Female Infertility Treatment and Tests

What is the treatment of Female Infertility?

For couples hoping to have children, infertility is a serious dilemma. A couple is technically deemed infertile if, despite regular and unprotected sex, they cannot conceive for a full year. If you and your spouse are trying to get pregnant but aren't having any luck, you might start to question whether you should consider fertility tests. Infertility is typically defined as a period of 12 consecutive months without conceiving. However, this isn't always the case. According to several studies, women start having children without help in the second or third year. Female infertility is a rather common condition. At least 10% of women have infertility of some form. As a woman matures, her odds of becoming infertile rise.

When should women take a fertility test?

To naturally become pregnant, it is preferable to wait a few years. Depending on the woman's age, there is a right moment to seek a treatment or take a fertility test. Women between 35 and 40 may seek therapy after at least six months of trying. Women over 40 are encouraged to see a doctor right away. 

How is a woman's fertility tested?

A thorough consultation with your fertility doctor is the first step in determining female fertility status. Your medical background and way of life will be carefully addressed during this visit. Birth control usage, menstrual cycles and pregnancy history, current and former sexual practices, use of drugs, surgical history, other health concerns, lifestyle, and work/living conditions will all be examined. Based on these, the doctor will suggest appropriate women’s fertility test.

Your doctor could proceed with some preliminary tests before initiating treatment of female infertility. To find any issues that might contribute to reproductive problems, doctors use a range of techniques:

1. Pap Smear Test - This test looks for abnormal cells surrounding the cervix. The test can detect sexually transmitted diseases and cervical abnormalities, including cervical cancer. Any of these factors might make it difficult to become pregnant.

2. Urine Test - Your physician could advise you to do a luteinising hormone, or LH, urine test at home. This hormone is highly concentrated right before ovulation.

3. Blood Test - Depending on your medical history and the potential diagnosis, your doctor will choose what lab tests you need. Some laboratory procedures are tests for the thyroid, prolactin, ovarian reserve, and progesterone. 

You must "ovulate," or have the release of an egg once a month to get pregnant. You might require tests to look for ovulation problems. You may independently check your body temperature every morning. A little increase in body temperature is seen immediately after ovulation. You may figure out your ovulation pattern by checking it every morning for several months.

Tests of Reproductive Organs

Your fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus must all function properly before you may become pregnant. Various women's fertility tests that can be used to determine the health of these organs may be recommended by your doctor. Some of these are:

1. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) - It is also known as a "tubogram," consisting of many X-rays of your uterus and fallopian tubes. To take X-rays, your doctor puts liquid dye through the vagina. The HSG can be used to determine whether you have any uterine issues or blocked fallopian tubes. Usually, the test takes place immediately following your periods.

2. Transvaginal Ultrasound - The pelvic organs are examined with an ultrasound "wand" that the doctor inserts into the vagina. They can view the ovaries and uterus using sound waves to detect any issues.

3. Laparoscopy - Your doctor inserts instruments, including a camera, after making a few tiny incisions in your abdomen. Your whole pelvis can be examined during this procedure, and any issues might be resolved, including endometriosis, which affects your pelvic organs.

4. Hysteroscopy - In this test, a flexible, thin instrument known as a hysteroscope with a camera is placed into the vagina and the cervix. The medical professional inserts the device into the uterus to observe the organ's interior.

5. Saline Sonohysterogram - The test checks for polyps, fibroids, and other structural irregularities in the uterine lining. During a transvaginal ultrasound, saline (water) is injected into the uterus to fill it up and give the medical professional a clearer picture of the uterine cavity.

Other Tests for Infertility

1. FSH Test: The FSH test involves a clomiphene citrate challenge testing. You take a tablet containing clomiphene citrate between the fifth and the ninth day of your menstrual cycle. FSH is measured before and after the medication is taken, on day 3 and day 10, respectively. High FSH levels suggest low pregnancy odds.

2. AMH Test: Additionally, your physician can advise a blood test to look for anti-müllerian hormone (AMH). The amount of AMH can provide insight into ovarian function. Extremely low levels may indicate an inadequate ovarian reserve.

3. Postcoital Test: Postcoital testing is an extra checkup. After having intercourse, your doctor looks at the cervical mucus. According to certain research, it might not be so helpful.

4. Endometrial Biopsy: Your doctor may also suggest an endometrial biopsy. They extract a tissue sample from the lining of your uterus during this surgery. However, there is growing proof that endometrial biopsy cannot be used to diagnose or treat infertility.

Who should think about having a Female Fertility Test?

Women with the following problems, in addition to those who have been unable to conceive for a year (or six months if they are over 35), might think about fertility test for women:

• Diagnosed problems with the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes in the reproductive system.
• Multiple miscarriages.
• If your periods are uncomfortable or heavy. Endometriosis is a disease that develops as a result of painful or lengthy periods.
• Heavy, erratic (with a break of more than 35 days), or nonexistent menstruation.
• If you have hormone imbalance symptoms, including skin problems, facial hair growth, diminished sex drive, etc.
• Partner with a history of or a diagnosis of male infertility.
• History of endometriosis, pelvic discomfort, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
   

What are the Treatments of Female Infertility?

There are several female infertility treatments available if your doctor has determined the reason and diagnosed female infertility. The form of female fertility treatment is determined by the cause of infertility. For instance, surgical procedures may be used to correct structural abnormalities. Fertility drugs may be used to treat other problems (such as thyroid diseases or problems with ovulation).

Numerous people will require treatments such as IVF, ICSI etc. which involves drugs to stimulate ovulation, fertilizing eggs externally, with egg and sperm from the partner or a donor, followed by the transfer of the embryo into the uterus, or artificial insemination, which involves injecting washed sperm into the uterus following ovulation.

What steps should be taken to overcome Female Infertility?

Women who intend to become mothers must keep a healthy weight. Intense exercise lasting longer than five hours per week, however, may have an impact on ovulation, according to some research. To maintain optimal reproductive health, it is essential to avoid substances like alcohol and tobacco since they have many harmful effects on the body and will reduce your chances of getting pregnant. Since stress is a risk factor for infertility, avoiding stressful activities is essential in addition to any other interventions.

Infertility has been easier to treat thanks to medical and technological advancements. At Indira IVF, we offer modern treatment options with high success rate and a range of advanced testing and procedures that are easily accessible. Consult our team of IVF Doctors, in case of any questions regarding any of these female fertility tests or schedule an appointment for infertility treatment for yourself or your spouse. Call 18003092323 to get started.