Infitility Workup
Infertility workup is a process of evaluating and treating infertility, which is a condition where a couple is unable to conceive after a year of trying or where a woman is unable to carry a pregnancy to term. The process of evaluating and treating infertility is called an infertility workup.
The first step in an infertility workup is typically a consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist or an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN). During this consultation, the doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam. The doctor may also order blood tests to check for hormonal imbalances or infections and may perform a pelvic ultrasound to check for issues such as fibroids or polyps.
In some cases, the infertility workup may include a semen analysis for the male partner. This test will evaluate the quantity and quality of the sperm, and check for any issues such as a low sperm count or abnormal sperm shape.
Based on the results of the consultation and tests, the doctor may recommend further testing or treatments. For instance, if blocked fallopian tubes are the cause of infertility, the doctor might advise a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or laparoscopy to examine the tubes and determine whether they are repairable. If hormonal imbalances are the root cause of infertility, the doctor might advise taking hormone-regulating medications.
In some cases, the doctor may recommend assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to help the couple conceive.
It's important to note that infertility can have multiple causes, and it may take several tests and consultations to identify the underlying issue. The treatment plan will be tailored to the specific cause of infertility and the couple's preferences.
In summary, an infertility workup is a process of evaluating and treating infertility, which is a condition where a couple is unable to conceive after a year of trying or where a woman is unable to carry a pregnancy to term. The first step in an infertility workup typically involves a consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist or an obstetrician-