Innovations and Research in Reproductive Health

Reproductive health plays a crucial role in the well-being of individuals and populations globally. It encompasses a wide range of issues, from fertility and contraception to maternal care and reproductive diseases. Over the years, there has been a remarkable transformation in reproductive health, driven by continuous research and innovation. These advancements have helped individuals make more informed health decisions and significantly improved public health outcomes worldwide.

Endometriosis Detection

Endometrial cells and tissues grow naturally in the uterine lining during ovulation to prepare for fertilization and implantation. The cells may also grow in abnormal areas, such as the pelvic cavity, around the ovaries, or inside the fallopian tubes. Such abnormal growths are known as endometriosis and can lead to unexplained infertility.

Although endometriosis is often characterized by pelvic pain, painful periods, and bowel or bladder problems, some cases are asymptomatic. Also known as silent endometriosis, asymptomatic cases may be undetectable using conventional fertility tests, which contributes to unexplained infertility.

Fertility specialists recommend reproductive health innovations like BCL6 tests to look for markers of endometriosis. The BCL6 test checks the level of the BCL6 protein in the uterine lining, which may indicate uterine inflammation. A positive BCL6 test result implies possible uterine inflammation and endometriosis. Inflamed uterine lining interferes with the implantation process, resulting in failed conception and IVF treatments.

A fertility specialist may use other diagnostic tests, such as a biopsy and laparoscopy, to confirm the presence of endometrial tissue adhesions. Undergoing such tests allows your doctor to detect and treat endometriosis. This helps reduce the severity of symptoms and their impact on infertility. 

Fertility Screening

Innovations in fertility screening identify potential barriers to conception before couples try to start their families. Reproductive health issues that fertility screenings can detect include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, premature ovarian failure, pelvic inflammatory disease, and tubal blockages. These issues often cause inflammation and may lead to infertility if left untreated. Other reproductive health conditions fertility specialists screen for include:

• Genetic disorders 
• Autoimmune disorders
• Structural uterine abnormalities
• Diabetes and obesity-related fertility issues

Hormonal imbalances, low ovarian reserve, and male factors, such as low sperm count and poor motility, also contribute to infertility. Regular fertility screenings may allow doctors to diagnose and treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial conditions like endometritis. STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can damage your fallopian tubes and impact the fertilization process. Detecting these issues early allows your fertility doctor to develop comprehensive treatment plans using antibiotics, antivirals, and lifestyle changes.

If you experience symptoms like irregular periods or ovulation problems, seek a professional diagnosis promptly.

Fertility doctors offer comprehensive assessments, including Pap smears, to check for cervical cancer.

Other evaluations assess your ovarian reserve, hormone levels, and uterine health.

Your male partner may also undergo semen analysis to evaluate their sperm count, motility, and morphology.

Proactive Treatments

Research and innovations in proactive reproductive health solutions have led to treatments like cryopreservation, non-invasive embryo assessment, and preimplantation genetic testing.

If you want to have a child at a later age, you can preserve your egg, sperm, or embryo through freezing techniques.

Freezing also preserves your egg when planning cancer treatments like chemotherapy, which may interfere with egg quality.

The egg is harvested before you undergo treatment and used later in treatments like IVF.

Detect and Treat Silent Endometriosis

Healthcare innovations allow fertility doctors to diagnose and treat infertility through medication, surgeries, or assisted reproductive technologies. Early detection of reproductive health issues provides time for treatment and helps prevent further fertility complications. Request a BCL-6 test today to check for markers of silent endometriosis and start infertility treatments.