Some of the proven ways to get confirm/rule out infertility in an aspiring parents

There are series of careful PHYSICAL EXAMINATION available which doctors have recommended to have clear picture of infertility cases.

• Thyroid Examination

• Hair distribution/ patterns on the face and body – indicating a possible increase in male hormones which could affect your fertility

• Breast examination – the doctor will examine the size and shape of your breasts and squeeze them to see if any liquid comes out which may indicate the presence of increased prolactin

• Pelvic examination – to inspect the cervix looking for signs of unusual growths sores discharge or infection

• Pap smear – is done to check for cervical cancer and cervical mucus is examined for possible infections.

Tests for determining the cause of infertility

These tests are broken into 5 categories: ovulation, ovarian function, luteal phase, cervical mucus and reproductive organ testing.

• Ovulation - Basel Body Temperature (BBT) Charts: This is an easy way to track your ovulation at home. .This is indicated by a spike in your normal body temperature.

• Ovulation Kits: These are designed to help you predict the time you will ovulate they measure the LH level in your urine.

• Blood Tests and Ultrasound: Blood tests measure levels of estrogen and LH with LH Surge. ultrasounds track follicular growth.

• Ovarian Function Tests: Day 3 FSH: This is a blood test taken on day 3 of your period. It measures the level of the hormone FSH. An increase in FSH may indicate a decrease in the production of good-quality eggs and embryos.

• Day 3 Estradiol Tests: This blood test measures the amount of estrogen in your blood. A high level of estradiol may indicate poor egg quality.

• Inhibin B levels: A blood test to determine if inhibin B is being produced at too low a level is conducted.

• Luteal Phase Testing: Plasma progesterone level: A blood test in the last part of your cycle high levels of progesterone indicate that ovulation has occurred.

• Hormone tests: serum prolactin: androgen and thyroid-stimulating hormone.

• Endometrial biopsy: Performed after day 21 the test involves taking a small piece of tissue from the uterine lining. This test determines if the lining is thick enough for a fertilized embryo to implant. The results will indicate endometrial development.

• Evaluate the Cervical Mucus: Postcoital test (PCT): Performed mid-cycle shortly after intercourse this test evaluates the quality and quantity of cervical mucus and documents the presence of live motile sperm in the mucus.

• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): An HSG is an x-ray procedure performed in the first half of the cycle using water or oil-based dye to identify any structural abnormalities in your uterus or fallopian tubes.

• Hysteroscopy: A hysteroscope is a tiny telescope mounted with a fiber optic light it is used to examine uterine abnormalities (if your HSG indicated uterine abnormality).

• Laparoscopy: A surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia it is performed around or before ovulation. This procedure allows the doctor to get a clear view of your pelvic cavity including; ovaries outsides of fallopian tubes and the uterus. In addition

• if endometriosis or adhesions are found a laser can be used to remove them.

• Sonohystogram: A ultrasound using saline to inflate the uterine cavity to allow for a careful examination of the uterus.

• Ultrasound: Either abdominal or vaginal ultrasound can be used to visualize the uterus and ovaries. Vaginal ultrasound is more sensitive to detect fibroids or ovarian cysts.