Fertility Tests
Sometimes, couples find it difficult to conceive a child. When this occurs, several tests may be administered. Here is a list of possible tests, which could help find the root of the the problem.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone Test
This will test the level of follicle stimulating (FS) hormone, responsible for the maturation of 15 to 20 eggs in each ovary. This test is done by drawing blood from a vein in your arm on day 3 of your cycle.
Luetenizing Hormone Test
This will test the level of luetenizing hormone, the hormone which causes the egg to literally burst through the ovarian wall. This test is done by drawing blood from a vein in your arm on day 3 of your cycle.
Semen Analysis
Your partner will give a semen specimen, usually after 48 hours of abstaining from orgasm. This test checks for viability and quantity of the sperm.
Postcoital Test
This test is performed by your physician obtaining a sample of cervical mucus, soon after intercourse and just prior to ovulation. This is to determine if the sperm can survive in your cervical fluid.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound exam is given on the day of the LH surge, the time just prior to ovulation, when luetenizing hormone is at it's highest level. This is to determine the thickness of the uterine lining, the follicle development and the general condition of the ovaries and uterus. This is often when endemetroisis is first diagnosed.
Androgen Panel
This test is performed if you physician suspects PCOS. PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) occurs when an egg is released from the ovary and forms a hard cyst around it, not allowing it to be fully released. In this disease, the ovaries become covered with these hard cysts. Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm, and the levels of testosterone and dihydroeprandrostone are checked. High levels of these hormones cause PCOS.
Prolactin Hormone Test
This test checks the level of prolactin in your body. Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm at 7 days past your luteal hormone (LH) surge, at the time that ovulation occurs.
Progesterone Test
This test checks the level of progesterone in your body. Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm at 7 days past your luteal hormone surge.
Estrodril Blood Test
This test checks the level of estrogen in your body. Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm. This test can be done at either the LH surge or 7 days post ovulation.
Thyroid Test
This test can be done at any point in your cycle. This test is performed by drawing blood from a vein in your arm, to check the levels of the hormones produced by your thyroid. Both hypo (under active) and hyper (over active) thyroid can cause infertility.
Hysterosalpingogram
This test is performed by inserting a dye through the cervix, and into the uterus. The dye then passes through your fallopian tubes. An X-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes is taken to determine if the uterus and fallopian tubes have any blockages, scar tissue and/or tumors. This test is done before ovulation.
Hysteroscopy
If the hysterosalpingogram comes back with abnormalities, then a small tube is inserted through the vagina into the uterus called a hysteroscope. Your physician can take photos of the inside of the uterus for a better evaluation.
Endrometrial Biopsy
This test is done right before menstruation is due, and after an hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) test (pregnancy test) is given, to determine if there is a luteal phase defect. It involves snipping some of the tissue from inside the uterus. A possible cause of miscarriage is low progesteronem, which causes luteal phase defects. This prevents the fertilized egg from properly implanting, and sustaining a pregnancy.
Laparoscopy
This test is done right before menstruation, after a pregnancy hCG test is done. A fiber optic tube is inserted through the abdomen to look at the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus to evaluate the endometrium and check for adhesions.
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