Try as they might, some
couples just can't seem to
conceive. After months and
months of practicing and waiting
to see if a period will start or
it won't, disappointment
haunts them.
If a reasonable amount of time
has passed between making the
decision to try and conceive and
ceasing pregnancy preventing
medications, such as birth
control pills, it might be worth
looking into fertility testing. Oftentimes
couples that think they have a
biological problem preventing
them from conceiving will find
they both check out 100 percent
okay. The numbers game
just hasn't resulted in their
favor as of yet.
When fertility problems are
suspected, a medical doctor will
very likely order a few tests
for both partners. The
idea behind these tests is to
rule out any problems or to
isolate issues that could be
blocking successful conception.
The
tests for men and women vary,
but their goal is to make sure
the plumbing is working as it
should and that eggs and sperm
are healthy.
Tests for a woman include a few
different standard procedures. A
hysterosalpingogram is a likely
procedure for a woman. During
this test, X-rays are taken of
the fallopian tubes to ensure
they are not blocked, which
would prevent the release of
eggs. A simple blood test to
check on the egg supply might
also be ordered. Other tests
might include a progesterone
test to check for ovulation, an
ultrasound to inspect the health
of the uterus and even the
cervix and more.
Men very likely will be asked to
undergo a semen analysis. During
this testing procedure, a sample
of ejaculate will be necessary.
From this sample, doctors can
tell how much sperm is being
released on average, the health
of the sperm and its virility. If
sperm is present, but in low
counts, it is possible a few
simple measures will be all
that's necessary to improve a
couple's chances for conceiving.
Fertility
testing can be a little
unnerving, but the end result
will provide a couple the
answers they so desperately
seek. Many
times, minor medical issues,
such as low sperm counts, can be
overcome with a little bit of
help. In other cases,
different measures such as in
vetro fertilization might be
suggested. Fertility medications
might also be prescribed.
Getting pregnant doesn't always
come easy. Sometimes couples
think they have or might have
fertility problems that don't.
Other times, it is possible that
issues exist that medical
attention can remedy. Unfortunately,
some couples might find it is
impossible for them to conceive.
Knowing, however, is half the
battle. Once answers are found,
it is possible to explore
alternatives that can enable a
couple to experience the joys of
parenting.
