When you’re trying to conceive and it’s taking longer than expected, fertility investigations help uncover the reason — and guide you toward the right treatment. The goal is always the same: to find the simplest, most effective option for your situation.
Basic Fertility Workup
Every evaluation starts with a few key steps, usually involving both partners:
- Medical history and physical exam – A detailed look at your health, menstrual patterns, lifestyle, and any known issues.
- Hormone tests (for women) – Blood tests check levels of key reproductive hormones like FSH, LH, AMH, and thyroid function.
- Semen analysis (for men) – Assesses sperm count, movement, and shape to understand male fertility potential.
- Tubal patency testing – Checks if the fallopian tubes are open, so the egg and sperm can meet.
- Ultrasound scan – Evaluates the ovaries and uterus for any structural concerns like cysts, fibroids, or thin uterine lining.
Common Tests and Procedures, Explained
Tubal Patency Test (HSG or Saline Sono)
What it is:
A special dye or saline solution is gently introduced into the uterus, and X-ray or ultrasound is used to check if the fallopian tubes are open.
Why it matters:
The egg and sperm meet in the fallopian tube. If the tubes are blocked, natural conception may not be possible, and treatments like IVF may be recommended.
What it feels like:
Some women feel mild to moderate cramping, like period pain, for a few minutes. It’s a quick outpatient test — you can go home the same day.
Semen Analysis
What it is:
A lab test that looks at sperm count, how well the sperm move (motility), and whether they have a normal shape (morphology).
Why it matters:
It helps identify whether male factors are contributing to infertility. Treatments range from lifestyle changes to IUI or more advanced options like ICSI.
How to prepare:
2–5 days of sexual abstinence is usually recommended. The sample is collected at the lab or as your doctor advises.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
What it is:
A single healthy sperm is injected directly into an egg in the lab using a microscopic needle — part of the IVF process.
Why it matters:
ICSI helps overcome problems like very low sperm count, poor sperm movement, or fertilization issues in past IVF attempts.
When it’s used:
Often recommended when semen analysis shows significant abnormalities or in cases of unexplained infertility.
Ovum Pick-Up (OPU)
What it is:
Also known as egg retrieval. After a few days of hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries, eggs are collected using a thin needle guided by ultrasound.
What to expect:
The procedure is done under light sedation and usually takes 15–30 minutes. Mild bloating or spotting is common. Most people go home the same day and rest.
Embryo Transfer (ET)
What it is:
One or more embryos are placed gently into the uterus through a thin, flexible tube.
What to expect:
The procedure is usually painless and doesn’t require anesthesia. You can resume normal activities the next day unless your doctor advises rest.
