How to have a comprehensive reproductive health check-up?

I am 26 years old, married for two years without contraception but have no children. I want a comprehensive reproductive health check-up. What should I check?

If I take an X-ray of my fallopian tubes, will it affect my fertility? (Thu Thao, Ho Chi Minh City)

Reply:

If you and your spouse have had sex regularly 2-3 times a week for the past two years without using any birth control and still have not gotten pregnant, you are considered infertile.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, the infertility rate from the wife and husband is equal at 40%, 10% from both sides and the remaining 10% is of unknown cause. Therefore, you and your husband should have a comprehensive reproductive health examination as soon as possible.

You may have blood tests, an ovarian reserve test (AMH), and an ultrasound of your ovaries and uterus. The ultrasound can be done at any time during your menstrual cycle.

In addition, you may be prescribed an X-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes to assess the circulation and function of the two fallopian tubes. With this method, you need to come for a check-up right after your period, abstain from sex to avoid pregnancy to ensure the safety of you and the fetus.

X-rays of the uterus and fallopian tubes are quite safe and usually do not cause any problems if you follow your doctor's instructions. You may feel a feeling of heaviness in your lower abdomen similar to that of menstruation, but the rate is very low. More serious complications such as retrograde infection or drug allergy are very rare, so you can rest assured.

Doctor My Tu consults on examination and treatment regimen for patients at Tam Anh General Hospital. Photo: Phuong Trinh — Doctor My Tu consults on examination and treatment regimen for patients at Tam Anh General Hospital. Photo: *Phuong Trinh*

Depending on your husband's condition, the doctor will prescribe appropriate diagnostic methods. Some basic tests include semen analysis, blood tests, and sexually transmitted diseases. With semen analysis, your husband needs to abstain from ejaculation for 3-5 days to get the most objective and accurate results.

You and your spouse need to prepare in advance personal documents including citizen identification, marriage certificate, and medical examination results not more than 6 months before. For more detailed information about the documents required for infertility examination, you and your spouse can search on the website of Tam Anh Hospital.

Doctor Pham Thi My Tu
Center for Reproductive Support, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

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