Having a baby seems like one of the most natural things, and when you start seeing babies everywhere, the last thing you’d expect is how difficult it can be to actually conceive one!
Today, we have Dr Natasha, a Fertility Specialist who found her passion in assisting couples to conceive.
Q1. What is a fertility evaluation?
Dr Natasha: A fertility evaluation is basically an investigation that we do in order to try to find out what are the factors that may be hindering couples from conceiving. So, some couples will come to us after trying unsuccessfully for a few cycles in conceiving. And we will try to do a fertility evaluation to help them find out what are the reasons for them unable to conceive. We will investigate what’s the reason they are unable to conceive. Then, we’ll find out what are the factors hindering them and proceed with the appropriate treatment.
Q2. What can couples expect when going for a fertility evaluation?
Dr Natasha: You would expect to have several things happening during the fertility evaluation. Firstly, we’ll start off with the history. From the history, we’ll be able to assess whether there are any factors that may cause any issues in conceiving. We will be assessing for both partners, basically, for your lifestyle factors, for your weight, any health issues—as these factors may be causing issues in you being unable to conceive.
Q3. Are there any procedures that the couple must do during the evaluation?
Dr Natasha: For a fertility evaluation, we’ll need to do some basic investigations for the couple. For the female partner, I’ll ask them to do a blood test called an AMH which consist of full blood count, screening for infectious disease, and also to check for their ovarian reserve. After the blood test, we’ll be doing an ultrasound test. And majority of the time, this will involve a vaginal scanning. So it may be uncomfortable, but just relax. You’ll be alright. We’ll make you as comfortable as possible and be very quick. Now when I do a vaginal scan, I’ll be assessing basically your reproductive organs. And that is your uterus and to have a look if there’s any fibroids, there’s any cyst, anything else that may cause you to have issues in conceiving.
Q4. What about the men? What procedures do they go through?
Dr Natasha: So, the man will also have to undergo a blood test, which is the same thing—we’ll do a screening for infectious disease, we’ll take their full blood count. And the next thing, the most important for male partners, is to have a semen analysis where we check their sperm. That will be involving them coming up to the clinic and to actually produce the sperm in the clinic. The semen sample will then be sent off to our lab and the results will be back in about 1 hours’ time.
We’ll then go through the results of the sperm test and look at the sperm count; the movement of what we call, ‘the motility of the sperms’; and the quality of the sperm. And that will help tell us whether there are any issues with the sperm that’s causing the couple to have issues in conceiving.
Q5. What can couples expect after undergoing fertility evaluation?
Dr Natasha: So, after we’ve done the fertility evaluation, then we’ll be able to have some idea what are the possible reasons that the couple are unable to get pregnant and will recommend the most suitable treatment based on the situation.
The treatment can be as simple as tracking the ovulation. Because some patients, even though they have a regular cycle, they may be ovulating either earlier or later. So, what this ovulation test does is to help track down the best 2 days of the month for them to do the ‘baby dance’ to conceive faster.
Q6. When should a couple go for fertility evaluation?
Dr Natasha: If you are trying to conceive, you can come at any time. The general advice is, if you are less than 35 years old and you have a regular cycle, you can come and see us after 1 year of trying. But if you more than 35 years old or you have irregular periods, or you do know that you have some gynaecological issues—such as fibroids, endometriosis—you can come and see a doctor after 6 months of trying. If you are very concerned, just come anytime so we’ll be able to assess you and give you the appropriate advice.
Get Accurate, Quick and Clear Answers from the Comfort of Your Own Home
Today’s episode is sponsored by Clearblue. At Clearblue, we put women at the heart of everything we do to empower and transform the way women manage their reproductive health. Whether you’re trying to conceive or you think you may be pregnant, we give answers that are accurate, quick and clear from the comfort of your own home.
We hope you enjoyed and learned from today’s program on fertility evaluations. Stay tuned for our next episode of AskMeDoctor! for more health tips for the family.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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