Infertility is common and has many causes, which may lie with the wife, the husband or both, and sometimes no clear cause is found. That is why the right treatment starts with assessing both partners together.
The basic work-up usually covers three areas: confirming ovulation and assessing ovarian reserve, checking the uterus and fallopian tubes, and a semen analysis for the husband. Before that picture is complete it is hard to judge the cause.
After diagnosis a plan is built for your case. It may start with regulating ovulation or treating a specific cause, and may go on to insemination or IVF. Not every case needs IVF.
What to expect at the visit
- Both partners assessed, not the wife alone
- Targeted tests, each with a clear purpose
- A stepped plan that starts with the simplest option
Common questions
What are common causes of delayed pregnancy?
Common causes include ovulation problems such as PCOS, problems with the tubes or uterus, a low semen analysis, and age. In some cases no specific cause is found.
Does the husband need to be tested?
Yes. A semen analysis is a simple, essential test requested at the start of the work-up.
This content is educational and does not replace seeing a doctor. Every case is different.