When facing fertility challenges, an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward finding the right treatment. Several tests help specialists assess both female and male fertility, allowing them to design a personalized treatment plan. In this blog, we will explain some of the most common tests, such as the hormonal profile, sperm analysis, hysterosalpingography, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) measurement..
1. Hormonal Profile:
What is it?
The hormonal profile is a set of blood tests that measure the levels of several key hormones in a woman’s reproductive cycle. These hormones include luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and progesterone. These hormones play an essential role in regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
What is it for?
The levels of these hormones provide vital information about reproductive health. For example, abnormal levels of FSH or LH may indicate problems with ovulation. At the same time, estradiol and progesterone can offer clues about ovarian function and the preparation of the uterus for implantation.
2. Sperm Analysis:
What is it?
The sperm analysis, or semen analysis, is a test that evaluates various important aspects of male fertility. This test measures sperm concentration, motility, morphology (shape and structure), and semen volume.
What is it for?
The sperm analysis is fundamental for identifying male infertility issues. For example, a low sperm concentration (oligospermia) or reduced motility (asthenospermia) can make it difficult for the sperm to fertilize the egg.
3. Hysterosalpingography (HSG):
What is it?
Hysterosalpingography, or HSG, is a radiological procedure that uses X-rays and a contrast medium to evaluate the interior of the uterus and fallopian tubes. This test allows specialists to see if the tubes have blockages or abnormalities that could prevent the egg and sperm from meeting.
What is it for?
HSG is crucial for diagnosing structural problems in the fallopian tubes or uterus that could be causing infertility. A blockage in the tubes, for instance, may prevent sperm from reaching the egg or the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus.
4. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH):
What is it?
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced by follicles in the ovaries. Measuring AMH levels in the blood is a useful indicator of a woman’s ovarian reserve, meaning the number of eggs available.
What is it for?
AMH levels help fertility specialists assess how many eggs a woman has and how she might respond to treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF). Low AMH levels may suggest a lower ovarian reserve, while high levels may indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Fertility tests like the hormonal profile, sperm analysis, hysterosalpingography, and anti-Müllerian hormone measurement are fundamental tools for understanding the underlying causes of infertility. These tests allow specialists to design a personalized and effective treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs. If you are considering undergoing any of these tests or have questions about your fertility, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our experts. We are here to support you every step of the way on your journey to motherhood.
Fuentes Bibliográficas:
American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2022). Hormonal Testing and Diagnosis of Infertility.
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hormone Testing in Women.
Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Hormonal Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.
World Health Organization. (2021). WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2022). Semen Analysis.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023).
RadiologyInfo.org. (2022). Hysterosalpingography.
Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. (2023). Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Testing.
FertilityIQ. (2023). AMH Levels: What They Really Mean for Fertility.
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