It also includes being unable to conceive again after one or more pregnancies resulting in either a healthy child or miscarriage. In New Zealand, one in six couples experience infertility and will require some form of medical assistance to achieve a pregnancy.
What are the causes?
What investigations will be needed?
Blood tests
This will look at the hormone levels throughout the cycle and also determine whether ovulation occurred.
Semen analysis
This will provide information about the number of sperm present whether the sperm appears normal.
Laparoscopy and dye test
This examination requires a general anaesthetic and is usually performed when other pelvic pathology is suspected such as endometriosis. During the surgery, dye is injected through the cervix and uterus and the end of the tubes are inspected to see if the dye comes through.
Can infertility be treated?
Significant advances in treatments now result in successful pregnancies for more than half of infertile couples. Ovulation induction (helping women’s ovaries to produce an egg every month) with medication has an even greater chance of success. To achieve the best opportunity for evaluation and treatment, couples are encouraged to make an appointment with one of our specialists at Omnicare who has an interest and expertise in the area of infertility.
The evaluation and treatment of infertility requires a great commitment of time, energy, money and resources by all concerned. Our specialists will advise you if you need more specialized treatments like IVF and will refer you to the best clinic for your situation.