Female infertility assessment

An infertility evaluation for women includes examinations and tests to try to find the reason for infertility. If a cause is found, treatment can be possible. Dr Tshikosi recommends that females get an infertility evaluation if they have not gotten pregnant after one year of having frequent sexual intercourse without using birth control. Women older than 35 should get evaluated after six months of trying. If you are older than 40, talk to Dr Tshikosi as soon as possible about an evaluation.

The causes of female infertility

• Ovulation problems
• Older age
• Endometriosis
• High BMI
• Abnormal cervical mucus
• Uterine abnormalities
• Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes

Recurrent pregnancy loss/miscarriages

Dr Tshikosi is qualified to treat patients with recurrent miscarriages. Women will be investigated thoroughly, looking at possible causes of recurrent pregnancy losses and appropriate treatment and advice will be offered.

Types of fertility tests for women

Dr Tshikosi offers the following fertility tests:

Physical examination

Dr Tshikosi starts with a physical examination, which may reveal abnormal findings that point to the cause of infertility. Dr Tshikosi will also ask you questions about your medical and gynaecological health, such as the regularity of your periods, past pregnancies and any medications you may be taking.

Uterus Assessment

A basic infertility examination will always include an assessment of the uterus to check for abnormalities. Uterine fibroids can affect fertility when they are located in the uterine cavity or when they are very large and distort the shape of the uterine cavity. Other infertility issues caused by the uterus issues are benign glandular tumours (polyps) and scarring inside the uterus. The uterus is made of soft tissue so it cannot be seen on a normal X-ray. Specialised imaging tests are used to view the uterus properly.

Tubal Assessment

In order to analyse the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes and uterine, Dr Tshikosi injects a dye substance into the uterus. On the X-ray, the path of the dye through the uterus and fallopian tubes provides a visual assessment of uterine shape. It also shows the presence of abnormalities and whether the fallopian tubes are open.

Gynaecological Ultrasound

A gynaecological ultrasound is a probe that transmits sound waves. It is placed inside the vagina to allow visualisation of the organs in and around the pelvic area. This allows Dr Tshikosi to see the wall and lining of the uterus. Ultrasound scans can provide important information on the ovaries, endometrial lining, and uterus. Specialised ultrasounds can be used to evaluate ovarian reserves, the uterine shape in more detail, and whether the fallopian tubes are blocked.

Pap smear

Having cervical cancer or an abnormal uterus can affect your chances of conceiving. For this reason, Dr Rendani may perform a pap smear to rule out cervical cancer. During a pap smear, Dr Rendani collects cells from the cervix — the narrow, lower, part of the uterus at the top of the vagina.

Ovulation assessment

Ovulation assessment is an important step in the evaluation of infertility. Dr Rendani uses various methods to detect ovulation, including ovulation predictor tests, ultrasound, and checking blood progesterone levels.

Other considerations for conceiving

It is important to note that healthy sperm is needed to fall pregnant and couples are advised to have regular intercourse (2-4 times a week) to increase their chances of conceiving. The health of a woman’s fallopian tubes are also very important as this is where the sperm meets the egg. In addition, a normal uterus, without any abnormalities will increase your chances of conceiving successfully.