The birth of a healthy child is the result of a conscious and correct approach of the spouses to conception. When planning pregnancy, examination is necessary not only for the future mother, but also for the man, since the male factor of infertility is detected in about 40-50% of cases of difficulties with conception. Diagnosis allows you to determine possible disorders of spermatogenesis, hormonal failures and genetic factors affecting reproductive health. A urologist or andrologist will tell you what examinations you need to undergo.
Initial examinations before conception
When a couple decides to become parents, each spouse should undergo basic medical examinations. This will help to exclude congenital and acquired diseases that can affect conception and carrying a child.
Mandatory examinations for men:
- General and biochemical blood tests – reveals inflammatory processes and disorders in the work of internal organs;
- General urinalysis – helps to detect infections and assess the condition of the kidneys;
- Determination of blood group and Rh factor – important for assessing compatibility with a partner;
- Tests for infections (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C) – exclude diseases that threaten conception and fetal health;
- PCR examination of urethral discharge – determines the presence of hidden urogenital infections;
- Hormonal tests – allows you to assess the level of testosterone and other hormones that affect fertility;
- Examination of prostate secretion – reveals inflammation in the genitourinary system.
Examinations in case of difficulties with conception
If during 6-12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse no pregnancy occurs, a man should undergo a more in-depth examination under the supervision of a urologist or andrologist.
Comprehensive diagnostics of fertility includes:
- Spermogram – analysis of the number, motility and morphology of spermatozoa;
- Morphologic study according to Krueger criteria – a detailed assessment of the shape and structure of spermatozoa;
- MAR-test – determines the presence of antibodies to spermatozoa, affecting their motility;
- ROS test – assesses the level of oxidative stress and the degree of sperm damage;
- HBA test – shows the maturity of sperm and their ability to attach to the egg;
- DNA fragmentation test – determines the percentage of sperm with damaged DNA (high values reduce the chances of conception);
- FISH analysis – identifies possible genetic abnormalities in sperm.
Where to undergo diagnostics?
All of the above tests and studies can be carried out in the clinic “Natuvitro”. Here are performed both standard and in-depth laboratory tests, including hormonal profile and evaluation of spermatozoa. Specialized urologists will help to correctly interpret the results and, if necessary, prescribe treatment or additional examinations.
Reproductive technologies for fertility disorders
If the diagnosis reveals problems that prevent natural conception, the couple is recommended to contact a reproductologist of the clinic “Natuvitro”. The doctor will conduct a comprehensive examination of both partners and suggest optimal treatment methods.
Possible reproductive solutions:
- IVF (in vitro fertilization);
- IVF using donor eggs;
- IVF with double donation (egg and sperm);
- IVF with donor sperm.
Additional technologies to improve the efficiency of IVF
Modern assisted techniques used in conjunction with IVF significantly increase the likelihood of successful conception:
- IMCI – selection of the most morphologically suitable sperm;
- PICSI – selection of mature spermatozoa with maximum fertility;
- Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD/PGT) – allows to exclude chromosomal abnormalities in embryos before transfer into the uterus.
A comprehensive approach to examination and treatment helps to overcome fertility problems and helps to realize the dream of giving birth to a healthy child.
