【infertility? I want to know if I can get pregnant] Let's self-check! Introduce how to improve

Are you worried that you may be infertile because you have not been able to conceive even if you want to get pregnant? If you are worried about visiting an obstetrics and gynecologist, why not check for infertility first? If you meet the checklist, we recommend that you see a doctor as soon as possible.

In this article, in addition to the infertility checklist, I explained in detail the examinations performed at the obstetrics and gynecology department. If you can imagine it in advance, it's safe.

It also introduces what you can do to improve infertility. Improve your lifestyle and make your body easier to conceive.

Find out in this article

• infertility checklist
• infertility test
• What you can do to improve infertility

What is infertility

Infertility is the inability to conceive for a period of time in spite of unprotected intercourse by healthy men and women who wish to conceive . The fixed period is defined by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology as "generally one year".

However, it is known that it becomes more difficult to conceive as you get older, so it is better for people over the age of 35 to see a doctor as soon as possible rather than waiting for one year.

In addition, if a woman has ovulatory disorders or gynecological diseases, it is highly likely that this will lead to infertility, so it is recommended that she consult an obstetrician and gynecologist as soon as possible.

[I want to know if I am infertile!] Checklist

Here is an example of an infertility checklist . If any of the following apply to you, it is recommended that you see a doctor as soon as possible.

• I've been trying to conceive for a year, but I'm not pregnant
• Irregular menstruation
• severe menstrual pain
• heavy menstruation
• Over 35 years old
• I don't know my basal body temperature
• I don't know my ovulation date
• Have had a sexually transmitted disease such as chlamydia or gonorrhea
• Sexless
• have pain during intercourse
• Never had a gynecological examination
• Obese with a BMI of 26 or higher
• Underweight with a BMI of 17 or less
• A lot of vaginal discharge
• bad cold
• have anemia

Could it be infertility? Let's get tested first! [Women]

If you think you may be infertile, get tested first . Some obstetrics and gynecology departments have a test pack called "bridal check". Infertility can be caused by both women and men. First of all, I will introduce the examination that women undergo.

Inspection flow

General examination items and flow for women . It takes about 1 to 3 months to complete all these tests.

• During the initial consultation, you will consult with your doctor about your menstrual condition, your health, and how long you have been trying to conceive. If you have a basal body temperature chart, bring it with you.
• Transvaginal ultrasound A transvaginal ultrasound (echo) is used to check for problems with the ovaries and uterus.
• Blood tests to check for infections and the secretion of hormones related to ovulation and pregnancy. Hormone secretion fluctuates with the menstrual cycle, so it is common to perform multiple times.
• An AMH test is a blood test to determine the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries.
• A hysterosalpingogram to check whether the fallopian tubes are open and to check the shape of the uterus.
• The Hooner test is a test to check whether sperm have reached the uterus by having sexual intercourse before and after ovulation.

What is an AMH test?

The AMH test is a test that measures the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries . AMH stands for “Anti-Mullerian Hormone” and is said to represent ovarian reserve. Since the AMH value is almost constant regardless of the menstrual cycle, it is possible to take a blood sample at any time.

When a woman is born, she stores 2 million primordial follicles in her ovaries. The primordial follicles do not increase in the middle of the process, but only decrease. During puberty, the number of primordial follicles decreases to 100,000 to 300,000, and after that, the number of primordial follicles decreases by about 1,000 per menstruation.

By measuring the concentration of AMH, it is possible to predict the number of primordial follicles remaining in the ovary. There is a guideline for the standard value of AMH according to age, and there are individual differences such as those who are young but low and those in their 40s who are high.

What is hysterosalpingography?

Hysterosalpingography is a test that looks at the lining of the fallopian tubes and the shape of the uterus . A contrast agent is placed in the uterus, waits for it to reach the fallopian tubes, and is determined by an x-ray. For example, if one side of the fallopian tube is not receiving the contrast agent, it means that the fallopian tube is blocked and ovulation will not occur from that side of the fallopian tube.

In addition, salpingography examination may improve the passage of the fallopian tubes after the examination, so it is an examination that has therapeutic significance. In the past, X-ray imaging was common, but recently some facilities use ultrasound (echo) using a contrast agent for ultrasound.

What is the Hooner test?

The Hooner test is a test to check whether ejaculated sperm reaches the uterus after intercourse around the day of ovulation . Specifically, the woman's cervical mucus is collected and the state of sperm in the mucus is examined.

However, because the results are greatly influenced by the condition and properties of the cervical mucus, it is considered a low-evidence test overseas.

Infertility isn't just for women Let's take a test [for men]

Women are not the only cause of infertility. Men should also be tested if they suspect they may be infertile .

A semen test for men. Semen is collected at home or at the obstetrics and gynecology department in a special container, and the concentration, amount, and motility of the semen are examined. However, the results of semen analysis often fluctuate depending on physical condition and fatigue. Even if there are items that are lower than the standard values, re-examination may improve them.

There is currently no established treatment that improves sperm motility and quality. Before and after the day of ovulation, it is important to take care of your lifestyle, such as getting in shape.

What can I do to improve infertility?

There are many things you can do to improve infertility, such as improving your lifestyle, measuring your basal body temperature, taking supplements, Chinese herbal medicine, and taking pressure points . All of them are improvement measures that can be incorporated in your life, so please try to incorporate them as much as you can to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

improvement of lifestyle

First of all, it is important to improve your lifestyle . Poor eating habits can affect your health and hormonal balance. Eat well-balanced meals at regular times. Excessive drinking can also reduce sperm quantity and quality. Please set a rest day for two days a week.

And modern life is easy to lack exercise, so moderate exercise is also important. Exercise has many benefits, such as boosting your metabolism, rejuvenating your cells, and relieving stress. Incorporate moderate-intensity exercise.

Obesity and underweight in women also lead to infertility. A BMI of 20-24 is considered suitable for pregnancy. Check your BMI and get closer to your ideal weight.

Let's measure the basal body temperature and adjust the timing

To get pregnant, you must have intercourse around the time of ovulation. Ovulation occurs when the basal body temperature shifts from a low temperature period to a high temperature period. Women who wish to become pregnant should measure their basal body temperature and adjust the timing around the day of ovulation .

It is natural for the basal body temperature to fluctuate somewhat due to the influence of the temperature. Being overly sensitive can lead to depression. If it is difficult to judge whether it is divided into two phases, a high temperature period and a low temperature period, or if you are worried that the low temperature period will continue for a long time, please consult with an obstetrics and gynecology department.

In order to match the timing, it is important for couples to be in step with each other by adjusting work circumstances and private errands.

Warm up your body with supplements, herbal medicine, and pressure points

There are also herbal medicines that are effective in adjusting female hormones and creating a body that is easy to conceive . It is most important to take Kampo medicines according to your constitution, so please consult a doctor or pharmacist who is familiar with Kampo medicines.

▼ You can consult Kampo on LINE
Click here for a free consultation supervised by a doctor

Women who are trying to conceive should also take folic acid. It is an important nutrient for baby's growth. Maca is well-known as a supplement that increases male potency.

Acupuncture points such as Saninko and Kangen are also good. The san-yin sex is located about four fingers above the inside of the ankle. Sekimoto is the point four fingers below the navel. Stimulate comfortably and improve blood flow.

Also read the following articles
How to adjust female hormones that are easily disturbed

summary

In today's age where people want to conceive is getting older, more and more people are suffering from infertility. We recommend that you check the infertility checklist and see a doctor early if it applies to you .

Infertility is not only caused by women, but also by men, so it is better for couples to undergo an examination. There are some differences depending on the hospital, but please refer to the general examination contents explained.

It is also important to improve your lifestyle and incorporate Chinese medicine and supplements to create a body that is easy to get pregnant.