Fertility tests & treatments: finding & fixing the problem
Common medical tests
If you’re not conceiving, your doctor will begin by physically examining you and your partner for possible causes of infertility. Tests requiring laboratory analysis may follow to assess four key elements for successful conception:
- To find out whether hormone production is balanced, allowing for egg and sperm development
- To establish whether the ovarian reserve is plentiful and ovulation is taking place
- To test that sperm is of sufficient quantity and quality
- To determine whether both male and female reproductive systems allow for fertilization
| Conception difficulties are just as likely to affect men as they are women. Male infertility is the primary diagnosis in approximately 25% of cases and contributes to a further 15–25% of the remaining cases.1 It is important that both partners are investigated to determine the right course of action. |
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Questions you may want to ask your doctor
- The purpose of each test or investigation
- Who will conduct the test
- The type of test, e.g. a physical examination or blood test?
- Whether to expect any discomfort or pain
- How long the results may take
- Who will interpret the results?
- What the next course of action will be
| Tests can take time. It may take two or three visits to your doctor to complete investigations over a one to six month period. Some of the tests will need to be repeated. During this time, it’s important not to become disheartened. The goal is to set a course of positive action for you and your partner to pursue. |
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Read more about the preliminary fertility tests men and women undergo.
Key treatments
The course you follow next will be different for each couple, depending on the results of tests and the kind of treatment you decide to pursue. You may start with any one of the following fertility treatments, depending on the exact cause of the difficulty in conceiving:
- A procedure at a day clinic
- Oral medicine
- Hormone treatment
Millions of couples around the world go through fertility treatment every year. Up to one in ten couples experience difficulties in conceiving.2 The vast majority can achieve a pregnancy at some stage along the treatment pathway.3 This is where the journey begins. |
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Questions you may want to ask your doctor
- Which procedure has the greatest chance of success for us?
- What are the side effects of this treatment?
- What are our chances of having a baby if we have this treatment at this clinic?
- How long will we have to be on this treatment before stopping or trying another treatment?
- What are the risks of multiple pregnancies?
- What should we do next if this treatment does not work?
- What support or counselling is available?
- What are the costs involved with this treatment and are they reimbursed?
With patience, a positive attitude and appropriate treatment, most couples eventually achieve their goal.3 The good news is that there’s a range of treatments available. Take a look at the fertility pathway and learn about treatment options.
1. Collins J.A. Evidence-based infertility: evaluation of the female partner. International Congress Series 2004;1266; 57–62. 2. Boivin J et al, International estimates of infertility prevalence and treatment seeking: potential need and demand for infertility medical care. Hum Reprod. 2007;22; 1506-1512. 3. Pinbourg A et al, Prospective longitudinal cohort study on cumulative 5-year delivery and adoption rates among 1338 couples initiating infertility treatment. Hum Reprod.2009;24; 991-999.
