What is sub-fertility?
It is the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse (WHO – ICMART). Sub-fertility is not a disease.
Causes of subfertility
Male Factor
- Low sperm count
- Abnormal Sperms
- Low or no motile sperms
- No sperms in semen
- Erectile dysfunction
There are many functional and diagnostic tests to explain the various causes of subfertility.
Diagnosing Male Factor subfertility
- Traditionally the diagnosis of male infertility relies upon microscopic assessment and biochemical assay to determine human sperm quality
- Most important parameters given are the concentration, motility and morphology of sperm in the ejaculate
Diagnosing Female Factor subfertility
- Simplest test for the female partner is a transvaginal scan on her 12th day of her menstrual cycle. This is a technique used to view the pelvis and any other pathology
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HSG to assess the internal shape of the uterus and fallopian tube blockages. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is a procedure that uses an X-ray to look at your fallopian tubes and uterus. It usually takes less than 5 minutes and you can go home on the same day
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A laparoscopy test is done to assess the abdominal, pelvis and the fallopian tubes. The dye test will show whether the fallopian tubes are blocked. It will help in finding out endometriosis, pelvic infection, adhesions, ovarian cysts or fibroids
