In addition to stopping the use of contraceptive methods, couples trying to get pregnant should be aware that the normal timeframe to conceive is about one year or 12 cycles on average. Only after this period should you start to worry about infertility and begin the series of tests for getting pregnant.
Tests Clarify the Reasons for Difficulty in Getting Pregnant
The best way to diagnose possible infertility is through tests. The variety of exams is endless and vast. Most are blood tests, but there are also some imaging tests such as ultrasound, hysterosalpingography, and others like the post-coital mucus test, as well as for men, the semen analysis. The couple should perform these tests to identify the reason behind the delay in getting pregnant. The usual waiting period is one year; if pregnancy does not occur within this time frame, it's time for the future parents to see a doctor.
When a couple decides it's time to grow the family...
Continue Reading
Tests for getting pregnant are a way to detect fertility problems present in both men and women. The evaluation should begin by choosing a good doctor, who will start by ordering simple tests such as hormonal exams for men and women, a gynecological ultrasound for the woman, and a semen analysis for the man.
For women, the panel of tests for getting pregnant is greater than for men. In addition to blood tests and transvaginal ultrasound, it may include procedures such as:
Hysterosalpingography: An X-ray exam performed with the help of contrast to verify the condition of the fallopian tubes and the uterus itself. If an unfavorable diagnosis is found, such as tubal obstruction or adhesions of the tubes, the doctor will recommend the most appropriate procedure, which is usually surgical and laparoscopic.
Pap Smear: This cytological test is one of the main ways to detect whether a woman has any type of uterine infection. Vaginal secretions are collected and analyzed to check for abnormal overgrowth of fungi and bacteria in the vaginal flora. If there is a problem, the doctor will prescribe vaginal creams and oral medications to resolve it.
Transvaginal Ultrasound: The transvaginal ultrasound can detect any problems related to the ovaries and uterine cavity. If the woman has issues with polycystic ovaries, this exam can provide the diagnosis.
Hysterosonography: This is a specific exam to assess the uterine cavity. It allows detecting the presence of fibroids, endometriosis, or uterine polyps that may make pregnancy more difficult.
Besides these most important tests, those to detect hormonal instability are fundamental. The blood test must be done fasting, and the investigation should start with progesterone, estrogen, LH, FSH, GnRH, prolactin, and total and free T3 and T4. To complement these tests, it is also necessary for the man to check androgen hormone levels such as testosterone. If any of these tests show changes, the doctor will indicate the ideal treatment, which is, in most cases, hormone replacement therapy for men and women.
Women over 38 should, in addition to these tests, do a specific one that evaluates the quality and quantity of the egg reserve. The anti-Müllerian test is optional, and not all doctors order it, both due to the cost and the physical need of the couple. Still, any test that can help with fertility is welcome.
Tests for getting pregnant also include detection tests, such as those that determine the level of antibodies for some diseases that are particularly dangerous for pregnant women.
Rubella: The IgG level should be high, as this indicates the woman is immune to this disease, which can cause fetal malformation if contracted during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Hepatitis A, B, and C: Important for carrying out preventive treatment against transmitting the disease to the baby.
Toxoplasmosis: Just as devastating as rubella for the baby's formation, it is necessary to know if there is immunity to this disease. If the woman has not contracted it, IgG will be low and she should be extremely careful and avoid contact with cat feces.
HIV: Important for checking if the woman is HIV positive. During pregnancy, preventive treatment must be done to prevent transmission to the fetus. Special care is needed in these cases, highlighting the need for the test.
Cytomegalovirus: Indicates the presence of an infectious disease that can cause anything from infertility to fetal malformations.
Additionally, stool and urine tests are necessary to detect any rectal or bladder infections. It is also advisable for the couple to have blood sugar tests, as glucose levels can directly affect fertility. A complete blood count is essential for the couple, as it checks platelet counts and other blood components to ensure the couple's health as they undertake tests for getting pregnant.
So one fine day, the desire to have a baby to call your own appears, you stop taking birth control or whatever contraceptive method you’re using and that’s it, we think the positive result will appear the following... Continue ReadingSo one fine day, the desire to have a baby... Continue Reading
When a couple decides that the time has come to grow the family and have a baby, fulfilling those plans is not always so quick. Some couples can take months or even years to get the long-awaited positive... Continue ReadingWhen a couple decides that the time has... Continue Reading
When a woman decides that the time has come to get pregnant, the gynecologist will request a series of tests for evaluation, which will determine whether it is possible to become pregnant naturally or... Continue ReadingWhen a woman decides that the time has come... Continue Reading
Many women still have difficulty getting pregnant nowadays. What many don't know is that some simple exams like FSH and ultrasound can turn those attempts into real possibilities. Ultrasound... Continue Reading Many women still have difficulty... Continue Reading
Diseases that in some way affect our metabolism are not uncommon. And one of the biggest, if not the biggest, examples is the well-known diabetes. The disease is divided into a few types, with type... Continue ReadingDiseases that in some way affect our metabolism... Continue Reading
It is natural for every woman to dream of having children and building her family, and it is even more common for female infertility to occur. Studies show that infertility affects about 15% of... Continue ReadingIt is natural for every woman to dream of... Continue Reading
A woman's life is truly not easy – there are so many responsibilities and precautions we must take, so many steps to ensure our well-being. But it's all worth it for the sake of our health and our... Continue ReadingA woman's life is truly not easy –... Continue Reading
Do you want to get pregnant? How do you plan to have a pregnancy in your life? Did you know that an expected pregnancy can be much calmer? That's right, couples who plan their pregnancy in several aspects... Continue ReadingDo you want to get pregnant? How do you... Continue Reading
Genetic and hereditary diseases are types of illnesses that for a long time were a nightmare, as it was practically impossible to prevent them from appearing. Fortunately, a lot has changed today thanks... Continue ReadingGenetic and hereditary diseases are types... Continue Reading
Some women are caught off guard and when they find out they're pregnant, it's a real shock; either the contraceptive failed, they forgot to take it for a few days, or used it incorrectly. Of course, after... Continue ReadingSome women are caught off guard and when... Continue Reading
For those who are entering the world of trying to conceive, or for those beginning to get to know their own body, knowing when to start ovulation testing is essential! That’s why I created a fertility chart... Continue ReadingFor those who are entering the world of... Continue Reading
When a woman is trying to get pregnant, it’s very common to come across various methods, techniques, and ways to be more certain about how to make it happen. There are so many tips and pieces of advice out... Continue ReadingWhen a woman is trying to get pregnant,... Continue Reading
Many times we don’t give enough importance to important elements of our health, like tests, for example. Keeping them up to date also means making sure that everything is all right with your body, or at... Continue ReadingMany times we don’t give enough importance to... Continue Reading
Ultrasound is important at any stage of a woman's life, but it becomes even more so for those who wish to get pregnant. To check if everything is in order within the reproductive system, there are several... Continue ReadingUltrasound is important at any stage of... Continue Reading
When it comes to the thyroid, everything gets confusing and complicated. Who hasn't heard about thyroid imbalance, which causes discomforts like swelling, difficulty losing weight, and even sweating?... Continue ReadingWhen it comes to the thyroid, everything... Continue Reading
A Pap smear is a very important test for all women. It allows for the detection of any bacteria or changes in the vaginal flora, making it possible to treat various diseases that could become harmful... Continue ReadingA Pap smear is a very important test for... Continue Reading
The uterus1 is a fundamental part for women of childbearing age. It will be the main place that supports the baby and shelters it from fertilization until birth. However, there are some cases that put... Continue ReadingThe uterus1 is a fundamental part for women... Continue Reading
And what woman who has been trying to get pregnant for years hasn’t asked herself this question? How do I know if I can get pregnant? It’s a rather complicated question to answer since you only get a real and... Continue ReadingAnd what woman who has been trying to get... Continue Reading
When a couple decides it's time to grow the family and, after months and months of trying, isn't successful, the first thing that comes to mind is that the woman may not be able to have children and needs... Continue ReadingWhen a couple decides it's time to grow... Continue Reading
During the many years I was trying to conceive, not once did any doctor recommend the post-coital test. I think nowadays this test has been talked about more. Still, not as much as it should be. The post-coital... Continue ReadingDuring the many years I was trying to conceive,... Continue Reading
Famivita reader Jann, now expecting a little princess, shares how she managed to get pregnant after a hysterosalpingography1. Find out how she discovered the pregnancy shortly after having the exam! If... Continue ReadingFamivita reader Jann, now expecting a little... Continue Reading
When we talk about scheduled intercourse, you might think it’s about having sex at the exact right time, right? But that’s not quite it! Behind the scheduled intercourse procedure, there’s an entire process to really make... Continue ReadingWhen we talk about scheduled intercourse,... Continue Reading