Fertility tests for women

Doctors arbitrarily diagnose infertility when a couple hasn't conceived a child after 12 months of unprotected and regular sex. Impaired fertility may be a better description, though, because according to experts in the UK, 84% of couples conceive within the first year and this rises to 92% in the second year.

An infertility diagnosis is concerning, because it can dramatically change the life you've always imagined for yourself. Above all, infertility is a call to take advantage of available fertility testing and treatments that can improve your chances of pregnancy. Fertility testing is something couples should do together, since male fertility problems contribute up to half the time.

The infertility interview

Experts recommend visiting a doctor for an infertility evaluation after six to 12 months of unprotected and regular sex without pregnancy. Earlier interventions are recommended for women who have had cancer and cancer treatments. Infertility testing is best done by your GP who may then refer you to a fertility specialist.

The first step is a detailed interview. A thorough infertility interview should involve both partners, and ask about:

• Your medical histories, including any chronic illnesses or surgeries, or immunisations
• Your use of prescription medication or any complementary therapies
• Your use of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs
• Your exposure to chemicals, toxins or radiation in the home or at work
• How often you have sex
• Your history of birth control use
• Any history of sexually transmitted diseases
• Any problems having sex either of you might have
• Whether either of you has had sex outside the relationship    

In addition, your weight and body mass index will be checked because if it is too high or too low, this will impair fertility. Your doctor may also recommend the woman to start increasing her intake of folic acid, if she hasn’t done so already.

A doctor will likely ask a woman questions about her gynaecological history:

• Have you been pregnant before and what was the outcome of those pregnancies?
• How often have you had periods over the last year?
• Have you had irregular and missed periods or had spotting between periods?
• Have you had any changes in blood flow or the appearance of large blood clots?
• What methods of birth control have you used?
• Have you seen a doctor before for fertility problems and undergone treatment for them?
• Have you had any irregular cervical smears in the past?