When couples who have difficulty conceiving consult a doctor, experts first obtain information about the couple's medical history, then their relationships and even their lifestyles. Details such as the couple's medications, health problems, and relationship intensity are learned. After this stage, the couple is subjected to various tests to determine the source of the infertility problem.
These tests are applied to women and men simultaneously. Since the causes of infertility in women are more complicated, the tests applied are more intensive.
What are the infertility tests applied to men?
The reasons that may lead to infertility in men are that sperm cells are not of a caliber that can fertilize the eggs. The most common reasons are insufficient sperm count and low sperm movement. For this reason, sperm analysis is first performed on the male patient.
Sperm Test: Sperm test is also called spermiogram. There are special rooms in the centers for sperm test. In these rooms, male candidates give sperm sample by masturbation. If men cannot give sperm by masturbation, they can give sperm by having sexual intercourse with a condom. However, it would be healthier to do it in the center so that the sperm can be delivered to the laboratory in a very short time.
Thanks to the sperm test, sperm mobility, sperm count and morphological characteristics will be determined.
However, for men, various problems may occur during the ejaculation phase. For this reason, the sperm analysis should be repeated twice. Another important point to note is that the patient must abstain from sexual intercourse for 2-3 days before giving a sperm sample. This abstinence should not exceed 5 days.
Hormone Tests: One of the biggest factors affecting sperm production in men is hormones. Hormones determine a person's libido and sperm count during intercourse. If sperm analysis is not sufficient, different tests such as vitality, which is used to determine the adequacy of sperm count in the semen, and antisperm antibodies, which reveal problems in sperm mobility, can be performed. However, these tests are rarely requested. Sperm analysis is usually sufficient.
If deemed necessary:
HIV, Hbs Ag, Anti-HCV
Blood group
FSH, LH, T-Testosterone, PRL
Urological examination
Genetic examination (Chromosome analysis) is requested.
What are the infertility tests applied to women?
Basal Body Temperature Test: In women of reproductive age, there must be egg cells that are suitable for maturation for pregnancy. Basal body temperature tests are tests that the patient can apply at home to determine the presence of these cells and the ovulation periods. Basal body temperature tests are applied regularly for one or two months. The woman measures her body temperature with a sensitive basal thermometer when she wakes up in the morning. Body temperature increases during ovulation periods. The expectant mother can determine that she is ovulating during these periods. These tests do not help to make a definitive diagnosis, but they can cause the woman to be suspicious and to see a doctor.
Observation of Vaginal Secretion: In some women, vaginal fluid is different during ovulation. During these periods, vaginal fluid is thin and transparent. This may indicate ovulation. However, it still does not provide clear information.
Other Tests: If you still do not have a clear idea about infertility after applying ovulation tests at home, your specialist will ask you for blood tests to learn about the status of your hormones. In addition, ultrasound will see the determining factors in infertility such as blockage in the channels and adequacy of the uterine cavity.
Basal Hormone Tests: FSH, LH, E2 (2nd or 3rd day of menstruation), TSH, PRL and if needed DHEAS, Total-Testosterone hormone tests should be done before IVF treatment. Higher than normal FSH values on the 2nd or 3rd day of menstruation indicate that ovarian reserves are not sufficient.
Hysterosalpingography / Hysteroscopy: IVF treatments are applied when one or both of the tubes are blocked. However, the condition of the tubes and the inside of the uterus still need to be examined.
If there are adhesions or polyps in the uterus, the pregnancy may not attach to the uterus after this embryo transfer stage. For this reason, the chance of success may decrease.
Transvaginal Ultrasound: A “basal ultrasound examination” is performed on the 2nd or 3rd day of menstruation. This test evaluates the ovaries and uterus. These tests can determine whether there are structures such as myomas or polyps in the uterus.
HIV, Hbs Ag, Anti-HCV: HIV and Anti-HCV (Hepatitis C test) are problems that cannot be treated for the mother. When pregnancy occurs, these diseases can be transmitted to the baby. HbsAg indicates Hepatitis B carrier status and if the mother is a Hepatitis B carrier, the baby is given Hepatitis B vaccine and Hepatitis B serum after birth and the baby is protected from “Type B jaundice”.
Blood Type: If the blood type of the mother and the father are incompatible, pregnancy may face various problems. In such cases, “Blood Incompatibility Injection (Anti D immunoglobulin)” is applied.
Rubella Ig G: A positive Rubella Ig G test indicates that rubella infection has been experienced. This is a positive result. If Rubella Ig G is negative, the mother is in the risk group for rubella and should be vaccinated before pregnancy or precautions should be taken against rash diseases.
If rubella infection occurs during pregnancy, it can cause serious disabilities in the baby.
APTT, PTT, INR, Protein S and Protein C: They are related to blood clotting. Especially in cases of problems with the clotting mechanism, even if pregnancy occurs, it may result in miscarriage.
Complete blood count – Hemogram: If the expectant mother has anemia or a problem with platelets in the blood, this test can be used to detect it.
Comments