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Infertility - Symptom

Alternative Names

Inability to conceive; Unable to get pregnant

Symptoms:

The physical symptom of infertility is the inability to become pregnant.

Experiencing infertility can bring on a range of painful emotions in one or both members of the couple. In general, having at least one child already tends to soften these painful emotions.

Signs and tests:

A complete medical history and physical examination of both partners is essential.

Tests may include:

For women:

Blood hormone levels
Cervical mucus to detect ovulation
Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
Pelvic ultrasound
Laparoscopy (especially if endometriosis is suspected)
Luteinizing hormone urine test (ovulation predictor kit)
Pelvic exam
Progestin challenge
Serum progesterone
Temperature first thing in the morning to check for ovulation (basal body temperature charting)

For men:

Semen analysis
Testicular biopsy (rarely done)

Pelvic laparoscopy

Female reproductive anatomy

Male reproductive anatomy

Primary infertility

Sperm

Reviewed last on: 3/17/2009
Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, WA; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Jose-Miller AB, Boyden JW, Frey KA. Infertility. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75(6):894-856.

Lobo RA. Infertility: etiology, diagnostic evaluation, management, prognosis. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007: chap 41.

Speroff L, Fitz M, eds. Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005.

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