Causes and diagnosis of an unfulfilled desire to have children
Anamnesis (history)
During a consultation, the doctor will ask you about your medical history. Based on your information on topics such as ectopic pregnancies, previous operations, menstrual and hormonal disorders or limited semen quality, he will suggest further examination steps and treatment methods.
Laboratory tests
A significant diagnostic measure is a blood test to determine hormones. Not only ovarian hormones, which control the female cycle, are analyzed, but also thyroid and adrenal hormones as well as pituitary gland hormones, all of which can influence fertility.
Cycle monitoring
For women with cycle disorders, cycle monitoring using ultrasound checks (supplemented by blood tests from the 10th to 12th day of the cycle) makes it possible to determine whether the follicles are growing and egg cells are maturing. With normal egg maturation, ovulation and thus the optimal time for fertilization can be better predicted.
Fallopian tube patency
Fertilization takes place in the fallopian tube, so both sperm and egg must be able to come together there. The patency of the fallopian tubes can be checked using an outpatient operation (laproscopy) in the hospital or a special ultrasound examination.
hysteroscopy
During a hysteroscopy, the inside of the uterus can be examined. Uterine malformations, polyps, larger myomas or adhesions could possibly reduce the implantation of the embryo. These findings can be recognized and surgically removed in a short outpatient procedure.
Chromosome analysis
Chromosomal disorders or gene mutations can be a rare cause of infertility. A blood test can clarify whether the normal set of chromosomes (46 XX in women, 46 XY in men) is present. Deviations can be congenital and do not necessarily lead to illness.
Sperm analysis
A sperm test is often one of the first steps in diagnosis, as poor semen quality is common and can significantly affect the natural chances of pregnancy.