by Angela Diggs

Created on: March 21, 2009   Last Updated: March 22, 2009

A comprehensive medical history and physical exam will be performed. These are the first steps to diagnosing a fertility dilemma. Both individuals will need to be assessed. The couple will need blood tests, semen specimens from the man, and ultrasound exams for the woman.

During the first medical exam and history, the doctor will need data about the couple's sexual and medical past. They should be ready for the following questions.

What medications are you on?

Have you had any medical problems in the past?

When did you engage in intercourse?

Do you feel depressed or anxious about being unable to conceive?

These are some of the questions that your doctor will ask them.

For the women the doctor will need to know when her periods start, how often they occur and the duration of them.

For the men they will be asked whether or not they have problems during intercourse or ejaculation.

If a woman has problems with her fertility she will be given to a doctor who works in the field reproductive endocrinology. Her diagnostic test may encompass blood tests and urine tests to check hormone levels and UH surges, a pap smear to study the condition of the cervix, a basal body temperature test, endometrial biopsy, and an ultrasound to look for fibroids and cysts in the ovaries, a postcoital test to check the mucous of a woman's vagina, laproscropy and hysterosalpingogram. This test in particular may show other fertility problems such as fibroid tumors, structural abnormalities and endometrial polyps.

The tests for male infertility are pretty basic. After a medical history and examination, the man's sperm are checked. The man may be asked to ejaculate into a cup in a private place in the doctor's office or residence, and this specimen will be observed. The man should no release for several days before he takes the test, because each ejaculation may lower the sperm count.

When it comes to a man, medical professionals will check the following: They will check sperm count, shape and maturity of shape of sperm, number of sperm produced, and acidity.

Infertility is a growing problem with both men and women across the globe. The earlier it is checked, the better it will be for both parties. These tests will confirm whether the problem is serious or minor. It is recommended that men and women go in for regular testing to make sure their reproductive organs are in the best condition. Giving life is one of the most precious gifts in the world. Take care of the organs that help bring that blessing to fruition.

Learn more about this author, Angela Diggs.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.