Cost & Benefits of Fertility Testing | KL Fertility Centre
Table of Contents
Introduction
Fertility issues are a growing concern among couples worldwide, with an estimated 10-15% of couples struggling to get pregnant. Fertility testing plays a crucial role in diagnosing potential obstacles and creating a treatment plan that increases the chances of conception. At Golden Gate KL Fertility & Gynecology Centre, we specialize in comprehensive fertility testing to provide couples with the clarity they need as they embark on their journey to parenthood. Whether you are planning to conceive or have experienced difficulty doing so, fertility testing is an essential step in understanding your reproductive health.
Fertility testing encompasses a range of diagnostic procedures that evaluate both partners’ reproductive systems. For women, testing typically includes blood tests to measure hormone levels, ultrasounds to assess ovarian function, and physical examinations of the uterus and fallopian tubes. For men, testing focuses on sperm analysis, hormone evaluations, and physical assessments of the reproductive organs. These tests can identify common issues like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), blocked fallopian tubes, or low sperm count, all of which may affect a couple’s ability to conceive naturally.
This article will cover who should consider fertility testing, the types of tests available, what to expect during an initial visit, and the costs of fertility testing in Malaysia. We’ll also provide answers to frequently asked questions about fertility testing to help you make informed decisions. Read on to learn how fertility testing can provide invaluable insights into your reproductive health and set you on the path toward successful conception.
Who Should Get Fertility Testing?
A. Couples Trying to Conceive for Over a Year
For most couples, fertility testing is recommended after a year of trying to conceive without success. This timeline is based on the average chances of conception for healthy couples, which is around 20-25% per cycle (Holland, 2018). If pregnancy hasn’t occurred within 12 months, fertility issues might be present, and testing can help determine the cause. Women over 35 are advised to seek testing after six months of trying due to the accelerated decline in fertility with age.
B. Individuals with Known Medical Conditions
Individuals with known medical conditions that can affect fertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or thyroid disorders, or any hormone should consider fertility testing earlier. These conditions can impact ovulation, hormonal balance, or reproductive organ function, making conception more challenging. Early testing allows for timely interventions that can increase the likelihood of pregnancy.
C. Couples with Lifestyle Risk Factors
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, or stress can negatively impact fertility (Durairajanayagam, D.,2018). Couples with these risk factors should consider fertility testing to evaluate the extent of the impact on their reproductive health. Lifestyle changes, in conjunction with fertility treatment, can significantly improve the chances of conceiving.
Types of Pregnancy and Hormone Fertility Tests in Malaysia to Consider Before Pregnancy
A. Hormonal Fertility Testing
- Ovulation Tests and LH Testing
Ovulation tests measure levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in a woman’s body, which surges just before ovulation. Tracking ovulation helps determine the best time to conceive and identifies ovulatory disorders. These simple at-home or blood tests at health facilities can clarify whether ovulation is occurring regularly. More importantly, LH testing in a combination with progesterone measurements during the luteal phase, can help diagnose LPD by identifying abnormalities in hormone levels and luteal phase length.
- AMH Testing
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) testing measures the number of eggs a woman has left in her ovaries, also known as her ovarian reserve. AMH levels are an important indicator of fertility potential and can guide decisions regarding fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). It should not be used alone as a form of fertility assessment.
- FSH Testing
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) testing evaluates how well a woman’s ovaries are responding to hormonal signals from the brain. High FSH levels may indicate a reduced ovarian reserve or poor egg quality or women entering the menopausal stage, helping doctors determine the most appropriate fertility treatment.
B. Ultrasound Testing
- Pelvic Ultrasound
Pelvic ultrasounds are used to visualize the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. This non-invasive imaging test can detect abnormalities such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or blocked fallopian tubes, all of which can reduce chances of pregnancy.
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG) or HyFoSy.
HSG is a specialized X-ray procedure that assesses the fallopian tubes for blockages or abnormalities. This test is vital for diagnosing structural issues that may prevent sperm from reaching the egg or impede the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. HyFoSy is similar to HSG, it is much less painful and the result is instant, it also gives additional information of how good the flows in the fallopian tubes are, and has therapeutic effect where doctors can attempt to unblock any partially blocked tube during the procedure.
- Transvaginal Ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound provides detailed images of a woman’s reproductive organs and is often used to monitor follicle development during fertility treatment cycles. This test is particularly useful in tracking the response to medications designed to stimulate ovulation. Follicular tracking is usually done at day 7 of the cycle and continues every 2 days until the ovulation occurs. While doing follicular tracking, doctors will continue to monitor endometrium thickness and look for signs of trilaminar layer of endometrium.
C. Semen Analysis
- Sperm Count
Semen analysis is a key fertility test for men, measuring sperm count to determine the number of viable sperm in a sample. A low sperm count can significantly reduce the chances of conception, making this test essential in fertility assessments.
- Sperm Motility
Sperm motility refers to the sperm’s ability to move effectively through the female reproductive tract. Poor motility can prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and analyzing this aspect of sperm health helps identify issues that may require intervention.
- Sperm Morphology
Sperm morphology assesses the shape and structure of sperm, which can impact their ability to penetrate the egg. Abnormalities in sperm shape can lower fertility, and this test helps pinpoint potential issues in male fertility.
While semen analysis is crucial for men fertility testing, men hormone fertility testing is also an important part of fertility evaluation.
What To Expect During Your Initial Visit
During your initial visit to Golden Gate KL Fertility & Gynecology Centre, you can expect a thorough evaluation of your reproductive health. The visit typically begins with a detailed medical history review, covering menstrual cycles, previous pregnancies, lifestyle factors, and any known medical conditions. This information helps your specialist tailor the testing process to your specific needs.
Next, your doctor may perform a physical exam and order a series of diagnostic tests. For women, this may include blood tests to assess hormone levels and an ultrasound to examine the uterus and ovaries. Men will typically undergo semen analysis to evaluate sperm count, motility, and morphology. These tests provide a comprehensive picture of both partners’ fertility status.
Finally, your fertility specialist will review the test results with you and discuss possible next steps. This may include further testing or treatment options such as medications, assisted reproductive technology (ART), or lifestyle modifications to improve fertility. At Golden Gate KL Fertility Centre, we are committed to guiding you every step of the way, ensuring that you receive the best care on your fertility journey.
Cost of Infertility Test in Malaysia
The cost of infertility testing in Malaysia can vary based on the specific diagnostic procedures needed at Golden Gate KL Fertility Centre. This fee typically covers initial consultations, ultrasound testing, and blood work. It’s important to note that each partner will require separate testing, so the overall cost may be higher for couples.
However, investing in fertility testing is a critical step in diagnosing potential issues early on and improving your chances of a successful pregnancy. More importantly, early diagnosis and treatment can avoid more invasive and expansive late treatment such as IVF. Golden Gate KL Fertility Centre offers screening packages to make these services more affordable, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to starting your family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Fertility testing is recommended after a year of trying to conceive without success, or six months if the woman is over 35.
Common fertility tests include hormonal blood tests, ultrasounds, and semen analysis for men to assess sperm health.
Insurance coverage for fertility testing varies, so it’s important to check with your provider. Some tests may be partially covered.
Yes, lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and stress management can improve fertility and increase the chances of conception.
The timeline varies, but most basic fertility tests can be completed within a few weeks, with results available shortly after.
Conclusion
Fertility testing is a valuable tool for couples facing challenges with conception. At Golden Gate KL Fertility Centre, we offer personalized fertility testing that identifies underlying issues and guides effective treatment options. Don’t let fertility concerns prevent you from starting your family—schedule your consultation with us today. Our experienced specialists will work with you to develop a tailored fertility plan that gives you the best chance of achieving a successful pregnancy. Take the first step toward parenthood with Golden Gate KL Fertility Centre—your trusted partner in fertility care.
References
Gerasimova, T., Thanasoula, M. N., Zattas, D., Seli, E., Sakkas, D., & Lalioti, M. D. (2010). Identification and in vitro characterization of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor variants associated with abnormal ovarian response to FSH. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 95(2), 529-536. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-abstract/95/2/529/2596589
Holland, K. (2018, October 8). A Breakdown of the Fertility Timeline. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/fertility-timeline
Durairajanayagam, D. (2018). Lifestyle causes of male infertility. Arab journal of urology, 16(1), 10-20. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090598X18300068
Vasan SS. Semen analysis and sperm function tests: How much to test? Indian J Urol. 2011 Jan;27(1):41-8. doi: 10.4103/0970-1591.78424. PMID: 21716889; PMCID: PMC3114587.Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114587/