Fertility Testing, Infertility Diagnosis, and Causes of Infertility
By Rachel Gurevich, About.com Guide to Fertility
Maybe you've been trying to get pregnant for awhile, and are starting to wonder if something is wrong. Knowing when and who to ask for help is essential. Or, maybe you already know something is amiss and have begun fertility testing. Wherever you are on your journey, you'll find answers to your questions here, from what to expect during fertility testing, to understanding the causes of infertility.
Fertility 101
The more you understand about the basics of fertility and getting pregnant, the easier it is to see how and where things go wrong. Also, some fertility tests and treatments require you to understand how your cycle works (or doesn't). Read about reproduction and the basics of getting pregnant here.
- How the Female Reproductive System Really Works
- What is Infertility?
- Why Can't I Get Pregnant if I'm Healthy?
- How Long Does It Take to Get Pregnant?
- Timing Sex for Pregnancy
- How to Detect Ovulation
- Step-by-Step Guide to Charting Your Body Basal Temperature
- Getting Pregnant With Irregular Periods
- How Often Should You Have Sex?
All About Fertility Tests
Starting the testing phase of your journey can bring a mixture of hope and anxiety. You may be worried about the tests themselves, but hopeful about discovering some answers. Learn more about fertility tests, including what to expect and how to understand the results.
- Laparoscopy for Infertility Diagnosis
- What to Expect During Semen Analysis
- What are Ovulation Predictor Kit Tests?
Infertility Risk Factors
Our bodies are complex. When something goes wrong with one system of the body, it can affect other systems, including reproduction and fertility. Get information regarding the role your general health, weight, and various diseases play when it comes to getting pregnant.
- Can Caffeine Decrease Your Chances of Conceiving?
- Can Too Much Exercise Cause Infertility?
- Can Stress Keep You From Getting Pregnant?
- Could Just Being Overweight Make Getting Pregnant More Difficult?
- Diagnosis of Thyroid Related Infertility
- Questions on Infertility After Lymphoma Treatment
Causes of Infertility
Understanding what's going wrong is the first step towards finding an appropriate treatment. Sometimes one cause is discovered; sometimes several problems are present, and, unfortunately, sometimes a cause cannot be found (usually referred to as "unexplained infertility"). Read up on the many possible causes of infertility.
- Anovulation: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
- Blocked Fallopian Tubes: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
- Endometriosis: Diagnosis and Treatment
- Endometriosis Symptoms
- Male Infertility: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
- What are Poor Ovarian Reserves?
- What is Hostile Cervical Mucus?
Male Infertility
We often think of the woman when thinking of infertility. However, infertility affects men just as much as women. One-third of infertile couples trace the root of the problem to just the man, and another third trace the problem to both the woman and the man. You'll find specific information on male infertility here.
- Male Infertility: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
- What to Expect During Semen Analysis
- Do You Need a Semen Analysis?
- Does Age Affect Male Fertility?
- ICSI with IVF: Why and How ICSI is Done
- What is Azoospermia?
- What is Oligospermia?
- What is Sperm Morphology?
Fertility and Age
Age matters when it comes to fertility. Age can be a cause of infertility, and fertility treatments become less successful as a couple ages. When does age become a problem? Find out more regarding the connection between age and fertility.
- Does Age Affect Male Fertility?
- Getting Pregnant After 35
- Am I Too Young for Infertility?
- How Does Egg Freezing and Vitrification Work?
Finding Help
How do you know if you should seek help getting pregnant or keep trying on your own? And who do you go to for help? Discover the answers to these questions, as well as information on the symptoms of infertility, how diagnosis is made, and tips on finding a fertility doctor or clinic.
