Infertility assessment

Infertility Assessment in Ahmedabad

An infertility assessment is a structured evaluation of both partners to understand why pregnancy has not happened yet. Depending on your history and symptoms, it may include a detailed fertility consultation, hormonal blood tests, an ultrasound evaluation of the ovaries and uterus, and a semen analysis. The aim is to identify the likely cause before deciding on treatment, whether that means lifestyle changes, ovulation support, IUI, IVF, or another approach.
Dr. Ladu Dewasi is a consultant gynaecologist and infertility specialist practising at Mayflower Women’s Hospital, Bopal-Ambli, Ahmedabad. The assessment is not treated as a fixed checklist for every couple. Tests are selected according to your age, medical history, symptoms, previous reports, and fertility goals, helping avoid unnecessary investigations. Your results are then reviewed with you so that you understand what they mean and what the next step should be. Dr. Ladu Dewasi also holds an MD in Anaesthesia, providing continuity of care when fertility evaluation or treatment involves a monitored procedure such as hysteroscopy or diagnostic laparoscopy.

What Is an Infertility Assessment, and Why Do Both Partners Need One?

Infertility is not automatically a female problem. Male-factor issues are thought to contribute to roughly 40 to 50% of infertility cases, either alone or together with a female-factor cause, which is why a complete assessment should consider both partners from the beginning. Evaluating only one partner can miss an important contributing factor and delay the most appropriate treatment.

A thorough infertility assessment is designed to answer three key questions:

  • Is ovulation occurring regularly? Are there signs of an ovulation disorder such as PCOS, and is ovarian reserve appropriate to the person’s age and fertility goals?
  • Are the sperm parameters adequate? This includes sperm count, motility, and morphology, which help guide whether natural conception, IUI, or assisted reproductive treatment may be appropriate.
  • Could there be a structural or tubal problem? The evaluation may look for blocked fallopian tubes, fibroids, polyps, ovarian abnormalities, or uterine conditions that could interfere with conception or implantation.

When Should You Get an Infertility Assessment?

An infertility assessment is generally recommended:
  • If you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months or more without success
  • If you’re 35 or older, after 6 months of trying to conceive without success
  • Earlier than these timeframes when there are known risk factors, such as very irregular or absent periods, PCOS, endometriosis, previous pelvic infection or surgery, a known male-factor problem, or a history that may affect fertility
  • After a previous miscarriage or pregnancy loss, when your doctor feels further evaluation is appropriate

The right timing can vary from person to person. Age, menstrual history, previous pregnancy history, and known medical or fertility factors can all influence when an assessment should begin. 

What Does a Complete Infertility Assessment Include?

For Her: Hormonal and Ovarian Evaluation

The female partner’s evaluation may include:

  • Blood tests: AMH, FSH and LH, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin, and other tests when indicated. Fasting glucose or insulin testing may be considered when there are concerns about insulin resistance or metabolic factors.
  • Transvaginal ultrasound: evaluates the uterus and ovaries, including antral follicle count, and may identify fibroids, ovarian cysts, or a polycystic-appearing ovarian pattern.
  • Cycle and symptom history: menstrual regularity, previous pregnancies or losses, and symptoms that may suggest PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid dysfunction, or another reproductive health issue.

For Him: Semen and Hormonal Evaluation

The male partner’s evaluation may include:
  • Semen analysis: assesses sperm count, motility, and morphology using established laboratory reference standards.
  • Hormonal testing when indicated: testosterone, FSH, LH, thyroid testing, or other investigations when semen parameters or the clinical history suggest a hormonal cause.
  • Sperm DNA fragmentation testing: considered in selected situations, such as certain cases of recurrent pregnancy loss or repeated unsuccessful fertility treatment when standard semen parameters do not explain the problem.
  • Medical history and examination: may cover previous surgeries, medications, lifestyle factors, heat exposure, smoking, alcohol use, and other factors that can affect sperm health.

Structural and Tubal Evaluation: When Indicated

Not every couple needs advanced structural testing during the first stage of assessment. These investigations are generally considered when the history, examination, ultrasound, or initial results suggest they may provide useful information.

  • HSG (Hysterosalpingogram) or HyCoSy: evaluates whether the fallopian tubes are open.
  • Hysteroscopy: allows direct assessment of the uterine cavity when a polyp, adhesion, abnormal uterine shape, or another cavity problem is suspected.
  • Diagnostic laparoscopy: considered selectively, particularly when conditions such as endometriosis are suspected and cannot be adequately assessed through less invasive evaluation.

Genetic and Advanced Testing: Selected Cases Only

Advanced genetic testing is not required for every couple. It may be discussed when the clinical history suggests a potential benefit.
  • Karyotyping: may be considered in couples with recurrent pregnancy loss or selected fertility-related abnormalities.
  • Genetic carrier screening: may be discussed when there is a relevant personal or family history.
  • Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): considered only in the context of IVF when there is an appropriate clinical indication.

What Happens After Your Infertility Assessment?

Getting the reports is only part of the process. The next step is understanding what the findings mean and which treatment, if any, is appropriate for your situation.

Depending on the results, your fertility plan may include:

Essentially normal findings in both partners: Depending on age and how long you’ve been trying, your doctor may recommend continued attempts, ovulation tracking, or monitored cycles before moving to treatment.

Ovulation problems: When ovulation is irregular or absent, including in many cases of PCOS, ovulation induction with follicular monitoring and timed intercourse may be considered.

Mild male-factor infertility or unexplained infertility: Depending on the couple’s age, fertility history, and other findings, IUI may be an appropriate treatment option.

Tubal blockage, severe male-factor infertility, or reduced ovarian reserve: IVF or ICSI may be considered earlier when simpler treatments are less likely to be effective.

PCOS: When PCOS is identified as an important part of the fertility problem, a dedicated PCOS treatment plan can address both fertility and the wider effects of the condition.

Recurrent pregnancy loss: A previous pattern of pregnancy loss may require a separate evaluation and treatment pathway, depending on the history and findings.

Fertility preservation: When preservation is relevant, such as before certain cancer treatments or when future fertility planning is important, egg, embryo, or sperm freezing can be discussed.

The purpose of an infertility assessment is not to move every couple toward IVF. It is to understand the likely cause and choose the most appropriate treatment for that particular couple.

Ready to Begin Your Fertility Evaluation?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ladu Dewasi to discuss a personalised assessment plan for you and your partner.
Book an Appointment

Why Choose Dr. Ladu Dewasi for Infertility Assessment?

  • Both partners considered from the beginning: The assessment looks at female and male fertility factors rather than assuming the issue is with one partner.
  • Individualised testing: Investigations are selected according to your history, symptoms, age, previous reports, and fertility goals rather than using the same test panel for every couple.
  • Continuity of care: Dr. Ladu Dewasi is a Consultant Gynaecologist and also holds an MD in Anaesthesia, which is relevant when assessment or treatment involves a monitored procedure.
  • Clear explanation of results: Test reports are reviewed with you so you understand the likely findings, possible causes, and recommended next steps.

Ffrequently Asked Questions

A fertility assessment usually starts with a detailed history and evaluation of both partners. Depending on the situation, it may include hormonal blood tests, a transvaginal ultrasound, semen analysis, and additional tests such as HSG, hysteroscopy, or genetic testing when clinically indicated.
Both partners should be considered. Male-factor infertility, thought to be involved in roughly 40 to 50% of cases, can contribute on its own or together with female-factor infertility, so evaluating only the woman may miss an important part of the picture.
For many couples, evaluation is recommended after 12 months of trying if the woman is under 35, or after 6 months if she is 35 or older. Earlier evaluation may be appropriate when there are irregular or absent periods, known fertility conditions, previous pelvic surgery or infection, recurrent pregnancy loss, or other risk factors.
The timing depends on which tests are needed. Basic consultations, blood tests, ultrasound, and semen analysis may be completed relatively quickly, while cycle-dependent investigations such as HSG or procedures such as hysteroscopy may need separate scheduling. Your doctor can explain the expected sequence after the initial consultation.
Most initial investigations, including blood tests, ultrasound, and semen analysis, are non-invasive. Some procedures, such as HSG, can cause temporary cramping or discomfort. Procedures that require anaesthesia or sedation are planned separately and monitored appropriately.
Not all fertility-related blood tests require fasting. Some metabolic tests, such as fasting glucose or insulin, may require it when they are specifically advised. You will be told beforehand if fasting is necessary for your scheduled tests.
Normal results do not mean that there are no options. They can rule out or reduce the likelihood of several common causes and may lead to monitored attempts, ovulation tracking, or a discussion about unexplained infertility depending on your age, fertility history, and duration of trying.
No. The treatment depends on the findings. Some couples may need only ovulation induction, timed intercourse, or IUI, while IVF or ICSI may be recommended when there are specific factors that make less invasive treatment less suitable.
A general gynaecology check-up is a broader review of reproductive and overall gynaecological health. An infertility assessment is specifically focused on difficulty conceiving and typically considers both partners, with targeted fertility testing based on the couple's history and findings.
Dr. Ladu Dewasi consults at Mayflower Women's Hospital, Bopal-Ambli Junction, Sardar Patel Ring Road, Ahmedabad. The location is convenient for patients from South Bopal, Shela, Ghuma, Sanand Road, and surrounding areas. Appointments can be booked by phone, WhatsApp, or through the enquiry form on the website.
If you've been trying to conceive without success, an infertility assessment can help replace uncertainty with a clearer understanding of the possible cause and the next appropriate step. Bring previous reports, such as hormone tests, ultrasound scans, or semen analysis, to your consultation so your doctor can review what has already been done and help avoid unnecessary repeat testing where appropriate.

Mayflower Women’s Hospital – 2nd Floor, Satyamev Elite Ambli, Junction, Sardar Patel Ring Rd, Bopal, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380058

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