Fertility Testing
Fertility testing is the process by which fertility is assessed through laboratory tests, imaging tests, and certain procedures. Infertility tests can help identify the cause of infertility so that the condition can be treated appropriately, and the couple has the best chance of becoming pregnant.
What to expect
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, infertility affects men and women equally, so both partners should be tested.
For Women
Ovaries
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Blood test: Day 3 FSH/E2 (Follicle Stimulating Hormone/Estradiol), AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) – these hormone levels can be assessed to determine fertility status and future infertility treatment.
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Ultrasound: Antral Follicle Count test is performed by transvaginal ultrasound to count the number of follicles in each ovary. The more follicles there are, the greater the ovarian reserve.
*Follicles are the fluid filled sacs that contain an egg. The egg is too small to be seen by ultrasound and therefore we follow the follicles which grow as the egg matures.
Uterus and Fallopian tube
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HSG/SIS (Hysterosalpingograms/Saline Infusion Sonogram): these are tests to assess whether the fallopian tubes are open and to evaluate the uterine cavity.
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HSC (Hysteroscopy): A simple procedure that directly evaluates the uterine cavity by inserting a small camera into the uterus. If a polyp or fibroid is in the uterus, it can be removed from the lining of the uterus at the same time.
For Man
Semen Analysis is when we assess sperm quality by determining
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Volume of Semen - how much liquid comes out at ejaculation
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Sperm Concentration - how much sperm is in the liquid
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Motility - how many sperm are moving
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Morphology - how many sperm are normally shaped
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Sperm DNA Fragmentation - how many sperm have normal DNA
Who needs this?
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Infertility testing should be considered if couples have been actively trying to conceive through unprotected intercourse with their partner for more than a year and are still unable to conceive.
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If you are a female over the age of 35, fertility testing should be considered 6 months after trying to conceive.
Advantages
Knowledge is power. Knowing the cause of infertility will empower you to understand the reason for treatment. For the best experience and success, it is important to actively participate in your care with your fertility team.
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A reproductive fertility specialist can assess different factors and determine why the person is having fertility issues.
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The reliable and valid tests give you more information related to your fertility and suitable treatments.
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A specialist doctor will be able to provide you with comprehensive care and discuss what your next steps should be for treatments.
More info
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Additional testing may include female prenatal panel and Vitamin-D level.
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When using a third party to help build your family, FDA-required infectious disease screening is required.
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Fertility screening also includes a medical history and physical exam.
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Additional testing or appointments may be necessary based upon initial testing or evaluation results.
