(504) 454-2165
Infertility may be the result of many different conditions, all ending up in that same frustrating situation: no pregnancy. To get a better understanding of your individual condition, some initial testing may be required. Your doctor at the Fertility Institute will outline which tests are needed to diagnose the cause or causes of infertility and will discuss each treatment options with you.
Routine testing will be recommended to evaluate the most important aspects of fertility: eggs, sperm, structures such as fallopian tubes and the uterus, as well as hormone levels on one or both partners. The results of these tests will assist your doctor in formulating the type of procedure that will provide you with the optimal chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.
For the female, depending on what day of the menstrual cycle you are on, your doctor may recommend a transvaginal ultrasound at the first visit. This ultrasound will assist in the evaluation of your uterus (to check the structure as well as any abnormalities such as fibroids or polyps), and your ovaries (to check for ovarian cysts and resting follicles). If an abnormality has been noted either on ultrasound or in your history, a bimanual exam (where the specialist inserts two fingers into the vagina and uses the other hand on the abdomen to feel the internal pelvic organs) may also be performed.
If an examination of the male genitalia is required, this will not be performed on the day of the first visit as it will require a referral to a Urologist who specializes in male infertility.
There may be several tests but they are all-important and designed to look at these key factors in successful conception:
- the right hormone balance
- information about the functioning of ovaries and fallopian tubes
- sperm quality and quantity
By evaluating the ovulation cycles, the condition of the fallopian tubes and the sperm count, your doctors will then be able to determine possible treatment plans. Your fertility care team at the Fertility Institute will be able to tell you exactly what tests are involved in your case.
Your Choice of Treatment Options
After testing and diagnosis, you will have a variety of treatments to choose from depending on your results and particular situation. You will learn about a variety of factors for each treatment option, including cost, duration, possible side effects, chance of conception success and available support or counseling
Asking questions
While at the clinic, ask as many questions as you like. It may be helpful to request literature about each of the options discussed so you can review them later. Remember, everyone at the Fertility Institute is there to help you, so take advantage of their knowledge, experience, and expertise – you’re not in this alone.
Many people are shy about asking questions, but you shouldn’t be. Your doctors want to make sure you understand your diagnosis and treatment options. And if you don’t understand the answers, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor to repeat them. It is helpful to make a list of questions to ask your doctor and please don’t hesitate to ask your doctor to repeat information if you need clarification.
Schedule an Appointment
At The Fertility Institute, our doctors understand that infertility is an emotionally trying experience. We are here to guide patients through the journey of fertility treatment, meeting both their physical and emotional needs along the way. The Fertility Assessment is the first step of fertility treatment. If you have questions about fertility treatment or would like to learn more about our treatment methods, call The Fertility Institute today at (504) 454-2165 to make an appointment for a medical evaluation by a reproductive endocrinologist at our offices in Baton Rouge, Metairie, Mandeville or New Orleans.
