If you are 35 or younger and have been trying to get pregnant for over 12 months or are older than 35 and have been trying for over 6 months, you may be considering having fertility testing done. Through specific testing of both you and your partner, the experts at NCCRM fertility center Durham can have a better understanding of what is preventing you from being able to conceive naturally on your own. Since conception takes two, there are several different ways to test fertility in males and females. Not every fertility test will be done for every case. NCCRM fertility center in Durham has put together a list of the most common fertility tests performed on women to help you have a better understanding of what to expect during this uncertain time.
Ovulation Testing
An at-home, over-the-counter ovulation prediction kit detects the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs before ovulation. A blood test for progesterone, a hormone produced after ovulation, can also document that you’re ovulating. Other hormone levels, such as prolactin, also may be checked.
Hysterosalpingography
During hysterosalpingography, X-ray contrast is injected into your uterus and an X-ray is taken to detect abnormalities in the uterine cavity. The test also determines whether the fluid passes out of the uterus and spills out of your fallopian tubes. If abnormalities are found, you’ll likely need further evaluation.
Ovarian Reserve Testing
This testing helps determine the quality and quantity of eggs available for ovulation. Women at risk of a depleted egg supply may have this series of blood and imaging tests.
Blood Work
Blood work may be done to check for thrombophilia and antiphospholipid syndrome, as well as a variety of hormones, including LH, FSH, thyroid hormones, androgen hormones, prolactin, estradiol (E2), and progesterone. AMH, or anti-mullerian hormone, may also be tested for.
Imaging Tests
A pelvic ultrasound looks for uterine or fallopian tube disease. Sometimes a sonohysterogram is used to see details inside the uterus that can’t be seen on a regular ultrasound. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may request a hysteroscopy to look for uterine or fallopian tube disease. In rare occasions, a diagnostic laparoscopy may be performed when symptoms point to possible endometriosis, as part of treatment for blocked fallopian tubes, or in some cases of unexplained infertility.
NCCRM Fertility Center Durham
Once fertility testing is complete, the next step is to meet with your fertility specialist at NCCRM fertility center in Durham to discuss what the results mean, any further testing, if any, that may be recommended, what treatment might be appropriate, and deciding on future actions to take. Please feel free to contact NCCRM with any questions you may still have or to set up an appointment today!
