Patient's question:
What tests should women undergo for infertility?Doctor's answer:
What tests are needed for female infertility? Experts from Shanghai Changjiang Hospital for Infertility and Sterility explain that this is a common question among many women. Below is a brief introduction to some of the tests for female infertility:【Systematic examination, in addition to a general physical examination,】 should also include a reproductive system examination. In addition to general visual and tactile examinations, vaginal speculum examination and internal examination (bilateral or triple vaginal examination) are required to preliminarily understand the general condition of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvic cavity, such as the size and position of the uterus, whether there are masses, tenderness in the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries, whether the uterus has elevation tenderness, and the mobility of the adnexa.
【Determining ovulation and predicting the ovulation period】 can be assessed through basal body temperature measurement, cervical mucus examination, or hormone testing.
【Endometrial examination】 may be necessary to understand the functional state of the endometrium. Additionally, cervical examination is a reliable method for assessing ovulation or corpus luteum function. It can also provide information on the size of the uterine cavity and rule out uterine cavity lesions, such as tuberculosis or uterine fibroids.
【Endocrine function testing】 involves measuring serum estrogen and progesterone levels at different times during the menstrual cycle to evaluate ovarian function; determining the basal metabolic rate to assess thyroid function; and conducting adrenal function tests and serum prolactin measurements.
【Tubal patency examination】 includes tubal patency tests (such as tubal insufflation or tubal flushing) and hysterosalpingography. These tests primarily assess whether the fallopian tubes are open and whether the uterus and fallopian tubes are developing normally or if any abnormalities exist. For women with slightly impaired tubal patency (e.g., mild adhesions), these tests may also have a therapeutic effect.
【Chromosome examination】 may be necessary in some cases of infertility, as certain conditions are related to the presence of antisperm antibodies. Therefore, relevant immunological tests may also be required.