See a counselor when your are having fertility treatment Sperm Injection
Summary of the female reproductive system
Investigations
Work Up Of Infertile Couples.
Couples come to FFC for their infertility treatments. The couple is evaluated by taking their detailed history, and examination is done by the team of experts to establish the cause of infertility. Further investigations and workup is planned according to the cause of infertility
Semen Analysis
In most cases, sperm count and motility are the main factors considered for fertilisation. However, the process also requires morphologically normal sperms to form an embryo. Studies show that even an abnormally shaped sperm can fertilise an egg, but infertility often occurs when the number of abnormally shaped sperms is high. A higher number of abnormal sperms can also link to other semen irregularities, such as low sperm count or poor motility. In short, sperm morphology sometimes helps decide whether a couple should attempt pregnancy.
A normal-shaped sperm has an oval head and a long tail. Abnormal sperm may have head or tail defects — such as a large head or a crooked or double tail — which can affect their ability to reach and penetrate an egg.
Preliminary Testing – Semen Analysis (Cont)
The table below lists the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for normal semen analysis. Which may be helpful when your doctor discusses your results.
Treating Options For Infertile Couples
A semen sample can reveal a real picture of sperms and certain hormone tests can also be done (in case ,they are required). By considering the test results, problems with male infertility are identified and treated according to the underlying cause.
Key Factors in Assessing Female Fertility
On the other hand, a female history is also very helpful in order to know the following essential conditions which are required for pregnancy but may not be functioning correctly.
The right balance of hormones to allow egg and sperm development and support.
A mature female egg ( female oocyte or gamete) and whether ovulation regularly takes place.
The functioning reproductive tract ( uterus and Fallopian tubes) , which allows for the egg and sperm to meet and fertilise.
The ability of the female body to allow for implantation of an embryo and to maintain and nourish that embryo.
On the basis of the above finding female history, a specialist doctor may recommend certain Blood tests.
Hormonal Profile/ Ovulation Testing/ Hysterosalpinography
Doctors perform the following tests to evaluate the levels of hormones that promote ovulation and implantation of the egg.
FSH – Responsible for stimulation of egg growth.
Luteinizing hormone (LH) – Responsible for egg release from the follicles.
Estradiol (E2) – Responsible for the stimulation of follicles.
Progesterone – Responsible for stabilisation of the uterine lining for egg implantation and pregnancy.
AMH (Anti Mullarian Hormone test)
Hormonal Imbalances and Their Effects on Ovulation
The overproduction of certain hormones can adversely affect ovulation.
Androgen – In women, excess production can hinder growth of follicles and ovulation.
Prolactin – Higher levels than normal cause certain disorders.
Thyroid – An underactive thyroid can cause high levels of prolactin.
Hysterosalpingography
Hysterosalpingography is a radiologic procedure to help investigate the anatomical defects, of uterus , its cavity and patency of the fallopian tubes. A radio-opaque material is injected into the cervical canal to show the filling of the uterine cavity and the bilateral filling of the Fallopian tube. Afterwards series of x-rays are performed.
Transvaginal Ultrasound.
An ultrasound test uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal organs. Imaging tests identify abnormalities and help doctors diagnose conditions.
A transvaginal ultrasound, also called an endovaginal ultrasound, lets doctors examine female reproductive organs. This includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and vagina.
HysterosalpingographyLaparoscopy
In cases of infertility, once doctors complete a detailed evaluation of the couple, they often recommend laparoscopy as the gold standard diagnostic investigation for evaluating the female partner. Using diagnostic laparoscopy, the doctor directly visualizes the female pelvic organs.
This procedure helps the doctor examine the entire genital tract, including the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. During laparoscopy, the doctor checks tubal patency and can treat any ovarian pathology or cyst through operative laparoscopy. At the same time, the doctor can also perform adhesiolysis if needed. In cases of endometriosis before an IVF procedure, the doctor uses a laparoscope to clip the tubes.
How It Is Done?
It is a daycare procedure performed under general anesthesia. The total duration for diagnostic laparoscopy is 13 minutes. The patient must follow at least six hours of NPO before the procedure.
After laparoscopy, doctors keep the patient under observation for 3-4 hours. The medical team usually gives 1-2 doses of post-operative analgesia. The patient can leave the hospital on the same day.