Fertility
Investigations
Fertility Investigations
Fertility Investigations
Fertility tests are a vital step for men and women who want to assess their ability to conceive. These tests vary based on gender and include several analyses that help identify infertility or reduced fertility problems. In this article, we’ll discuss the most important tests for men and women.
Fertility tests include tests specific to women and others to men, such as the anterior pituitary gland, ovaries, and testicles, which secrete hormones in specific quantities necessary for ovulation in women and semen production in men.
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Primary Investigations:
For male:
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a) Hormonal Profile.
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- FSH, LH.
- Prolactin.
- Free testosterone.
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b) Semen Analysis.
This is one of the basic investigations that should be requested as a first step. A semen sample is collected and analyzed in a laboratory to determine sperm volume, sperm count, motility, and morphology. The results provide important indications of a man’s ability to conceive.
Preparation for the semen analysis:
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- The man should abstain from ejaculation for 4-5 days before the test.
- The sample is produced by masturbation (lubricants and creams should be avoided as they may affect results).
- The sample should reach the lab within a maximum of 40 minutes of production and be preserved at room temperature.
- The use of condoms is not allowed as they are surrounded by a layer of cream or lubricants that kill the sperm.
- The semen goes through several stages. It is checked immediately after production and again after centrifuging and washing it (to get rid of debris and bacteria). Follow-ups occur for its validity and motility for 48 hours to give an accurate assessment of the semen.
What is the fertility rate of men?
The World Health Organization’s normal semen parameters are as follows:
- Sperm count: The normal count is between 20 million and 200 million sperm per milliliter.
- Motility: At least 60% of sperm must be able to move properly.
- Morphology: At least 45% of sperm must be of normal shape.
- Volume: The normal volume ranges from 1.5 to 5 ml.
- Progression grades: More than 2.5/4
What are the symptoms of weak sperm in men?
Male infertility may not have obvious symptoms, and infertility is often the only symptom that prompts a man and his wife to consult a doctor. However, some symptoms may indicate a sperm problem, such as:
- Difficulty conceiving: This is the most common and obvious symptom. If a couple has been trying to conceive for a year or more without success, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
- Erectile or ejaculatory problems: Erectile problems may be linked to fertility problems in some cases.
- Pain in the testicles: This may indicate inflammation or another problem affecting sperm production.
- A mass in the testicle: This mass may be a tumor, affecting sperm production.
- Low libido: In some cases, there may be a link between low libido and fertility problems.
- Low semen volume: Low semen volume may indicate fertility problems.
- Low sperm motility: Low sperm motility hinders the ability to fertilize the egg.
- c) Testicular biopsies.
This is either done by small incisions or aspiratation.
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For women:
“This can be done during any stage of the menstrual cycle; however, it is preferable to do it immediately after menstruation.”
What are the symptoms of infertility in women?
Symptoms of infertility vary from one woman to another and may be subtle in some cases. However, some common symptoms may indicate a fertility problem, including:
- Not getting pregnant after a year of regular trying: If you and your partner have been trying to conceive without using contraception and you have not gotten pregnant after a year, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
- Irregular menstrual cycles: Changes in the length of your menstrual cycle or frequent absences may indicate ovulation problems.
- Severe pelvic pain, especially during intercourse: Severe pelvic pain may be a sign of a problem with the female reproductive system.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease: Pelvic inflammatory disease can damage the fallopian tubes, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
- Uterine fibroids: Uterine fibroids may affect a woman’s fertility, especially if they are large or located in a location that prevents sperm from reaching the egg.
- Thyroid problems: The thyroid gland affects many body functions, including fertility.
- Ovulation problems: Ovulation may be difficult for various reasons, such as polycystic ovary syndrome or low levels of ovulation hormones.
- Secondary infertility: Difficulty getting pregnant after the first pregnancy.
When is a woman’s fertility rate high?
A woman’s fertility rate is highest during ovulation, the days when an egg is most available for fertilization. This period typically occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle, between days 10 and 16. However, this period can vary between women.
- a) Hormone analysis
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) (day 2-5 of the menstrual cycle).
- Prolactin.
- Estradiol E2.
- Progesterone (day 21 of the menstrual cycle).
- Free testosterone.
- Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH).
- Free triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
What is the price of an AMH fertility test for women?
An AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) test is used to measure ovarian reserve and assess female fertility. In Egypt, the price of an AMH test for women depends on the location and laboratory where the test is performed.
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b) Ultrasound examination (transvaginal and abdominal)
Using a transvaginal probe is more accurate and preferable than using an abdominal probe for examining the uterus and ovaries. It can be performed at any stage of the menstrual cycle; however, it is preferable to perform it immediately after menstruation.
Finally:
Understanding fertility tests is essential for taking appropriate treatment steps if problems arise. For men, a semen analysis is the basis, while for women, an AMH test, along with other tests, helps assess the condition.
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