Diagnosis of female infertility
Failure to conceive a child becomes a serious challenge for a couple. When pregnancy is not confirmed month after month, a woman begins to worry about possible infertility. But you shouldn’t give up on parenthood right away.
Modern reproductive medicine has dozens of methods for diagnosing female infertility that will help find the true cause of the problem and provide effective treatment. The main thing is not to delay and undergo the necessary examination.
What does a comprehensive diagnosis of female infertility include?
The first step to understanding the situation is a complete body examination. Many women believe that a single test or ultrasound is enough. But in reality, the causes of infertility can be different – hormonal, immune, anatomical, or even psycho-emotional.
Therefore diagnosis of infertility in women involves a series of tests that allow you to see the full picture of reproductive health and choose an individualized treatment.
Examination by a gynecologist
The first stage of diagnostics, which allows the doctor to collect all the information about the patient’s health status, menstrual cycle, lifestyle, genital diseases, etc.
A chair examination is mandatory – it is necessary to assess the condition of the vagina and cervix, identify signs of inflammation, erosion, polyps, tumors or anatomical abnormalities.
At this stage, hormonal disorders, inflammation, infections, or other factors affecting fertility may be suspected. Often, it is a detailed history that helps determine the direction of further action.
Smear for microflora
A simple but very informative test. It helps to determine the state of the vaginal microflora, the presence of fungal, bacterial, protozoal, viral infections or inflammatory processes that can interfere with conception. For example, a common cause of unsuccessful pregnancy attempts is chronic vaginitis or vaginal dysbiosis.
PAP test
Cytologic examination of cervical cells helps to detect precancerous or cancerous changes at an early stage, signs of inflammation. This screening is important not only for a woman’s health but also for safe pregnancy planning. After all, problems with the cervix can affect the fertilization of the egg.
Hormonal studies
A blood test for hormones is one of the key stages, because hormones are the main indicator of a woman’s fertility.
Usually, the level of such hormones is checked:
- FSH is responsible for the maturation of eggs;
- LH – stimulates ovulation;
- prolactin – affects ovulation and the menstrual cycle;
- estradiol – regulates the menstrual cycle;
- progesterone – responsible for embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance;
- testosterone – an excess can lead to a cycle disorder;
- AMH – reflects the ovarian reserve, i.e. the number of eggs.
Additionally, tests are performed for thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4). Even minor deviations in its functioning can cause infertility or miscarriages.
Ultrasound of the reproductive system organs
Ultrasound examination helps to assess the condition of the uterus, endometrium, ovaries, the presence of cysts, polyps, fibroids, or signs of endometriosis. The doctor can also track the maturation of the follicles, which allows you to see if ovulation is occurring. In some cases, folliculometry is prescribed – a series of ultrasounds during the cycle to determine the day of ovulation.
Other studies
Depending on the situation, the doctor may recommend hysterosalpingography (assessment of the patency of the fallopian tubes), testing for infections (TORCH complex, STDs), immunological or genetic tests.
Such a checkup allows you to draw up a complete picture of a woman’s reproductive health and choose the best way to infertility treatment.
Some of the diagnostic and treatment procedures that women can undergo at IVMED are
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The cost of infertility diagnostics in women
The price depends on the scope of research, the type of tests and methods prescribed diagnosis of female infertility. For example, at IVMED, a basic assessment of a woman’s reproductive system costs UAH 2,160.
However, the exact cost of the examination you need can be found at consultation with a reproductive specialistThe doctor will draw up an individualized diagnostic plan based on age, anamnesis, and the duration of unsuccessful conception attempts. This will allow you to calculate costs and avoid unnecessary procedures.
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Causes of infertility in women
Reproductive health problems can be caused by various factors. The most common ones are:
- hormonal disorders;
- endometriosis;
- obstruction of the fallopian tubes;
- polycystic ovaries;
- chronic infections;
- adhesive disease (adhesions) after surgical interventions on the pelvic organs;
- autoimmune factors;
- age over 35.
In addition, the success of fertilization is affected by overweight or, conversely, underweight, bad habits, and chronic stress.
Methods of diagnosing female infertility
Carrying out a complete diagnosis of infertility in women involves the use of both basic and special techniques. The more detailed the examination, the more accurately the specialist will be able to determine the cause of the problem and choose an effective treatment strategy for a particular patient.
Ovulation tests
Ovulation, when a mature egg leaves the ovary, is the main event of the menstrual cycle. If it does not occur, conception is impossible. A luteinizing hormone test helps to determine whether ovulation occurs and to assess its regularity.
Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
An X-ray examination during which a special contrast agent is injected into the uterus to visualize it and check the patency of the fallopian tubes. GSG helps to diagnose adhesions, tubal obstruction, polyps, submucosal fibroids, or congenital abnormalities of the uterus. This method is one of the key methods in the diagnosis of female infertility.
Laparoscopy
A modern minimally invasive technique that allows a doctor to examine the pelvic organs – uterus, tubes, ovaries – without making large incisions. Small punctures are made through which a camera and instruments are inserted for a detailed examination. Laparoscopy is not only a diagnosis, but also a possibility of simultaneous treatment: removal of adhesions, polyps, removal of cysts or foci of endometriosis.
Immunological examination
Sometimes all indicators are normal, but conception still does not occur. In such cases, immunologic infertility is suspected – when a woman’s body produces antibodies that attack sperm or prevent embryo implantation. Laboratory tests help determine the presence of anti-sperm antibodies in cervical mucus or blood plasma.
These methods help to make a complete assessment of reproductive health, especially if diagnosis of female infertility was carried out correctly. У at the fertility clinic in Kyiv At IVMED, such studies are performed according to modern protocols using advanced equipment, which significantly increases the chances of becoming parents.
When should you undergo infertility diagnostics?
- If pregnancy does not occur within 12 months of regular sexual activity without contraception, this is a signal to undergo an examination.
- Women over 35 should not wait so long: it is better to start diagnostics after 6 months of futile attempts.
- You should also consult a doctor if you have any of the following: menstrual irregularities, frequent inflammation, lack of ovulation, or a history of miscarriages.
Preparation for the diagnosis of female infertility
To ensure that the results of examinations are correct, it is important to follow certain rules:
- Avoid sexual intercourse 2-3 days before the tests.
- Do not take hormonal drugs without a doctor’s approval.
- Undergo an ultrasound at the time specified by the doctor (usually on day 5-10 of the cycle, sometimes also on day 25-28 of the cycle).
- Blood tests for hormones are taken on an empty stomach, on certain days of the cycle, which will be informed by the doctor.
You should also be emotionally prepared – fear and stress can negatively affect the results, especially of hormonal tests.
Diagnosis of infertility in a couple
The problem with conceiving a child is not always a woman’s fault. In half of the cases, it is due to the male factor. Therefore, the diagnosis of infertility should be comprehensive, that is, include an examination of both partners.
To assess reproductive health, men are prescribed:
- spermogram – an assessment of the number, motility and morphology of spermatozoa;
- MAR test of sperm – detection of the presence of antibodies that “attack” sperm (immunological infertility);
- blood test for hormones – detection of disorders in the hormonal system;
- blood test for STIs;
- Sperm DNA fragmentation test – allows you to detect genetic damage to sperm that directly affects fertility;
- FISH-method is a test of ejaculate for chromosomal mutations;
- Ultrasound of the scrotum and prostate gland – detection of inflammatory processes, varicocele, structural changes in the testicles, etc;
- Doppler vascular examination – analysis of blood circulation in the genitals;
- testicular biopsy – to assess spermatogenesis, detect oncological diseases.
A comprehensive examination allows you to determine exactly who has the problem and, based on this, choose an effective solution for the couple.
How to choose a clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility in women?
Choosing a medical center for for the diagnosis of infertility in women and men, you should pay attention to the following criteria:
- qualifications of reproductive specialists;
- availability of modern equipment and our own laboratory;
- the opportunity to undergo a full range of examinations in one place;
- transparent pricing policy;
- positive feedback from patients.
In accordance with these requirements, IVMED Reproductive Medicine Clinic is considered one of the best. Here, patients receive comprehensive infertility diagnostics and modern treatment according to international standards.
Treatment based on the results of infertility diagnosis
After receiving the results, the doctor forms a personalized treatment plan. This can be a course of medications, surgical intervention to eliminate the anatomical causes of infertility, or an assisted reproductive technology program (intrauterine insemination, IVFThe use of donor germ cells or a surrogacy program). Following the recommendations of specialists, the support of your partner, and trust in the chosen clinic help you make a confident step towards the most valuable goal – having a baby.
Modern medicine offers many options for help even in difficult cases. The main thing is not to hesitate, because the path to motherhood begins with the correct diagnosis.
