile window. Imaging studies, such as pelvic ultrasound, allow a specialist to examine the uterus and ovaries for structural issues. This includes fibroids or ovarian cysts. Imaging studies, such as pelvic ultrasound, will enable a specialist to examine the uterus and ovaries for structural issues.
A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an X-ray procedure where contrast dye is introduced into the uterus to assess whether the fallopian tubes are open. If further assessment of the pelvic organs is needed, laparoscopy may be employed to visually inspect the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes for conditions like endometriosis or adhesions.
What Male Evaluations Exist?
Male fertility evaluations rely primarily on laboratory analysis of a semen sample. Parameters measured include semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. The semen analysis also provides results for pH and liquefaction time, which can reveal information about gland function and semen quality.
Additional laboratory tests, such as sperm DNA fragmentation analysis, may be indicated to assess the genetic integrity of the sperm. This may be especially true if initial results suggest possible abnormalities. A specialist will also review medical, surgical, and lifestyle history, including factors such as past illnesses, medications, and substance use, all of which may affect reproductive health.
How Is Infertility Treated?
After evaluations are complete, the results form the basis for discussing next steps. A fertility specialist may outline various options based on individual findings. Lifestyle guidance, such as weight management and stress reduction, may be discussed where relevant. For irregular ovulation, specific medications can be prescribed to stimulate the ovaries.
When appropriate, assisted reproductive techniques become part of the conversation. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) involves preparing and placing sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a procedure in which eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. Selected embryos are then transferred back to the uterus.
Clinics may also discuss the use of donor eggs, sperm, or embryos. Inclusive fertility services for a diverse patient population, including LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples, may include accessible pathways such as reciprocal IVF. This aligns procedures to enable both partners to participate in family building.
Seek Professional Fertility Services
A structured fertility evaluation provides valuable information regarding reproductive health and available options. By working with fertility specialists, individuals and couples receive assessments and guidance tailored to their health history and family-building goals. Patients can receive clear explanations of the next steps for care or further evaluation.