What can I do to find out if I am sterile? If you are already thinking about this question, it is because you have been trying to conceive without any results for some time. Many feelings and doubts must overwhelm you right now. Look at the following information where you will find the advice needed to dispel your doubts.
Sterility vs infertility
You should know that infertility is not the same thing as infertility. While it is very common for these two terms to be used as synonyms, this is an error.
The first refers to the inability to conceive after many years of trying, while infertility is the inability to maintain pregnancy, as all of them result in spontaneous abortion.
Causes of infertility
Given the inability to stay fit, be aware that there are different causes that can help you determine if you are sterile. Some of them are:
• Cervical diseases, such as endometriosis.
• Uterine malformations
• Age, if you are over 35, this may be the reason.
• Ovulation problems for not having the menstrual cycle.
• Obesity.
Methods to know if you are sterile
To confirm one of the causes mentioned above, certain methods or studies make it possible to know if you are sterile.
Ovulation tests
The first thing you need to confirm is if your ovulation process is going well. For this, you can perform the following exams:
• Progesterone level test: this hormone is the one that begins gestation. With this test, you will know if you are ovulating and, if so, if you are making enough progesterone. You determine this with a blood test that you need to do between the 22nd and the 24th day after menstruation. You must perform 2 tests, one on the 21 at the start and another on the 27.
• Ovarian reserve test: this test is necessary if you are over 35 years old. Through a blood test, you will confirm if the follicle-stimulating hormone is active. This is responsible for stimulating the ovary. This occurs on the third day from the start of menstruation.
Tubal patency study
This test is called hysterosalpingography and consists of an x-ray of the fallopian tubes. This X-ray makes it possible to check whether they are obstructed or not.
To do this, the radiologist introduces a fluid called contrast fluid into the uterus using a catheter that fills the tubes. If the fluid flows easily, the tubes are free or permeable.
Another possible study is hysterosonography, which consists of a vaginal ultrasound.
Cervical study
With these 3 studies you will assess whether your uterus is suitable for pregnancy:
• Cervical permeability: this test is a vaginal exam during which the cervix is ​​expected to be leaky, allowing entry into the uterine cavity. It is the gynecologist who introduces an insemination cannula.
• Hysteroscopy: this is an endoscopy without anesthesia in which a thin optic with a television camera is inserted through the vagina. You can see the cervix and the uterine cavity inside. This will eliminate any presence of malformation, myoma or polyp that can make pregnancy difficult.
• Transvaginal ultrasound: this test is very basic and makes it possible to check if there are abnormalities of the uterus, cervix or any other alteration that can be detected in the ovary.
What else can i do?
If you have assessed the causes of infertility and think you have no changes, you and your partner can perform the following steps and studies:
• Medical history.
• Gynecological consultation.
• Abdominal ultrasound.
• General study of sperm.
• Complete hormonal analysis.
If, after having carried out this series of studies which we have just described, the results which you obtain are normal and that you cannot verify any apparent cause of it, you will have to face the alleged sterility of unknown origin.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t become a parent, remember there are alternatives you can go to.
If you are too worried about knowing that you are sterile, it would be a good idea to reduce your anxiety a little. Do activities that may distract you, and if you think it is necessary or positive, call a psychologist who can help you deal with the problem.
