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The Infertility Workup
In
general, if attempts at pregnancy have failed for a full year,
it is reasonable to seek the advice of a fertility expert. Earlier
intervention may be warranted if one of the partners has a history
of injury or illness that could affect fertility, or if the woman
is over age 35, since female fertility declines with age.
Evaluation of the Couple
The
initial visit involves an interview with the fertility specialist
who tries to uncover any obvious problems. The initial workup
may also include a counseling session with a trained therapist.
Occasionally the cause for infertility can be found without
costly tests. For example; the use of some types of lubricants
during intercourse can prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Or,
if intercourse doesn't occur during the small window of time that
the egg is ripe, then conception is impossible. So proper timing
is crucial. Eliciting medical and sexual history from each partner
may reveal a history of sexually transmitted disease or other
infection or illness that could have produced scar tissue or other
problems that prohibit the sperm from reaching the egg. Sperm
production is impaired by alcohol use, smoking, certain street
drugs, some prescription drugs, and exposure to certain environmental
hazards and toxins. These same factors can effect a woman's ability
to conceive and sustain a normal, healthy pregnancy.
| Initial Interview
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- timing and frequency of intercourse
- use of lubricants
- menstrual history
- sexual history
- contraceptive history
- obstetrical history
- medical history (history of infections, illnesses, surgeries, injuries and medication use)
- use of alcohol, cigarettes, street drugs
- exposure to environmental hazards at home and the workplace
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The next phase
in the infertility workup will involve individual physical exams
and various tests to detect possible fertility problems related
specifically to the woman
and the man.
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