A woman’s journey through infertility is a very personal one. A woman would be surprised to know the main reason behind the fertility challenges until they get proper testing and diagnosis. This post will outline how a woman’s infertility is checked, the potential of advanced fertility treatment like IVF, and the need to consult a reliable fertility doctor, such as Dr Pratik Tambe in Mumbai.
Definition What is Female Infertility?
Female infertility is the inability of a woman to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse, six months if she is over 35 years. It can stem from various causes such as hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities, or other medical conditions. All of this being said, a majority of causes of female infertility can now be diagnosed and treated because of the great strides made in reproductive medicine.
Important Steps in the Evaluation for Female Infertility
The tests of infertility involve a combination of medical history, physical examination and diagnostic tests. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
- Detailed Medical History
The fertility doctor begins by asking about:
- Menstrual cycle regularity and symptoms.
- Past pregnancies or miscarriages.
- Sexual history, including timing and frequency of intercourse.
- Medical conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS or thyroid disorders.
- This information helps narrow down potential causes and guide further testing.
- Physical Examination
The pelvic examination can be part of the physical exam and may check for abnormalities in the reproductive organs, such as fibroids in the uterus, ovarian cysts, or infections, for instance.
- Hormonal Tests
Hormonal imbalances are also a common cause of infertility. Blood tests are performed to measure the levels of key hormones:
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): used to measure the egg quality and the ovarian reserve.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Used to trigger ovulation and help regulate menstrual cycles.
- Thyroid Hormones: Thyroid disorder is known to affect fertility and should be measured by measuring TSH.
- Prolactin: High levels may interfere with ovulation.
- Ovulation Tests
Ovulation disorders cause infertility in 25% of women. The following are the more commonly used tests:
- Basal Body Temperature Charting Note minor temperature fluctuations, which a woman may have at the time of ovulation.
- Ovulation Predictor Kits Detects the LH surge through urine.
- Ultrasound Scans Witness how the follicles in the ovaries grow.
- Image Tests
Abnormalities within the reproductive organs may hinder the couple from conceiving. Such abnormalities are diagnosed by image tests:
- Transvaginal Ultrasound: Checks the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries for fibroids, cysts or polyps.
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG): This is an X-ray to check for tubal obstruction and uterine shape.
- Sonohysterography: An ultrasound with saline infusion to see the uterine cavity.
- Laparoscopy: Some medical conditions need a direct view of the female reproductive organs that may require minimal invasive surgical procedures. For instance, laparoscopy is deemed necessary to investigate the cases of endometriosis, pelvic adhesions or blockages in the tubes.
- Test for Endometrial Biopsy: This test tests the uterine lining, known as the endometrium, to check whether it is receptive to embedding the embryo.
When look for Assistance
Women under 35 years should seek fertility testing after trying to get pregnant for one year without success. Women over 35 years should find assistance after six months, because age can significantly interfere with pregnancy. In case of women who have irregular periods, severe pain during menstruation, or a history of miscarriages, she should seek a fertility doctor before that.
Why Visit Fertility Specialists Such as Dr Pratik Tambe?
Dr Pratik Tambe is one of the most accomplished fertility specialists in Mumbai. He has extensive experience handling female infertility problems. With a singular focus on tailoring diagnosis and treatment plans to every woman’s specific needs, he provides the most accurate assessments of a woman’s specific requirements. Advanced technology paired with empathetic care make Dr Tambe an excellent reproductive specialist to help a patient navigate his or her path toward fertility.
Treatment for Female Infertility
Once the cause of infertility is established, it is possible to initiate effective treatments. These may include:
- Medications: Stimulate ovulation or balance hormonal imbalances
- Surgery: Remove fibroids, polyps, and endometriosis lesions
- IUI: Less invasive for some women
- IVF: A most effective solution for a lot of causes of infertility
FAQs
- Irregular periods mean infertility
Irregular periods may be one feature of ovulation disorders that might put a woman’s fertility at risk. However most women with irregular cycles do get pregnant if the treatment is appropriate for them.
- Are infertility tests painful?
Most infertility tests are less invasive and not very painful. Procedures like HSG or laparoscopy are painful but do yield valuable diagnostic information
- Does stress cause infertility?
This would mean that chronic stress leads to hormonal imbalance and ovulation, thus affecting fertility. Better outcomes would mean better management of stress through mindfulness, therapy, or changes in lifestyle.
- Will the Infertility Treatment permit me to get pregnant through normal intercourse?
Some ladies do conceive normally after being treated or after a couple of rounds of treatment. Every case is special so seek advice from your fertility specialist
- What happens at a First Consultation with a Fertility Doctor?
This question comes up once people have decided to seek fertility specialists.
Your first consultation involves in-depth discussions about your medical history, lifestyle, and all your concerns. You may be advised on the desired diagnostic tests that are supposed to help detect problems.