An infertility diagnosis is the first step in a treatment plan
While nobody wants to hear that they have an infertility diagnosis, finding out what is wrong is the first step toward getting the help you need to grow your family. Our San Antonio infertility specialists always start with testing for infertility in both male and female partners, which provides the information needed to create a targeted treatment plan to achieve pregnancy faster.
Don’t wait to get testing for infertility
If you are 35 or older and have been trying to conceive for at least six months, don’t wait another cycle to schedule fertility testing. A woman’s fertility declines rapidly after age 35, so it’s best to find out what’s going on as quickly as possible.
If you are younger than 35, we generally recommend seeing our San Antonio infertility specialists if you have been trying to conceive for a year or longer. Or, if you have experienced two or more miscarriages, it’s definitely time to get answers now.
Testing for infertility in both partners
Because the most obvious sign of fertility problems is not getting pregnant, many couples assume that any infertility diagnosis must always be a female issue. However, roughly half of couples struggling to conceive have a male component contributing to, or directly causing, their inability to get pregnant. This is why there’s a good chance we will order comprehensive testing for infertility in both partners, starting at your very first visit with our San Antonio infertility specialists.
We start with discussing medical history, including both partners’ history of medical conditions, birth control used, prior infections or surgeries, and other details. Then, we will order several different types of tests to pinpoint the problem.
- Semen analysis to assess the number of sperm present and whether they are normally shaped and able to swim well
- Ultrasound exam for the female partner, to evaluate ovarian reserve and uterine anatomy
- Blood work for both partners to assess hormone levels related to fertility and screening for common sexually transmitted diseases
- Screening for common sexually transmitted diseases
- Genetic screening for inherited genetic issues in either partner that could contribute to infertility or miscarriage
- Pelvic exam for the female partner, similar to an annual gynecological exam
- Hysterosalpingogram for the female partner, an X ray test to check that the fallopian tubes are open and the uterus is normally shaped and free from fibroids, polyps or other abnormalities
If you get an infertility diagnosis, what happens next?
Once you and your partner have completed all testing, you will return to our San Antonio infertility specialists to discuss your results and determine the plan.
Based on your personal results from testing for infertility, we will explain the treatment options available to you, as well as how effective each of those treatments might be in your situation. Our experienced team of financial advisors can help you understand your insurance benefits as well as any out-of-pocket costs to expect with your available treatment options.
If you or your partner do receive an infertility diagnosis, take heart. Texas Fertility Center has effective treatment options for nearly all fertility challenges in both men and women, and with these treatments, we have helped to bring more than 25,000 babies into the world for 40 years. It is our honor to walk beside you on the journey to bringing home your baby, and our compassionate care team is here for you every step of the way.
If you have questions about fertility testing, contact our office to learn more about infertility diagnosis or to schedule an appointment.