If you have been trying to conceive for
more than a year without success then you
are most likely experiencing sterility.
Sterility is experienced by 10-15% of all
couples. Reasons for sterility can vary.
Statistics state that in one third of all
sterility cases, the reason for conception
problems is caused by some type of genital
disorder in the female partner. Likewise,
troubles conceiving can be attributed to
some type of genital disorder in the male
partner (1/3 of all cases) and in both
partners (1/3 of all cases).
Diagnostic procedures for investigating
sterility begin with the man because these
tests are simpler and easier to complete
in men than in women. For men, the only
diagnostic procedure necessary is
examination of the sperm (spermogram,
biochemical analyses and functional
tests). Further diagnostic procedures
(hormonal analyses, ultrasound, testicular
biopsy, genetic examinations…) in a man
can be performed if an abnormality in the
sperm tests is found. Sperm abnormalities
can be due to hormonal disorders and
organic lesions (infections, testicular
atrophy, varicocela…). It also might be
helpful to know that 50% of cases that
indicate sperm abnormalities cannot trace
the cause of the abnormalities.
Diagnostic procedures for confirming or
excluding female sterility are more
complicated and more difficult for the
female patient compared to examinations in
men. Diagnostic procedures in women
identify possible functional or organic
disorders that might cause sterility.
Functional disorders (such as a hormonal
imbalance) interrupt ovulation. Hormonal
analyses (FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone,
LH, testosterone…) and an ultrasound
scan will find investigate the health of
ovulation and could reveal the possible
reason for lack of ovulation. Other tests
like simple a vaginal examination, PAP,
microbiological smear, ultrasound, HSG,
laparoscopy and hysteroscopy look for
possible organic lesions of the inner
genitals: the vagina, uterus, tubes and
ovaries. Some types of lesions include:
infection, strictures, occlusions, tumors,
endometriosis… and can cause the
sterility. For 10% of female cases of
sterility no organic or functional
disorder can be found. This is so called
a"psychogenic sterility.
In the end, both you and your partner
SHOULD visit your gynecologist to talk
about the diagnostic procedures, follow up
and begin testing.
DISCLAIMER:
"Ask a Doctor" Questions are answered by Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov, General Practitioner. Dr. Gjuzelov practices medicine for the general public and is affiliated with the Republic of Macedonia Public Health Institution. For more information about Dr. Gjuzelov or other eHealthForum.com medical experts, please visit our About Us page. You may also visit our Fertility Forum, for moderated patient to patient support and information.
The material presented in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified licensed medical professional. eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor advises all users with health problems and concerns to consult their personal doctors. Furthermore, if you have any questions or concerns about your condition, you must consult your qualified licenseced medical professional before starting any treatment.
The materials in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. To the fullest extent possible, eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor expressly excludes all liability in respect of the information and opinions contained in the Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor, this Web site, or any sites linked to this Web site.
