Identifying the cause infertility

Contrary to popular belief, infertility is not always a woman's problem. In about 30-40% of infertility cases, medical problem can be found solely on the side of a female partner; in another 30%-40%, male factors alone cause infertility. In 15-30% of cases, both partners have conditions that lead to infertility. In the remaining 5-10% of cases, no clear medical cause can be found. Thus infertility may be caused by either partner with equal possibility. As a problem influences the wellbeing of both partners, the decision to undergo treatment must be a joint one.

When should we speak about infertility?

Infertility refers to a couple that has not achieved conception within 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. Usually this does not necessarily mean absolute infertility, but relates to a functional disorder which can be treated.

Finding the cause of infertility is a key to success of our treatment. We start the diagnostics in our clinic with a detailed conversation. This conversation is vital for getting an accurate account of the previous infertility: if a couple has bin long planning to have a child; if they have already undergone some treatment; if partners have their own explanation for their infertility; what is the attitude to alternatives (adoption, tutelage); if something changed when when the couple faced the infertility issue (your relations, work, self-appraisal).

Information on the development of infertility is a starting point of the diagnostics.

We understand that talking about some issues can be very painful. However, the detailed information often helps us in identifying the cause of infertility. We would like you to know that we appriciate all the information you provide. Please ask any questions you have. If something is unclear, please do not hesitate to ask for explanation one more time. We also ask you before the first visit to make a list of the most important issues and questions.

It will also be very useful if you bring all the results of previous examinations and treatment, surgery records, if there were any.

The laboratory and instrumental diagnostics of infertility require implementation of successive phases. These can take some time. At the first consultation the doctor outlines a plan of examination. Both the man and the woman are examined since quite often both sides are involved.

The objective of infertility diagnostic methods is to check the function of components of reproductive system. Later on the components with detected disorders will become a target for treatment. The outline of the description of male and female reproductive systems are shown in Physiology of reproduction .