Reasons For Infertility

Since infertility affects both men and women the first step is to find out which one of you has a condition that could shed light on reasons for infertility. In some cases it may be both of you having some type of condition that combined is working against you as your reasons for infertility. Many problems can be solved quite simply, therefore the sooner you find out the reasons for infertility the faster you can move on. Keep in mind that even though some problems can be corrected, occasionally the reasons for infertility are not known.

Photo of primitive infertility doll by Daquella Manera

Diagnostic Tests

Reasons for infertility are most commonly uncovered by the following tests:

(1)Physical exams, including full medical histories, will be made to investigate possible reasons for infertility. This will include discussions of previous disease or injuries that could impact the reproductive systems of either person and therefore be reasons for infertility. Things such as pelvic injuries, STD’s, and even vascular problems from heart or arterial disease may be an important part of the history that could help uncover reasons for infertility.

(2)Semen analysis will be done to check the number of sperm, their shape and their mobility. Ideally two to three analyses should be performed over a period of two to six months since sperm quality can change over time. These tests will help give doctors a broader overview of any reasons for infertility related to the man’s sperm.

(3)Ovulation will be analyzed because problems with ovulation are among the most common reasons for infertility in women. The first step in testing is to determine if the woman is ovulating each month. This can be done by charting changes in morning body temperature, by using an FDA-approved home ovulation test kit (which is available over the counter), or by examining cervical mucus, which undergoes a series of hormone-induced changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Checks of ovulation can also be done in the physician’s office with simple blood tests for hormone levels or ultrasound tests of the ovaries. If the woman appears to be ovulating normally, further testing will need to be done to determine other possible reasons for infertility.

(4)An x-ray or “dye test” may be conducted to check for blocked fallopian tubes or abnormalities in the uterus that may be reasons for infertility.

(5) A more advanced test called laparoscopy can be used to check for scar tissue or endometriosis in a woman’s reproductive organs, another of the more common reasons for infertility. Although it is a surgical procedure, laparoscopy is is usually done on an outpatient basis.