Infertility Workup: First Step to Understanding Fertility Issues
When a woman, even after trying naturally continuously for 1-1.5 years, cannot conceive, she is believed to be having fertility issues. Reasons like obesity, PCOD/PCOS, insulin resistance, etc. can be the cause behind this deficiency. But how do you know what is the reason behind your infertility condition ? By ‘Infertility Workup’. The exact infertility problem is diagnosed through ‘workup tests’ that are done by an infertility specialist. At Pahlajani’s IVF, a few tests are recommended to the couple before they are suggested any proper fertility treatment.
What tests are included in Infertility Workups?
To determine the exact deficiency, infertility experts may ask you to undergo a few tests including enquiring some questions related to your medical conditions like –
- Duration of infertility – How many years have you been trying to conceive naturally or have failed any fertility treatment (if undertook any).
- Menstrual History – Are your periods and the flow regular?
- Information about previous pregnancies – Have you had a baby earlier? If yes, was it naturally conceived or by fertility treatment? Any miscarriages/abortions?
- Frequency of intercourse – How often do you try, and do you face any difficulty during the process?
- Diet related queries – Do you consume alcohol/cigarette, if yes, how often?
- Family History – If you or your partner has any genetic issues?
- Basic tests like BPI, Sugar, Thyroid, etc.
- Pelvic examination – To check if you are physically fit to conceive a baby.
- Other tests like – Symptoms of PCOD/PCOS, etc.
- Laboratory and imaging tests would provide vital information to the infertility experts and decision-makers to recommend a correct treatment.
- Ovarian conditions (structure, function, etc.) of the female will be noticed minutely during these investigations.
- Fallopian tube plays a vital role in the pregnancy process, and hence, examining the condition of fallopian tubes is necessary.