If you and your partner are struggling to have a baby, know that you’re not alone. As fertility screenings in Singapore are becoming more common, both you and your partner can take this opportunity to understand your fertility wellness. You see, undergoing fertility tests will help you and your partner to identify areas that may affect the chances of natural conception. This may allow you both some ample time to plan for other alternatives.
Infertility
Infertility is a common problem plaguing a number of couples today. It’s when a couple fails to conceive after a year of unprotected sex and various pregnancy attempts.
About a third of infertility cases are due to female reproductive problems while another third is due to male reproductive problems. The remaining third may be due to reproductive problems in both you and your partner or an unknown cause. Common causes of infertility include lifestyle habits, medical history, hormonal imbalance, genetics and physical complications. While these causes may seem incurable, they’re in fact curable if given the right treatment. Ahead, we’re sharing the procedures involved in various fertility treatments in Singapore.
Fertility assessment for men
Finding the cause of your infertility can be challenging but it’s worth a shot if you want to have children. Depending on your doctor, they may order a number of tests such as semen analysis, physical examination, hormone evaluation, genetic testing, etc.
Semen analysis
To analyse the health and viability of your sperm, your doctor may evaluate your sperm count, their shape, movement and other characteristics that are crucial for fertilisation. If your first analysis is normal, your doctor may order a second test to confirm the results. Otherwise, your doctor may order more tests to find out the cause of the problem. This procedure involves providing your semen sample to the doctor. It can be done while in the doctor’s office or at home. The most common way to collect a sample is through masturbation and ejaculation into a sterile cup.
Hormone evaluation
The levels of your testosterone along with other hormones control the making of sperm. However, your hormones aren’t always the main cause of infertility. More research is needed to find out the hormonal causes of infertility.
Fertility assessment for women
For most women, knowing your fertility wellness will come in handy when you’re planning to have a family with your partner. If you have fertility problems, going for a fertility test or infertility management will give you ample time to undergo treatment and restore your fertility wellness. Depending on your condition, the doctor may order a number of tests such as pelvic ultrasounds, cervical mucus test, hormone evaluation, etc.
Pelvic ultrasounds
This test is to check for pelvic inflammatory disease or uterine fibroids. It also works to examine the size and shape of the uterus, ovaries and lining of the uterus for endometriosis, which is a common cause of fertility problems among women.
The test involves the use of a device known as a transducer which transmits sound waves. Your doctor may conduct this test in two ways – transabdominal and transvaginal. For transabdominal, the doctor will put some gel on the device and run it over your belly. While for transvaginal, the device will be covered in gel and plastic or latex covering, then inserted into your vagina. Depending on your preferences, there are various other tests to check your fertility wellness. Besides, the procedures may vary based on your health condition and medical history. Make sure you consult a doctor before deciding on any fertility tests.
Importance of fertility tests
If you’re in a serious relationship with your partner and can envision a life together, going for a fertility test is just a matter of time. Just make sure that you both discuss this matter together to avoid misunderstandings.
Going for fertility and reproductive screening as a single person will also allow you to understand your overall health and well-being. Besides, it’s never too early or too late to go for a fertility test at The O&G Specialist Clinic.
Additionally, if you’re considering to be a donor or freeze your embryos for future use, going for a fertility test will provide you with more information about your fertility wellness.
Bear in mind that fertility tests are often carried by gynaecologists or doctors of any fertility clinic. If you’d like a doctor to guide you throughout your pregnancy attempts, consulting a specialist is advisable. When it comes to planning for a family, both you and your partner must work together to achieve a successful pregnancy. By going for early fertility assessments, you can avoid any future complications and look for alternative conception methods.
