Infertility Testing
Have the 2 of you made the choice to go see the doctor then? Yeah, I’d be a bit nervous too – especially with not knowing what to expect! On the whole the tests are quite predictable, so it is quite straightforward to get an accurate idea of what to expect. At your first appointment the doctor will have a whole stack of questions with reference to your medical and sexual history, so be ready! The doc will generally begin with the least invasive tests and later move to the more invasive procedures if the first tests do not give any clues as to what is wrong.
For the ladies:
Urine and blood tests – These will measure levels of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) during your cycle to check if you are releasing eggs. Urine tests and blood tests will also test for hormonal problems, such as too much prolactin which instructs your body not to release eggs but to make milk instead – not conducive to pregnancy! The test will also detect if you have any STDs.
This could be really important piece of this particular subject matter. Postcoital test – You heard right, you go for a test a short while after doing the baby dance, usually on the day prior to ovulation. The aim is to check that the sperm actually get to the cervix and that they’re still moving strongly, although the test isn’t exceptionally reliable, which is not necessarily a negative thing, or else they might do it more frequently and that is no fun!
Pap smear – The doc takes tissue samples from the opening of the cervix (the os) to send away to test for cervical cancer.
Pelvic Examination – Also called the bimanual examination – 2 fingers in, 2 fingers out. A speculum (used for peeking inside) could also be used and samples might be taken.
Pelvic Ultrasound – Screens the ovaries and uterus for any irregularities.
Infertility – YouTube
Laparoscopy – The doctor makes a small cut on the abdomen to make way for a miniature camera to check for cysts or scars or other obvious problems – it may seem rather high tech, but you will probably be knocked out so you will not even see what’s going on.
Sonohysterogram – Saline solution is injected into the uterine cavity to screen via ultrasound for any abnormalities.
Hysterosalpingogram – Fluid is squirted into the cervix and uterus to see by X-ray for blockages in the fallopian tubes. This test is quite cool because every so often the fluid itself clears the tubes!
Endometrial Biopsy – A swab of the uterine lining is taken to monitor changes.
Antibody test – This is a blood test to check if your immune system is slaughtering the sperm before they get to the egg.
Hysteroscopy – Just like a laparoscopy, barring the fact that the camera is inserted through the vagina.
For the men:
Blood tests – To check FSH, LH and testosterone levels to determine if the guy has a pituitary gland problem, and also to screen for STDs.
Analysis of Semen – This means ejaculating into a sterile receptacle provided by the doctor, at the doctor’s rooms or at home. They will want to find that there are plenty of strong spermies that are moving well.
Physical Examination of the Testicles – Normally this test is part of your general physical and the doctor will check if there are enlarged veins on the scrotum that overheat and damage spermies.
Antibody test – Hopefully your body isn’t making anti-sperm antibodies.
Ultrasound – To screen for any abnormalities with your testicles.
Testicular Biopsy – If the sperm are absent from the semen the doctor will need to check if you’re producing sperm at all by taking a sample of tissue from the testicles.
You may also both have to go for genetic testing to see if you have any genetic conditions that can make you infertile. So many of the tests are pretty straightforward and your doctor may be able to perform them at your initial visit, but if those do not help you will need to go for extra testing which might require surgery or other procedures. It could get rather expensive so it’s generally best to go for the simple tests first! The discomfort of having someone inspecting your privates makes any physical discomfort even worse, but many of the tests aren’t uncomfortable in the least.
All of those tests will really help you understand what is causing your infertility. When you understand what the problem is then you can work out what to do about it. But on the other hand, after all that testing you might still have no clue as to what is going on and that can be quite hard. You will generally find that the infertility clinic you go to will have therapy available – and it is usually a good idea to make use of it regardless of whether you know what the problem is or not.
Tom Thornton is focused on helping to fix infertility problems. Here is more information on Reasons for Infertility. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Infertility Tips.
Infertility in female cat.? Hi we want to breed our bengal cat,my nan used to breed them for years . We’ve a 19month old bengal girl that’s highly maternal,she even tries to feed other female kittens ,she licks them she even tried to feed a guine pig once. The problem after three attempts nothing is happening.can she be infertile? It breaks my heart as she’s so maternal and would be a fret maxing mum. I would ask nan but she passed away a few months ago . I've only started breding and a bit new to it
Secondary Infertility Facts. Even if you’ve successfully conceived before, you might have fertility issues later in life.
I'm sorry for your loss, and as for the breeding, sometimes it can take longer than three attempts. Keep trying, but if it doesn't happen after the 5th or 6th time, then there is a high possibility she’s infertile.
My husband and I struggled with IF for almost six years. The authors of this blog were at an adoption conference a few years back; they were there to help attorneys understand just where adoptive couples were coming from in terms of emotions from infertility, etc.. My father was one of those attorneys in attendance, and he gave us this blog as a gift. If I could, I would give it to every.single.person. That I meet. It helped me come to terms with my feelings and frustrations, and recognize that I really was ‘normal’ after all. I was especially appreciative of my family members who took the time to read it as well – I actually received apologies (for things they had said to us)from them! I currently teach a class to prospective adoptive parents, and I always recommend this blog to those couples that seem to be struggling the most. I have even just had to purchase my third copy to replace the other 2 that have not been returned! Thank you for such a phenominal blog!
Some cats don't “take” for whatever reason. If you'd tried three times with proven males, then please spay her. There could be genetic or other problems of why she won't get pregnant. And I would never give the FELV , etc shots to my cats. There have been problems associated with those shots. All she needs is the normal shots given every 2-3 yrs – not yearly. She can be tested for FELV, but not given the shots. My Ocicat breeders test only – they’ll not guarantee health if the cats are given the FELV shots.
AUAF – Urology A-Z – Male Infertility. Infertility is a common yet complex problem affecting approximately fifteen percent of couples attempting to conceive a baby. In up to fifty percent of couples having
I agree with Ocimom, if she was bred three times to male Bengals known to have successfully sired healthy litters in the past, and “didn't take”, she may be infertile or have some genetic problem that the embryos aren’t viable– they basically have some abnormality that means they can’t live and the embryonic cells end up just being reabsorbed into the mother's own tissue. You could have some testing done on her but that may only be worth it if she’s very high quality Bengal and has genes that it’s worth making an extra effort to preserve, like if she’s the last of an important line. Otherwise it may be best to just have her spayed and she can be a kitten Auntie. Re the FIV and FeLV some breeders do require that both queen and stud be tested before mating and that’s a good idea. There is not a really meaningful test for FIP. There's a test for coronavirus but most cats have been exposed to it, and usually it's a pretty mild virus. It's not known for sure what makes it mutate in some cats bodies into deadly FIP. The FIP vaccine is not recommended, it's not that effective and may do more harm than good. FIV seems to also be like that. The FeLV vaccine is more recommended than either of the other 2. But some breeders do caution against it and if a cat is not coming into contact with unknown cats who might have the disease , there really is not a good reason to get it. Have you been in contact with Bengal breeders who were colleagues of your nan who can mentor you in breeding? I think it's important as a new breeder to get involved in clubs, showing, etc. And getting to know people so you'll have a network of people from whom you can get advice and support .
Infertility – Department of Health – New York State. The program subsidizes higher level infertility treatments in vitro fertilization (IVF) and gamete intra fallopian transfer (GIFT) for privately insured women for whom
Infertility is causing me low libido how can I change this? I’ve one child twenty-two months and I’ve PCOS. I took metformin and was pregnant with him after thirteen months. We’ve been trying for baby #2 now for fifteen months or so without any luck. I’m starting to get bummed and feel like sex is letting me down and therefore have lower sex drive. Does that make any sense? I used to love sex and we would have sex three or more times a week. How do I seperate baby sex from hot steamy sex? My periods are regular and my temp charts say I’m ovulating and still no baby!
I love this blog! It has provided comfort many times through our infertility journey. It let me know I was not the only one questioning God at times. I’ve read this blog from cover to cover multiple times. In fact, I pulled it out at the doctor’s office today while waiting for more testing. Highly recommend this blog to anyone who’s having difficulty conceiving. It’s appropriate for wherever you’re in your journey.
I agree with the metformin. Also try to do some things to relax and get back to enjoying the process again. Easier said than done when trying to conceive for a long period (it took us over two years) but we started to implement a healthy regimen and tried to get back to the enjoyment of sex and not doing it as often as we were (sometimes twice a day which was too much). Anyway to reduce stress can help as well.
Does Methlyprenisolone( Medrol dose pack) cause infertility? I’m taking Medrol and I’m wondering if you use it short term or long term, does it take a toll on your fertility?
Helen Adrienne has written a wonderful blog. Not only have I suggested this blog to my clients, I also have suggested and encourage clinicians and medical professionals to read this. The blog is well written, easy to follow, and Helen includes useful information, especially on intimacy issues and self esteem. There are wonderful case examples as well as exercises including relaxation techniques, mediation, and hypnosis scripts. This is a top notch blog for any person dealing with infertility issues, but also for those interested in learning more about emotional challenges and healing due to any medical condition.
Infertility treatment and a job? Infertility treatment and a job? Hi all, I was looking to get some input from people who have gone through infertility treatments (various kinds). I’m currently out of work, but have interviews lined up, I’m also trying to conceive and haven't had luck for the past year. I’m 36, and now looking to aggressively start infertility treatment this month. My question to you is.. Is it wise to start a new job and go through the treatments? I’ve no idea whether I'll be on clomid, or it’ll be IUI, or IVF… I've just made the initial consulation with a RE doc. I don't know how these treatments will interfere with new job, stress levels, taking time off for doc appts. Etc. Should I hold off looking for a job after trying the treatment (whatever it’s) for 3-5 months, and if I get pregnant, great. If not, I can continue to look for work, and then figure out what my options are. Anyone who's gone through infertility treatments of various kinds, let me know. We’re tight on money, but we can manage if we’re on a TIGHT budget (with me not working).we’ve saved a chunk (about 20K ) for infertility treatments, as we know they can be costly.
Infertility and questions ! Please help!? I've been with my husband for a little over 2years now and haven’t been able to get pregnant. I read things online and it said, if you've been trying for a year and nothings happened, to go get checked up. My husband and I don’t have insurance at the moment, but i know we can afford medical bills. Would we be able to do payment plans or anything like that? Also, I’vent had my period in over 2years or so, and before that, they were very irregular, i would have my period every three or 6-8 months. I’ve also gained 20lbs, so if i go see the doctor for infertility, will he just tell me to lose weight and then try again and if nothing happened, then see a dr again? I’m 5'1 and weigh 155lbs. I know I’m wayy overweight, i used to weigh 130. =[ but i also have been exercising daily the past 5months so I’m already trying to lose wight. Please help me, i dont want to go see a Dr. If he’s just gonna tell me to lose weight. I really need help, my husband and I’ve been trying for so long.