Health Checks: Infertility
In some couples a history of disease or symptoms in the reproductive system will signal the likelihood of difficulty conceiving, and assessing this is appropriate even before pregnancy is desired.
Where couples appear normal, fertility problems are not investigated until they have tried to conceive, and failed, for about one year.
Investigating suspected infertility requires a number of tests for both the man and his partner.
Around 40 per cent of fertility problems originate in the man. According to theReproductive Health Indicators Australia 2002 report, compiled by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s National Perinatal Statistics Unit, one in 20 men will suffer from infertility.
Diagnosing male infertility will involve:
- Semen analysis – a sample of the man’s semen is investigated in the laboratory and checked for abnormalities and the presence of antibodies.
- Blood tests – to assess hormone levels – sometimes more specific tests may be necessary.
- Testicular biopsy – a fine needle and microscope are used to check the network of tubes to see if there are any sperm in them.
- Ultrasound test – to take pictures of the reproductive organs, such as the prostate gland.
- MRI - of the brain to assess the pituitary gland
- Chromosone studies
