Pune docs highlight why it is important to understand fertility health better 

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Fertility testing is not something everyone needs every year. Knowing when to get tested can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health, say Pune-based doctors.  

Many people believe that fertility testing should be done every year, just like cardiac, liver, and kidney tests. However, this is a misconception that needs to be debunked right away, says Dr Nisha Pansare, fertility specialist, Nova IVF Fertility in Kharadi, Pune.

Unlike routine blood pressure, thyroid or diabetes screening, fertility testing is not recommended every year. The test needs to be done based on the person’s age, reproductive plans, medical history, or health conditions that may take a toll on fertility. Fertility tests will vary from one individual to another and shouldn’t be missed if advised by the expert. A fertility check-up will help the expert to know how the reproductive system is functioning and whether any factors could make it difficult to conceive in the future and impact the couple’s chances of conception.

Understanding who should opt for a fertility assessment

Fertility check-ups are needed for married couples who wish to start a family, especially if they have been trying to conceive without success, she says. It is also useful for unmarried women and men who wish to understand their reproductive health before choosing to delay parenthood because fertility naturally declines with age, particularly in women. Those struggling with any medical condition, such as cancer, should also make sure to know the status of their fertility health. If you have irregular menses, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, previous pelvic surgery, undescended testes, a history of chemotherapy or radiation treatment, recurrent pelvic infections, or other conditions that may affect fertility, then schedule a check-up with the doctor.

For healthy individuals who are planning to postpone pregnancy, a baseline fertility assessment in the late 20s or early 30s can be helpful. The test shouldn’t be done every year. Repeated tests will be required for people only if new symptoms are seen or any medical problems tend to arise.

Dr Pansare further explains, “A fertility assessment will involve understanding the medical history, physical examination, hormone tests, ultrasound scans, semen analysis for men, or other investigations, depending on individual needs. Fertility assessments should be guided by age, health conditions, and reproductive goals. So, ensure to follow the guidelines given by the expert only.”

Exceptions in fertility testing

It is not only Dr Pansare but also Dr. Vaishali Chaudhary, consultant – Fertility and IVF Specialist, Motherhood Hospitals in Kharadi who highlights that a lot of couples think that trying for a baby first for couple of years, then getting tested is a normal procedure, but there are exceptions and different times when you can get a fertility assessment done too. She says that recognising when a fertility investigation is a good idea would help to locate underlying issues and, if a solution is required, will enable timely intervention thereby possibly increase one’s chances of pregnancy.

The rule says that if a woman is under 35 years of age, and after a year of unprotected intercourse has not succeeded to get pregnant they are going to have a fertility check-up. But if it is a woman older than 35 years, it is recommended to be checked already half a year from trying as fertility naturally declines at this age.

Fertility tests may be suggested sooner in cases of specific risk factors such as history of menstrual irregularities or the absence of menstrual period with the presence of severe abdominal pain as well as endometriosis, thyroid condition, pelvic infections, or having gone through miscarriage. Likewise, men with histories of undescended testes, testicular surgery, infections, chronic diseases, chemotherapy or poor semen quality are also good candidates for evaluation.

Dr Chaudhary explains in detail, “A standard investigation for the possibility of getting fertile is a straightforward process. It usually consists of blood tests (for the hormonal profile), an ultrasound scan of the female organs as well as tests to verify ovulation (a woman’s release of egg), and semen test for male partners. These findings can show the reasons for the difficulty in getting a pregnancy and then, if appropriate, a doctor can give a treatment choice.”

In addition to the fact that, for many couples, there isn’t any underlying issue with fertility, the other key point to remember is that in about fifty percent of infertility cases, either male factor is the cause or male and female factors together contribute. Therefore, not only women but both partners need to be considered for testing.

In the case of the diagnosis of fertility being done on time, the Pune-based doctors says it opens up possibilities for modifying lifestyle, going for the right treatment, or, when necessary getting assistance to become a parent. Getting a recommendation from the specialist at the right moment can lead your family formation to a less complicated path and also raise your pregnancy success probability greatly.