Fertility tests typically play a vital role in the evaluation of fertility and subsequent treatment planning. Based on your personal situation and any potential symptoms, your doctor will suggest tests that should help determine what is preventing pregnancy…
NOT JUST A WOMAN’S PROBLEM
Your regular OB/GYN may do some testing that is basic, or you may be referred by your OB to a reproductive specialist or urologist (male factor infertility) for additional more in-depth fertility testing.
When most people think of infertility, they assume it is a woman’s issue. Fertility testing, however, involves both female and male fertility. Female factor infertility only accounts for thirty-three percent of infertility cases, says the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Male factor infertility is an issue in thirty- three percent of all cases and a problem with either both partners or “unexplained” infertility takes in the remaining thirty-three percent. It takes two to conceive, so testing both partners is necessary to rule out all potential issues.
FERTILITY TESTS FOR MEN
The main fertility test for men is a semen analysis. For this test, the male partner must provide a semen sample for the laboratory to evaluate. This test is often done on separate days, twice, to check the results. Typically, to diagnose male infertility a semen analysis is needed. Depending on the findings, however, further testing may be required. Therefore, the physician may also suggest or perform one or more of the following:
- A physical exam
- Blood work to check hormone levels
- A semen analysis, which is specialized, including an evaluation of motionless sperm to see if they are alive or dead and genetic testing of the sperm
- An ultrasound test to evaluate the scrotum and seminal vesicles.
- Check for retrograde ejaculation, by post-ejaculatory urinalysis (urine testing)
- A vasography to look for male reproductive organ obstruction
- A testicular biopsy to remove testicular tissue for analysis
- STD testing
FERTILITY TESTS FOR WOMEN
There are many different fertility tests available to help a doctor determine the cause for female infertility. In many cases, not all fertility tests will need to be done. Initial, or basic, testing that is done typically includes the following:
- A regular gynecological exam
- STD testing
- Blood work to check on different hormones, such as LH, FSH, thyroid hormones, androgen hormones, progesterone, AMH, prolactin, and estradiol. The reproductive specialist may also order blood work to check for thrombophilia and antiphospholipid syndrome (in cases of recurrent miscarriage).
- Fibroids, polycystic ovaries, and larger ovarian cysts may be present, so an ultrasound can be used for detection. Ovulation must occur for pregnancy, so an ultrasound may be ordered for confirmation or to determine the thickness of the uterine lining and the shape of the uterus. If necessary, an ultrasound may also be used to determine the number of eggs available in the ovaries by doing an antral follicle count as well.
The more invasive fertility tests are only done when symptoms or other tests point in that direction, or when a cause for infertility cannot otherwise be found. These additional tests include:
- An HSG, or hysterosalpingogram, may be performed to verify the shape of the uterus and determine that the fallopian tubes are open with no blockage.
- A hysteroscopy, may be performed if an HSG exam showed possible abnormalities or was inconclusive. The doctor will look inside the uterus using a camera inserted through the cervix into the uterus.
- A sonohysterogram consists of inserting a catheter inside the uterus, sterile liquid flows in and then the uterine walls and uterus are evaluated.
- If the fallopian tubes are blocked or there are symptoms of endometrosis a diagnostic gynecologic laparoscopy may be performed.
Once fertility testing has been done, your doctor or reproductive specialist will meet with you and your partner to discuss the results and what they mean. Your doctor will also discuss appropriate treatment for your individual reproductive situation.
HELP IS AVAILABLE
Take control of your fertility and make an appointment today with one of our compassionate and highly trained reproductive specialists. The Center of Reproductive Medicine (CORM) serves the greater southeast area of Texas with full-service fertility clinics in Houston, Webster and Beaumont; the professional staff at CORM use the latest fertility testing, techniques and procedures to help patients achieve the gift of a new life. The reproductive specialists and experienced staff at CORM will work closely with you to choose the most appropriate fertility treatment program for your own personal reproductive medical needs.
If you are having trouble getting pregnant, or if you have other questions, it may be time to make an appointment with a reproductive specialist. Call our knowledgeable staff at the Center of Reproductive Medicine (CORM) today. CORM serves the greater southeast Texas area with three state-of-the-art fertility clinics located in Houston, Webster, and Beaumont. Our highly trained doctors will work with you to determine appropriate testing needs and they will help you choose the best fertility program for your individual reproductive medical needs.