Why do we have problems getting pregnant?
Pregnancy depends on both the woman and the man. A couple may not be able to get pregnant because of a problem with the woman or man’s body, or both.
When a couple cannot get pregnant, doctors often do tests to both of them to find out the cause.
When should we see a doctor?
Most doctors recommend that a couple begin testing if they cannot get pregnant after having unprotected sex for 1 year.
But if you have concerns, talk to your doctor, to get tested, before a year pass due. Tests are done earlier for women over 35 and for women who do not have their period every month.
If you are a man, your doctor will ask you questions about your health and sexual history, as well as do some exams, to check if you have a normal amount of healthy sperm.
Other tests that may be done on a man.
- Blood tests – Some blood tests detect hormone levels. These levels when abnormal can make it difficult for your partner to get pregnant. Other blood tests can check to see if you have a genetic condition that may make it difficult to get your partner pregnant.
- Ultrasound – This test creates pictures of the inside of the body and can check to see if a sex organ is abnormal. For example, some men have an occlusion in a structure called the vas deferens, which is the path the sperm takes to come out ejaculated.
- Urine tests – Urine tests can check to see if sperm travel in the wrong direction and return to the bladder during ejaculation instead of exiting through the penis.
- Biopsy – A biopsy may be done if a sperm test shows that a man has zero or a small amount of sperm. During a biopsy, a doctor collects a small sample of tissue from inside the testicle, then checks the sample under a microscope.
What tests are done for women?
Your doctor will ask you questions about your health, menstrual periods, and sexual history, and ask for some test.
Some of the following tests may be done:
- Blood tests – Blood tests can count female hormone levels. Abnormal hormone levels can make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant. Blood test can also be done to check for genetic problems that may make it difficult to get pregnant.
- Ovulation tests – Different tests can be used to check if a woman is ovulating. Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube, which must occur for a woman to become pregnant.
- Tests to check the uterus and fallopian tubes – Problems with the fallopian tubes and uterus can make it difficult to become pregnant. For example, some women are born with an abnormally shaped uterus, or women may have blocked fallopian tubes from past infections, illness, or surgery.
What tests are done to check the uterus and fallopian tubes?
Your doctor may do different tests to check for problems with the uterus and fallopian tubes. The most commons test are:
- Ultrasound, X-ray, or other imaging tests – These tests can create pictures of the inside of the body and can detect blockages or other problems.
- Hysteroscopy or Laparoscopy – A procedure, in which your doctor sees inside the body using a small tube with a camera at the end, introducing the tube into the vagina, past the cervix, and up into the uterus to see inside it. Probably locating the tube through a small opening in the skin below the belly button to see the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries in the pelvic cavity.
What happens after the test?
Test results may show the problem, to be treated.
Your doctor will recommend other options, to help couples getting pregnant. With the advice of your doctor, you can choose which one is right for you.
What else can we do?
Trying to get pregnant can be difficult for couples, they may feel sadness, worry, anger, or guilt. It is important to get help. Perhaps finding activities to get relax or support groups for people who are trying to get pregnant too.