Testing for female infertility can be in search for multiple signs of problems. We need to learn if the fallopian tubes are blocked, there are problems with egg development in the ovaries, if egg quality is diminishing, or if fibroids, polyps, or septums are hindering embryo implantation in the uterus. Below are a few different tests we can perform in-house or send to labs for further fertility testing and analysis.
Testing for male infertility generally focuses on analyzing sperm production. We also test and evaluate anatomical concerns as if there is a blockage limiting sperm production or dysfunctions with ejaculation. We’ve seen 40% of our male infertility cases come from sperm abnormalities. This leads to our typical test to focus on the quantity, quality, and motility of the man’s sperm. We also can test the man’s testosterone levels with a blood test. Low testosterone levels can lead to low sperm counts, which are a leading indicator of male infertility.
For men who have had a vasectomy or whose semen analysis results reveal no living sperm, a testicular sperm extraction procedure may be recommended. These extraction procedures are performed under anesthesia and include percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) and testicular epididymal sperm aspiration (TESA). With the assistance of a urologist, our doctors can often collect viable sperm directly from the testes to be used in IVF cycles. Quantities retrieved during these procedures are often insufficient for intrauterine insemination.