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In order to find out the reason why a couple cannot achieve a pregnancy, it is essential to perform a fertility study to both members of the couple, which consists of several tests.
The basic study consists basically of the following tests (not all these are always performed):
Study of the woman:
Transvaginal ultrasound, where we can observe the state of the womb and the ovaries. We can determine whether there are any womb alterations such as malformations, polyps, myomas, etc, and we will examine the size of the ovaries, the presence of follicles and their measurement.
Bacteriology tests to confirm the absence of cervical infections.
Hormonal study on the third day of the menstrual cycle. Several hormones are studied (FSH, LH and Prolactin) which tell us the state of the ovarian function.
Hysterosalpingography. It basically consists of an x-ray to see the state of the uterus and the fallopian tubes. We can detect any physical problems in the female reproductive organs.
Study of the man:
Sperm Analysis. It is an essential test in the fertility study. It gives us many parameters of the semen sample, of which the most important are the sperm count (amount of sperm) and motility. Click here to learn more details about this study.
Sperm capacitation test. This test subjects the sperm sample to the same process we use when performing an assisted reproduction technique, to see how it responds.
How long does the Fertility Study take?
The Fertility Study normally takes between one and two months, although it depends on the date of the patient’s last menstruation. If the woman goes to the first appointment just a few days before her menstruation, the study can be carried out in just one month.
Once the fertility study has been completed and the causes of the infertility or sterility are known, we are in a position to know the most adequate assisted reproduction technique for each case.
