- Posted On: September 27, 2013
- Categories: Fertility
- Tags: Fertility Testing
When To Test Your Fertility
If a couple has tried to conceive for an extended amount of time without it resulting in pregnancy, it is called “infertility.” In order to diagnose the cause(s) behind an individual’s infertility, fertility testing can be done at a reproductive fertility center such as Oregon Reproductive Medicine.
If a couple has tried to conceive for an extended amount of time without it resulting in pregnancy, it is called “infertility.” In order to diagnose the cause(s) behind an individual’s infertility, fertility testing can be done at a reproductive fertility center such as Oregon Reproductive Medicine.
Since both males and females are susceptible to infertility for various reasons, fertility tests can be performed on both to find potential reasons behind a couples’ infertility.
Female Fertility Testing
Typically, a female undergoing fertility testing begins with hormone testing and evaluation. Since each person’s medical history is taken into account, the specific tests and procedures are tailored based on each individual patient. Specialists at a fertility clinic such as Oregon Reproductive Medicine will then test that ovulation is occurring regularly, as well as measure the health and thickness of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels.
Before fertility treatment begins, additional examinations will evaluate the health and condition of the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding environments and determine if there are any abnormalities, or if there is a blockage.
Male Fertility Testing
Male factor infertility is also a common experience for couples. In fact, it could play a factor in as much as 40-50% of all infertility cases. According to reports gathered by the CDC, approximately 7.5% of all men younger than 45 who are sexually active have reported seeing a fertility specialist at some point in their lives. Out of those, about 18% were diagnosed with some form of male factor infertility.
Typically, male infertility can be caused by problems with sperm production, hormone imbalances, or other conditions like weight or smoking that can affect fertility in general.
Male fertility tests will include a semen analysis. This analysis will check for sperm production, mobility (the ability for sperm to swim or move around), and the size and shape of the sperm.
Moving Past Infertility
While infertility can be addressed in numerous ways, addressing it will depend on each individual patient and case. The specialists at Oregon Reproductive Services have one of the highest IVF birth rates in the nation for women under 35. Each patient is different, and ORM will tailor your reproductive treatments to suit your best-case scenario for having a healthy baby.
You can find out more about fertility testing at a free informational seminar, where doctors from Oregon Reproductive Medicine answer all your questions and discuss the promising treatments now available.