What are the tests for infertility?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on January 18, 2025
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For infertility examinations, men typically undergo a routine semen analysis to check for any abnormalities. If there are abnormalities in the semen analysis, further testing might be needed for conditions such as varicocele or inflammation of the testicles and epididymis. For women, the examinations generally focus on the fallopian tubes to ensure they are patent, usually assessed through hysterosalpingography or a tubal patency test. Additionally, infertility tests include an ultrasound to monitor the follicles and check for any organic diseases in the uterus and ovaries. For women with menstrual irregularities, it's crucial to perform an endocrine test, specifically the six-item sex hormone check, as normal hormonal levels are necessary for regular menstruation and ovulation, and for the normal development of a fertilized egg. Other investigations for infertility might cover immune-related infertility among others, which require specific hospital tests. Moreover, if there has been a previous incidence of miscarriage, tests might include chromosomal analysis, tests for hemolysis, mycoplasma testing, and a set of tests for genetic counseling, all of which are part of the infertility examination process.

Other Voices

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Written by Zhang Wei Wei
Integrative Medicine
1min 13sec home-news-image

Can infertility ovulate?

I would like to discuss the causes of female infertility. The main causes of female infertility are ovulatory disorders and fallopian tube factors. If infertility is primarily due to fallopian tube factors, the patient does not have ovulatory disorders and can ovulate normally. Many cases of infertility are due to ovulatory disorders, which may be caused by ovarian dysfunction leading to persistent anovulation. Some are due to ovarian diseases, underdeveloped ovaries, polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure, and functional ovarian tumors. Or it could be due to dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis causing anovulation. It could also be due to endocrine metabolic diseases, such as hyperfunction or hypofunction of the thyroid or adrenal cortex, which can lead to anovulation. Therefore, in women with infertility caused by fallopian tube factors, ovulation can occur; if it is caused by ovulatory disorders, it involves ineffective ovulation or an inability to ovulate.

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Written by Kang Jian Hua
Reproductive Center
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Can infertility be treated with IVF?

Infertility cannot be universally treated with IVF; it requires specific analysis of each case. Before considering IVF, a pre-operative assessment is necessary to determine if the criteria for IVF are met. Infertility can be caused by male factors, female factors, or unknown reasons. Male factors can be addressed with artificial insemination or third-generation IVF. Female factors, like tubal issues, are suitable for IVF. If ovarian factors can stimulate follicle production, IVF is also possible. However, uterine factors causing infertility preclude the use of IVF.

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Written by Zhao Min Ying
Reproductive Medicine
1min 26sec home-news-image

Precautions for Infertility Examination

Infertility examinations primarily involve tests for both men and women. For men, the examination includes a semen analysis which requires abstinence for 2-7 days. Semen should be collected through masturbation, using a specialized semen collection cup provided by the laboratory. Ordinary condoms should not be used for semen collection. After collection, the semen must be kept warm and promptly delivered back to the laboratory. For women, the examinations include several aspects. First, during the menstrual period, blood is drawn on an empty stomach between the 2nd and 4th days to check hormone levels, and an ultrasound is used to assess the baseline state of the ovaries. Second, between the 3rd and 7th days after the menstrual period ends, when sexual intercourse is prohibited, tests are conducted to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes. These may include hysterosalpingography, hysteroscopy, or laparoscopy to evaluate the condition of the fallopian tubes. Third, monitoring ovulation with ultrasound begins from the 8th to 10th day of the menstrual cycle, tracking the development of follicles and the uterine lining until the follicle matures and ovulation occurs.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can pelvic effusion cause infertility?

Usually, pelvic effusion in women does not lead to infertility. For instance, physiological conditions in women, such as during the menstrual period or around ovulation, can lead to a small amount of leakage in the pelvic cavity. During an ultrasound, this may appear as a small amount of pelvic effusion, which is usually absorbed normally and does not affect pregnancy. However, if a woman's pelvic effusion is due to inflammation, and this inflammation affects the fallopian tubes or ovaries, causing inflammation in these areas, it might impact the woman's ability to conceive normally.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 23sec home-news-image

Secondary infertility is how it comes about?

Secondary infertility is when a woman has been pregnant before but has not conceived after a year of not using contraception. The causes of secondary infertility are divided into male factors and female factors. Common male infertility factors include older age or habitual smoking and drinking, leading to decreased sperm quality. Female infertility factors are more numerous, such as excessive sexual activity during reproductive years or weak immune system leading to pelvic inflammatory disease. This inflammation can affect the fallopian tubes, causing blockages and resulting in infertility due to tubal factors; it can also spread to the endometrium, causing endometritis and altering the intrauterine environment, making conception difficult. Some women may suffer from endometriosis, which can also lead to infertility. In some cases, women who have had uterine procedures may experience adhesions in the cervical canal and uterine cavity or abnormal uterine shapes, leading to infertility. Additionally, some women experience significant blood loss after childbirth, leading to pituitary necrosis, hormonal imbalances, and ovulation disorders, which can affect normal conception.