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) should be performed 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 there is elevation tenderness in the uterus, and the mobility of the adnexa. 【Determining ovulation and predicting the ovulation period】 can be judged through basal body temperature measurement, cervical mucus examination, or hormone determination. 【Endometrial examination】 If necessary, a biopsy should be performed to understand the functional state of the endometrium. Additionally, cervical examination is a reliable method for determining ovulation or corpus luteum function, and it can also help assess the size of the uterine cavity and rule out uterine cavity lesions, such as tuberculosis or uterine fibroids. 【Endocrine function testing】 If serum estrogen and progesterone levels are measured at different times during the menstrual cycle, ovarian function can be assessed; basal metabolic rate can be measured to evaluate thyroid function; adrenal function tests and serum prolactin determination can also be performed. 【Tubal patency examination】 Includes tubal patency tests (such as tubal perfusion or tubal irrigation) and hysterosalpingography, primarily to assess whether the fallopian tubes are patent and whether the development of the uterus and fallopian tubes is normal or if there are any abnormalities. It also has a therapeutic effect on mildly obstructed fallopian tubes (e.g., mild adhesions). 【Chromosome examination】 Some infertility cases are related to the presence of antisperm antibodies in the body, so related immunological tests may sometimes be required.