Before any investigations are carried out it is important that your doctor takes a detailed history and performs an examination. Irregular periods may suggest that ovulation is not taking place every month or if they are particularly painful and intercourse is uncomfortable, this might suggest endometriosis. On the male partner's side, it is important to know if there have been any operations or trauma to the testes or a significant infection, such as mumps as an adult, which can be associated with a low sperm count. For both partners documentation of alcohol and smoking habits is important, as both of these are associated with reduced fertility. Swabs are sometimes taken to rule out infection.
Many men are surprised when asked to be examined in an infertility clinic, but it can be helpful.
Most clinics, however, do not routinely examine the male partner unless the semen analysis turns out to be abnormal. Essential investigations All couples will need to undergo the following investigations. This test is carried out in the x-ray department of the hospital and is a screening test to check if the tubes are blocked. A series of x-rays are taken which show the outline of the uterus and if the tubes are open, dye will be seen flowing through. This is a blood test that checks whether there is a good reserve of eggs in the ovary and that the hormonal system leading to their release is intact.