Tests for men: Male fertility requires that the testicles produce enough healthy sperm, and that the sperm is ejaculated effectively into the vagina and travels to the egg. Tests for male infertility attempt to determine whether any of these processes are impaired. You may have a general physical exam, including examination of your genitals. Specific fertility tests may include: Semen analysis. ...

What is cervical insufficiency? An "insufficient" cervix is a weakened cervix that predisposes a woman to mid-term miscarriage or early (premature) delivery. This has also been called cervical incompetence. The Cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) located between the bladder and the rectum. The cervix forms a canal that opens into the vagina, which leads to the outside of the bod ...

Male Infertility: Causes, Treatment and Prevention Infertility affects approximately 1 out of every 6 couples. An infertility diagnosis is given to a couple who are unable to conceive over the course of one year. When the problem lies with the male partner it is referred to as male infertility. Male infertility factors contribute to approximately 30% of all infertility cases, and male infertility ...

Risk factors Certain factors may put you at higher risk of infertility, including: Age. The quality and quantity of a woman's eggs begin to decline with age. In the mid-30s, the rate of follicle loss speeds, resulting in fewer and poorer quality eggs. This makes conception more difficult, and increases the risk of miscarriage. Smoking. Besides damaging your cervix and fallopian tubes, smoking inc ...

Problems in the uterus or fallopian tubes can prevent the egg from traveling from the ovary to the uterus, or womb. If the egg does not travel, it can be harder to conceive naturally. Causes include: Surgery: Pelvic surgery can sometimes cause scarring or damage to the fallopian tubes. Cervical surgery can sometimes cause scarring or shortening of the cervix. The cervix is the neck of the uteru ...

Unexplained fertility problems: Your doctor may diagnose an unexplained fertility problem if there's no obvious reason for your infertility (meaning all test results are normal). Some experts believe subtle differences in the way the reproductive system works may cause this type of infertility. This can include differences in follicle development, sperm function, or the fertilization process. Ex ...

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) In vitro fertilization (IVF) is utilized in more difficult infertility cases involving severe endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, or problems that cannot be corrected with other treatments. It is also the best treatment if both fallopian tubes are blocked. The IVF process is complex and consists of several steps, including: ovulation induction, egg retrieval, fertilizati ...

ASSISTED CONCEPTIONS: The following methods are currently available for assisted conception. Intrauterine insemination (IUI): At the time of ovulation, a fine catheter is inserted through the cervix into the uterus to place a sperm sample directly into the uterus. The sperm is washed in a fluid and the best specimens are selected. The woman may be given a low dose of ovary stimulating hormones. ...