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How Do I Know If I Am Infertile?

In tracing the cause of infertility, a doctor usually begins by asking both partners about their health histories, their use of medications, their sexual histories and their sexual practices. The man undergoes a physical examination first. Male infertility is usually related to sperm health or function which is usually tested with a spermanalysis.

For the woman, testing generally begins with a full physical exam and cervical smear. The doctor will then make sure that she ovulates regularly and whether the ovaries are doing their job of releasing eggs. Having regular menstrual cycles and a biphasic basal body temperature curve confirms usually that ovulation is regular. Blood tests can measure hormone levels.

The ovaries and uterus may be examined by ultrasound, and a specific test can check for tubal blockage or abnormality in the uterus. In about 80% of couples the cause of infertility is either a sperm problem, irregular or no ovulation, and blockage of the fallopian tubes. In 15% of couples all tests are normal, and the diagnosis of 'unexplained infertility' is made.

What Are the Treatments?
Many couples once pronounced barren can now produce their own child. Common-sense steps that raise the chances of conception may help.

Couples who want children should have intercourse during the 5-6 fertile days, the 4-5 days before and the day of ovulation.

A tip-off is that there is a sustained rise in basal body temperature about 1-2 days after ovulation. A home testing kit can also be used to detect chemical changes in the urine. A newer device is able to detect ovulation from a single drop of saliva.

If the problem is that he doesn't have enough sperms, then attempts should be made to find the cause treat it. If for example, he has a varicocele - then surgery can sometimes improve the sperm count.

If she does not ovulate, then the cause should be found and treated. Sometimes, inducing ovulation with hormones or fertility drugs can get per pregnant quickly.

The small percentage of couples whose infertility cannot be corrected can try artificial fertilization. In the procedure known as IVF (in vitro fertilization), the egg is fertilized outside the woman's body and then placed in the womb or fallopian tube. In another procedure, called GIFT (gamete intrafallopian transfer), egg and sperm are brought together in a fallopian tube. Both methods are difficult and seldom succeed on the first attempt. They are also costly.