
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Infertility physical examination
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Physical examination plays an important role in detecting infertility. A detailed history and physical, along with imaging and blood tests can identify the cause of infertility in most cases
Physical Examination
Physical Examination
- Infertility testing involves a complete medical history and physical examination of both partners.
- Blood and imaging tests will be done[1]
- In women, this may include:
- Blood tests to check hormone levels, including progesterone and follicle stimulating hormone[2]
- Checking body temperature first thing in the morning to check if the ovaries are releasing eggs
- FSH and clomid challenge test
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Laparoscopy
- Luteinizing hormone urine test (ovulation prediction)
- Thyroid function tests
- Tests in men may include:
- Sperm testing
- Testicular biopsy (rarely done)
Some important findings in physical exam might be
Head and neck exam
- Exophthalmos might indicate hyperthyroidism
- Webbed neck is seen in Turner’s syndrome
- Epicanthal folds in eyes and low set ears are seen in Down’s syndrome
- Neck swellings in thyroid pathology
Chest and abdomen exam
- Thorough breast exam might reveal swellings or nipple discharge
- Any palpable swellings in the abdomen
Gynecological exam
- Pattern of distribution of pelvic hair
- If there is presence of any clitoral enlargement
- Any external signs of sexually transmitted infections
- Cervical motion tenderness
- Presence of fibroids
- Septate vagina
References
References
- ↑ Hwang K, Lipshultz LI, Lamb DJ (2011). “Use of diagnostic testing to detect infertility”. Curr Urol Rep. 12 (1): 68–76. doi:10.1007/s11934-010-0154-0. PMC 3079371. PMID 21088937.
- ↑ Sigman M, Jarow JP (1997). “Endocrine evaluation of infertile men”. Urology. 50 (5): 659–64. doi:10.1016/S0090-4295(97)00340-3. PMID 9372871.
Editor-In-Chief:
C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sanjana Nethagani, M.B.B.S.[3]
