WHAT IS FERTILITY SCEENING?

Fertility screening is the process of investigating an individual to assess the fertility status usually for information purposes, to aid medical advice and possibly diagnosis, with or without the presence of symptoms.

WHAT ARE THE METHODS FOR FERTILITY SCREENING?

Fertility screening involves:

1. Taking medical history
2. Physical examination
3. Blood tests e.g. hormone levels, ovarian reserve testing,
4. Imaging tests e.g. Ultra sound scan, Hysteroscopy, Hysterosalpingogram, Transrectal uss for prostrate blockages
5. Self-examination e.g. ovulation tracking by cervical mucus and Temperature, etc
6. Sample analysis eg SFA, HVS mcs, Urine mcs, Urethral swab mcs
7. Pap smear for cervical cells assessment.

WHO CAN REQUEST FERTILITY SCREENING?

1. An individual for information purposes
2. Pre-marital examination by religious organisations
3. Medical personnel following the presence of certain symptoms and signs
4. Confirmatory investigations following post-surgical procedures
5. Parents on their children with or without symptoms

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF FERTILITY SCREENING?

• INFORMATION: Fertility screening gives information on one’s fertility status either before they start trying to conceive and where necessary begin interventions, or when they are already trying.
• DIAGNOSIS: Fertility screening tests help medical personnel make absolute diagnosis following medical history and physical examination. It is used as a tool to determine the variables between medical conditions with conflicting symptoms.
• TREATMENT PLAN: Investigations, having determined specific conditions, help medical personnel to plan the best treatment approach.
• THERAPEUTIC PROCESS: some of the investigative processes doubles as treatment procedures for some conditions e.g. Hsg can be used to dislodge minor blockages in the tubes, Hysteroscopy can be used to carry out minor surgical procedures like removal of polyps, etc.

CONCLUSION

This Reproductive Health Awareness Month, we encourage the awareness and importance of Fertility Screening. Many of them do not require a doctor’s recommendation. The information received does not bring about unwanted conditions. It rather helps to ensure early detection which leads to early intervention and early cure where applicable. It also leads to peace of mind and certainty in the absence of any unwanted condition. Help us spread the word on Fertility Screening and Reproductive Health Awareness.