Most couples need a year to get pregnant. Statistically speaking, over 85% of women become pregnant within a year. If the pregnancy is not obtained within a year, with at least 2 unprotected sexual reports per week, then one of the causes could be related to fertility.
Whether it's low fertility or infertility, pregnancy can be achieved in most cases, through different treatment methods, in vitro fertilization being just one of them. Before letting your worries overwhelm you, you must know that the timing and frequency of intercourse are also very important, and can contribute to postponing the moment of pregnancy.
It is important that first of all you find out what the fertility level is, through a few simple investigations.
Fertility decreases with age, the chances decreasing starting from the age of 35. Contrary to the generally shared opinion, the cause is not only the woman, but also the male partner. In quite a few cases, the problem is even mixed.
Weight and stress can be two other decisive factors in terms of fertility, as well as the existing affections of the partners. In women, untreated gynecological conditions can lead to infertility. These include: sexually transmitted diseases, pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as various structural anomalies of the cervix or vagina.
What are the analyzes and investigations that can tell if you are fertile or not?
Fertile potential can be detected through a few simple investigations and analyses.
Gynecological, hematological, immunological and hormonal analyses
They determine the level of hormones with an essential role in ovulation and detect possible infections in the reproductive system.
The hormonal profile is a blood test that measures the concentration of the hormones responsible for getting pregnant. This profile contains FSH, LH, TSH, Prolactin, Progesterone, Estradiol, AMH analyses. The samples for these analyzes are taken on the 2nd or 3rd day of the menstrual cycle. FSH and estradiol are two analyzes that can provide information on the ovarian reserve, but this aspect is highlighted more clearly by the analysis called AMH - Antimullerian hormone.
If the values obtained are low, the first treatment proposal that the specialist can recommend is ovarian stimulation.
Transvaginal ultrasound
This is an imaging method through which the specialist can carefully examine the pelvic area, to identify possible anomalies of the ovaries and uterus. A simple transvaginal ultrasound can indicate the presence or absence of polyps, uterine fibroids, providing information about the presence or absence of monthly ovulation and ovarian reserve.
Hysterosalpingography
With its help, possible disorders of the uterus and fallopian tubes are evaluated, which can prevent pregnancy. This is done by injecting an intrauterine contrast substance. If the fallopian tubes are blocked, the substance will not pass through them. The specialist doctor can try to unclog them even during the procedure. If this fails, and it is concluded that the fallopian tubes are compromised, then one of the solutions can be the ligation of the fallopian tubes, in vitro fertilization being the only solution available to make children for the couple in question.
Endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy and laparoscopy are 3 other investigations that have an essential role in checking the functioning of the patient's reproductive system. With their help, essential information can be obtained about the functioning of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
After carrying out these analyses, the specialist can recommend a treatment plan, and the couple will know exactly what the next steps are that they need to take, if they want a child.
Among the most well-known infertility treatment plans are the administration of drugs for ovulation problems in women, surgical interventions that can eliminate the problems of the ovaries, uterus or fallopian tubes, as well as artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization.
