Have you been experiencing issues with getting pregnant? It may be time to schedule an appointment with your OB/Gyn or ask for a referral to a fertility specialist. If you are unsure of what to expect during your fertility workup, continue reading:
What to Expect
When you visit your doctor, expect a lot of questions so they can get a better understanding of why you may be having trouble conceiving. Some topics that may be covered could include your pregnancy history, menstrual history, history of STDs, current sexual patterns, birth control history, medications, lifestyle, surgical history, and other significant health problems.
Physical Exam
During your physical exam, your doctor will be looking for physical indications of potential fertility problems. You can expect a thyroid exam to look for abnormalities in size. The doctor will look at your hair distribution/patterns on your face and body that could indicate an increase in male hormones, which could affect your fertility.
You will have a breast examination in which the doctor will examine the size and shape of your breasts. They will squeeze your breasts to see if any liquid comes out, which could indicate the presence of increased prolactin, a hormone that prevents ovulation. A pelvic examination may be done to inspect the cervix, looking for signs of sores, discharge, unusual growths, or infection. A pap smear is done to check for cervical cancer and cervical mucus will be examined for possible infections.
Other Possible Testing
Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors and there are many tests that help determine the causes. To determine whether or not you ovulate, when you will ovulate next, your ovarian function and ability to produce eggs, if you currently ovulated, and your uterus’s receptivity to pregnancy on the second half of your cycle, a series of tests can be done. The tests can be categorized as ovulation, ovarian function, luteal phase, cervical mucus, and reproductive organ testing.
NCCRM
The North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine/Talbert Fertility Institute is the premiere center for reproductive health in North Carolina and the East Coast. Our team specializes in fertility testing, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility conditions. We’re experts in IVF, Tubal Ligation Reversal, Male Infertility, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), Gestation Surrogacy, Family Balancing, and more. Contact us today.
