Dr. Erika Patel Consultant at ART Fertility Clinics, Chennai
Fertility assessment is required when a couple has been repeatedly trying to conceive over a period of 12 months and the female partner is under 35. A fertility assessment is performed to gather information regarding the fertility of both partners. if the female partner’s age is between 35 – 40 years, the timeline to start the assessment reduces to 6 months. In the case of age over 40, immediate assessment is required.
How is it done?
A very thorough history is taken, and both the partners are examined.
- Ultrasound of the female partner – It’s a sonography done transvaginal or transabdominal to assess the viability of the reproductive system, including uterus and ovaries. The test helps us to know size, location, lining of the uterus. Polyps or fibroids, or any abnormalities in the uterus. For ovaries, it helps in knowing the size, location, and antral follicle count (AFC). AFC is the indirect measure of a woman’s egg reserve; the doctor visually counts the number of egg-containing follicles that are developing on both the ovaries.
- Semen analysis – It is performed in 3 to 5 days of abstinence to test motility, morphology, count and vitality of the sperm cells.
- Routine blood tests – After performing the above-mentioned tests on a couple hormone analysis is done to check thyroid and prolactin levels.
- Fallopian tube examination – A fertility assessment with regard to the damage or blockage of fallopian tubes completed with the help of HSG, basically an x-ray or saline infusion sonogram.
- Ovarian reserve (AMH) blood test – The AMH is a hormone produced by the follicles in the ovaries and its examination helps in determining the number of fertile eggs in the ovaries.
Conclusion:
These are the most basic tests that are done before initiating any treatment. The above-mentioned tests give us an idea about the cause of infertility and directs us Towards the treatment plan. Based on the results sometimes a few advanced tests like genetic tests or other invasive test may be required. Both male and female fertility is affected by advancing age and hence it is very important that there is no delay in initial assessment.
