Diagnostic fertility workup

Diagnostic fertility workup

You and/or your partner have had a desire to have children for some time. In consultation with your (family) physician, you have decided to make an appointment at Wetering Medical Centre.

This is where the exploratory fertility test, an examination of fertility, will take place.

What is needed to get pregnant?

To become pregnant, a woman’s egg must be fertilised by a man’s sperm. For this, several factors are important:

• Ovulation: An ovulation must occur where an egg is released from an ovary.
• Sperm quality: The sperm must contain enough sperm cells, which move well and have a healthy shape.
• Good passage: The sperm must be able to swim through the uterus and fallopian tubes via the vagina to reach the egg. The fallopian tubes should be open and permeable.

Why am I not pregnant yet?

It can sometimes take more than a year for a pregnancy to occur. This can have several causes, such as:

• Irregular or absent ovulation.
• Poorer quality sperm.
• Problems between the sperm and the endometrium.
• Fallopian tubes that do not pass well.
• Problems during intercourse.
• Age: from the age of 30, a woman’s fertility gradually declines.

When should I seek help?

In some situations, your GP may refer you to a gynaecologist, for example:

• If you are 38 years or older and still not pregnant after a year.
• If there is doubt about whether or not you have ovulation, for example if you have not had your period for six months.
• If there are suspicions that your fallopian tubes are not opening properly, the gynaecologist may investigate this.

Sometimes no clear cause is found, even after examination by the gynaecologist. This is common and can be frustrating, but in many cases there is still a chance to get pregnant.

Healthy pregnancy

A healthy lifestyle can positively affect your fertility. Here are some important tips for both women and men:

• Don’t smoke: Smoking reduces fertility in both men and women.
• Watch your weight: Both overweight and underweight can reduce the chances of pregnancy.
• Use folic acid: Start taking folic acid even before pregnancy to support the baby’s development.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can reduce fertility in both men and women.
• Avoid harmful influences: Heavy physical work, stress, exposure to hazardous substances, shift work, noise and radiation can affect fertility and pregnancy.

Exploratory fertility testing at Medisch Centrum Wetering

At Medisch Centrum Wetering in Amsterdam, we are happy to help you explore your fertility. During an exploratory fertility examination, we carefully look at the factors that play a role in your desire to have children. Our team of experienced gynaecologists offers expert guidance and support during this process.

Do you have a desire to have children and want to know more about your fertility? Contact Medisch Centrum Wetering and make an appointment for an exploratory fertility test. We are ready to explore with you the path to a desired pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diagnostic Fertility Workup

When is it considered a fertility problem?

If you have been trying to conceive for over a year without success, this may indicate reduced fertility. For women aged 38 and older, it is often advised to seek medical advice earlier.

What does an initial fertility assessment involve?

An initial fertility assessment is a first step in evaluating the fertility of you and your partner. It may include reviewing ovulation, the uterus and fallopian tubes, and sperm quality. Based on the findings, the gynaecologist will discuss possible next steps with you.

What are common reasons for difficulty getting pregnant?

Common causes include irregular or absent ovulation, reduced sperm quality, blocked or partially blocked fallopian tubes, sexual difficulties, or increasing age. In some cases, no clear cause is found.

When should I consult a gynaecologist?

You may be referred to a gynaecologist if pregnancy has not occurred after one year of trying, if your menstrual cycle is irregular or absent, or if there are concerns about the fallopian tubes or sperm quality.

Can I improve my fertility myself?

Yes. A healthy lifestyle can positively affect fertility. Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking folic acid before pregnancy are important steps for both women and men.

What if no cause is found?

It is quite common that no clear cause for infertility is identified. Although this can be frustrating, many couples still have a good chance of achieving pregnancy, sometimes with or without additional treatment.