Infertility evaluation and treatment in Neelankarai, ECR
Trying to conceive without success? How fertility is evaluated for both partners, and the treatment options at Healtree Hospital's women's clinic, ECR.
By the Healtree Hospital clinical team.
Infertility means not conceiving after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse, or after 6 months if the woman is 35 or older. Both partners should be evaluated, since male and female factors are equally common. At Healtree Hospital, Neelankarai, ECR, a fertility evaluation includes a consultation, hormone tests, ovulation tracking, ultrasound and semen analysis.
When to seek a fertility evaluation
Most couples conceive within a year of trying. See a gynaecologist after 12 months without pregnancy, or after 6 months if you are 35 or older. Seek help sooner if periods are very irregular or absent, if you have known PCOS or endometriosis, a history of pelvic infection or surgery, repeated miscarriages, or if the male partner has a known medical condition.
Common causes
In roughly a third of couples the cause lies with the woman, in a third with the man, and in the rest both or neither (unexplained infertility).
- Ovulation problems, most often due to PCOS or thyroid disorders
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, for example after infection
- Endometriosis, fibroids or polyps affecting the womb
- Reduced egg reserve, which becomes more common with age
- Low sperm count or reduced sperm movement
- Lifestyle factors in either partner: smoking, alcohol, weight and stress
How fertility is evaluated
Evaluation is step by step, starting with simple tests and moving to more detailed ones only if needed.
- A joint consultation covering cycles, medical history and lifestyle
- Hormone tests to confirm ovulation and assess egg reserve
- Pelvic ultrasound to look at the womb and ovaries, and follicle tracking across a cycle
- A test of whether the fallopian tubes are open
- Semen analysis for the male partner
- Hysteroscopy or laparoscopy when a problem inside the womb or pelvis is suspected
Treatment options
Treatment is matched to the cause. Many couples need only simple measures.
- Correcting thyroid, prolactin or other hormone problems
- Lifestyle and weight guidance for both partners
- Ovulation induction with tablets or injections, with ultrasound monitoring
- Timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI) where suitable
- Hysteroscopic or laparoscopic surgery for polyps, fibroids, cysts or endometriosis
- Referral for IVF when tubes are blocked, sperm counts are very low, or simpler treatments have not worked
Support through the process
Trying to conceive can be stressful. The team explains each test and option clearly, sets realistic expectations, and reviews progress at every step, so you always know what comes next.
See a specialist in Neelankarai, ECR
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Our Obstetrics & Gynaecology team at Healtree Multi-Speciality Centre & Hospital can assess your situation. The hospital is open 24 hours.
Specialists: Dr. R. Suganya, Dr. Hemalatha, Dr. Divya Subramani
Related services: Ultrasound & Doppler, Hysteroscopy, Laparoscopy
Frequently asked questions
- When should we see a doctor about infertility?
- After 12 months of trying without pregnancy, or after 6 months if the woman is 35 or older. See a doctor sooner if periods are irregular or there is a known condition such as PCOS.
- Should the male partner be tested too?
- Yes. Male factors contribute in about half of couples, and a semen analysis is a simple, early test.
- What tests are part of a fertility evaluation?
- Typically hormone tests, a pelvic ultrasound, follicle tracking, a tubal patency test and a semen analysis. Further tests are added only if needed.
- Does every couple need IVF?
- No. Many couples conceive after treating an underlying cause, ovulation induction or IUI. IVF is advised for specific problems or when simpler treatments have not worked.
- How long does fertility treatment take?
- It depends on the cause and the treatment. Ovulation induction is usually tried for a few cycles before the plan is reviewed.
Related reading
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