Fertility tests are done to determine the cause of infertility and whether the problem lies with the male or female partner or both. After proper history taking and physical examination, the following tests and procedures are advised :
Based on the results of these tests, further special testing and other investigative procedures may be necessary for each partner. The findings will determine the appropriate infertility treatment that should be considered for the individual or couple.
There are various options available for treatment of infertility such as fertility drugs, surgery, artificial insemination, assisted reproductive technology, or a combination of these, and obviously the treatment of choice will depend on the causes of infertility as well as on the couple’s personal preferences. The success of the various infertility treatment options may differ and is dependent on each individual case.
Infertility may be defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after one year (six months if the woman’s age is more than 35) of regular sexual intercourse, without the use of contraceptives. While the cause may lie in either partner, in some cases no definite cause for infertility can be identified. This is also known as primary infertility.
Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after successfully conceiving one or more children. The causes of secondary infertility tend to be the same as those for primary infertility. Sterility is a term used loosely but indicates the total inability to conceive, in other words, you can never fall pregnant or impregnate a woman. The causes of sterility are the same as infertility.
