Whether you’re dealing with fertility issues or want to improve your overall reproductive wellness, you can take steps to manage your health. Some conditions don’t present symptoms, such as silent endometriosis, so it’s helpful to ask your doctor about comprehensive testing. Here are some ways women can take charge of their reproductive health:
Learn About Reproductive Wellness
Understanding your reproductive system makes it easier to know if you have any underlying issues that require medical attention. To determine if your menstrual cycle is affecting your fertility, track it using a journal or mobile app. Irregular periods may be a sign of conditions such as PCOS, thyroid disorders, or perimenopause.
Some women experience severe cramps during their menstrual cycle, indicating possible reproductive health concerns like endometriosis. Heavy bleeding or spotting between periods may be signs of hormonal imbalances or fibroids. Once you recognize these symptoms, consult a fertility specialist to perform the necessary tests and identify the underlying cause.
Schedule a Fertility Cycle Screening
If you’re currently trying to get pregnant or are planning for a future pregnancy, schedule a fertility cycle screening with a reputable clinic. This procedure assesses your hormone levels, ovulation timing, and egg health to identify potential reproductive health issues. During this medical evaluation, a healthcare provider conducts blood tests to measure your reproductive hormone levels. They monitor your cycle over time to determine whether you’re ovulating and track the frequency. Doctors may recommend screening your fertility cycle if they suspect that you have silent endometriosis, a condition that can affect fertility without causing noticeable symptoms such as pelvic pain.
Some screenings involve evaluating your ovarian reserve. To accomplish this, a specialist may perform an ultrasound to count the number of follicles present. This provides valuable information about your egg supply and overall reproductive potential.
Get a Pathology Analysis
During a pathology analysis, a medical professional collects a sample of tissue, cells, or fluid from your body and sends it to a laboratory. This procedure helps identify inflammation, polyps, and endometriosis, which can affect the ability to conceive and sustain a pregnancy. A doctor may also perform a Pap smear to collect cervical cells and screen for cervical cancer or HPV.
A laparoscopy allows healthcare providers to remove suspicious tissue and submit it for detailed analysis. This can help diagnose endometriosis. You may need a pathology analysis if you experience abnormal bleeding, are undergoing fertility treatment, or your doctor suspects an underlying condition like silent endometriosis. If a fertility specialist detects an ovarian cyst or uterine growth, the sample will be tested to determine whether it is benign or cancerous.
Schedule Regular Pelvic Exams
Taking charge of your reproductive health includes scheduling regular pelvic exams to help detect conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids. During the exam, a gynecologist or healthcare provider evaluates the reproductive organs for any signs of concern. They check the vulva, vagina, cervix, and uterus. The doctor may also assess the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and bladder for issues that can impact fertility and overall well-being.
A pelvic exam allows your gynecologist to check your vulva for irritation, lumps, or other signs of infection. During this process, they assess the size, shape, and position of your uterus and ovaries, which helps them identify ovarian cysts and fibroids. This evaluation is useful for identifying changes in reproductive organs due to aging, menopause, or hormonal imbalances.
Know Your Family History
Some reproductive health issues run in families, so understanding your family history can help you manage potential risks. When your doctor is aware of your family background, they may suggest early screening to detect issues before they progress. Share relevant genetic information with your fertility specialist, especially if you have painful periods or have difficulty getting pregnant. If early menopause is a possibility, your provider may suggest options like egg freezing or embryo preservation. These methods help support future parenthood. You can also explore treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), where eggs and sperm are combined outside the body to assist with conception.
Get Tested for Silent Endometriosis
Silent endometriosis often causes no noticeable pain or discomfort, yet it can significantly impact fertility and overall reproductive health. Fertility specialists are qualified to take a sample from the uterine lining and test it for inflammation that is preventing the embryo from implanting. To improve your reproductive health, call a fertility clinic today to learn more about your testing options.
