If you’ve been trying to get pregnant with no success, then you might want to consider infertility testing to determine if there is an underlying health issue preventing you from getting pregnant. In many cases, there are options after diagnosing infertility so that you can still have the family that you desire. The first step is contacting a doctor who can answer the questions that you have while listening to your symptoms before performing a few different tests to determine what’s functioning properly and what’s not working regarding your reproductive system.
You should try to go to the doctor with your partner so that you can both get tested for infertility issues. One or both of you might have health concerns that should be addressed or that you might have questions about. When you visit the doctor, you’ll talk about your medical history as well as the history of your family, especially the women in your family. You’ll be asked about the medications that you take and if you smoke or drink. Our doctor will likely want to know about your diet as well. You should discuss whether you are in contact with any kind of chemicals or toxins at home or while you are working. This is important information to give for both you and your partner when our doctor is diagnosing infertility.
Your sex life is also important to talk about. Information like how often you have sex, the types of birth control you’ve taken in the past, and whether you’ve had any sexually transmitted diseases should be discussed with our doctor. Keep in mind that there multiple tests to determine if you’re infertile or if you’re just having trouble getting pregnant.
A physical and a Pap smear are usually the first places that our doctor will start when diagnosing infertility. The Pap smear is a test that can also detect certain kinds of cancer and other diseases that might be present. You might be asked to collect a few urine samples at home that will then be tested to look at hormone levels. Blood work is usually performed as well to check blood counts and other hormone levels. Part of diagnosing infertility includes looking at the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and other parts of the reproductive system. There are ultrasound procedures that can be performed to look at these areas of the body along with MRI scans.
The professionals at West Coast Women’s Reproductive Center have more information about which tests we offer. We are conveniently located in Sherman Oaks, CA. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
