Procedures and treatment
- For a woman, testing begins with a medical history and physical exam, including a pelvic exam. The doctor then makes sure that she ovulates regularly and that her ovaries are releasing the eggs.
Blood tests are taken to measure hormone levels. The ovaries and uterus may be examined by ultrasound, and a specific X-ray test can check the uterus and fallopian tubes.
- In about 80% of couples, the cause of infertility is either an ovulation problem, blockage of the fallopian tubes, or a sperm problem. In 5%-15% of couples, all tests are normal, and the cause is not known.
Surgery, if the cause is a varicoele (widening of the veins in the scrotum) or a blockage in the vas deferens, tubes that carry sperm.
Antibiotics to treat infections in the reproductive organs.
Medications and counseling to treat problems with erections or ejaculation.
Hormone treatments if the problem is a low or high level of certain hormones..
Fertility drugs and hormones to help the woman ovulate or restore levels of hormones
Surgery to remove tissue that is blocking fertility (such as endometriosis) or to open blocked fallopian tubes
