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.
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