A fertility assessment is a basic investigation of both male and female fertility that is generally recommended prior to embarking on any form of fertility treatment. The assessment involves a series of tests which assess different aspects of the reproductive system in order to identify any potential problems which may be causing difficulty conceiving.
In women, the most common cause of infertility is ovulation disorders, accounting for around 25% of all cases. Common ovulation disorders include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). PCOS is a condition where the ovaries produce high levels of testosterone, which interferes with normal egg development and prevents ovulation from occurring regularly. POI occurs when the ovaries stop producing eggs prematurely, before the age of 40. Other causes of female infertility include uterine abnormalities such as endometriosis or fibroids, blocked fallopian tubes, or premature menopause.
Male infertility accounts for around 30% of all cases and is usually caused by low sperm count or poor sperm quality. Other causes can include genetic defects, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), blockages in the testicular ducts, exposure to certain chemicals or medications, or health conditions such as diabetes or obesity. In around 10-20% of cases, no specific cause can be identified (known as “unexplained infertility”).
Fertility assessments typically begin with a consultation with a fertility specialist to discuss your medical history and symptoms. This will be followed by physical examinations for both partners and some basic investigations such as blood tests and ultrasounds. If necessary, more specialized tests may be recommended such as hysterosalpingography (HSG; an X-ray examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes) or laparoscopy (a keyhole surgery used to investigate pelvic organs). Based on the results of these tests, your fertility specialist will be able to develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.