Five main examinations for Infertility

More and more couples are confused by infertility as it seems there are so many examinations they have to do. In fact, Dr. Lee explains that there are five main examinations about infertility that couples have to do.

Semen analysis

It is essential for male infertility to take semen analysis. It will give information about the number of sperm per milliliter, the motility of sperm swimming normally and the percentage of abnormal sperm. Because this test can be considerable variation in the results between different samples, the semen analysis will always be taken with one or two repeat tests.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG)

It is an X-ray examination of the womb. During the process, Fallopian tubes are injected a dye through the cervix into the womb. Because it does not usually require a general anaesthetic, there may be associated discomfort.

Examination to predict ovulation

According to TCM, women are advised to take their temperature every morning to find out when they were ovulating because ovulation raises the body temperature slightly. Besides, it is also possible to test a sample of urine for luteinizing hormone by ovulation predictor kits which can be purchased from most chemists.

Generally, both taking temperature and ovulation predictor kits are feasible to prediction normal ovulation.

Hormone measurement

It is a test to check whether the fallopian tubes are patent or blocked. Hormones involved in ovulation are LH, FSH, oestrogen and progesterone. Meanwhile, prolactin, another hormone, is also important. Therefore, hormone measurement includes LH, FSH, prolactin and thyroid hormones at the beginning of the cycle, progesterone at the mid-point between ovulation. This measurement will indicate whether ovulation has occurred or not.

Laparoscopy and dye examination

It is suggested that patients have to do admission to hospital and it is performed under a general anaesthetic. A small incision is made in the abdomen and a needle inserted. Gas is passed through the needle to distend the abdomen then a telescope called a laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen. The womb, tubes and ovaries are then inspected. Dye is passed through the cervix into the womb and the tubes can be observed directly to see whether they are damaged or not.