Fertility Tests for Women

Fertility tests (also known as infertility tests) are investigations conducted to determine why a couple is not successful in becoming pregnant. If a couple planning on having a baby has been having normal, unprotected sex for over a year without a positive outcome, it is time to find out why.

As such, it is important for both partners to visit a qualified health provider to find out what exactly is preventing their conceiving. However, before going in for the tests, it is recommended that a couple try fertility awareness methods (FAM), and if they still fail to become pregnant, seeking the help of their health provider is definitely in order.

So, what do these tests entail for the woman?

Normally, the first step is for the woman to keep track of her ovulation cycle through fertility awareness methods or with a fertility monitor to garner valuable information regarding her ovulation as well as determining whether she is ovulating or not.

On the first visit, the fertility specialist will enquire about the woman’s medical history including information regarding menstrual history, sexual practices and birth control methods, medications, intake of caffeine, tobacco, alcohol and/or drugs such as marijuana etc. and history of sexually transmitted diseases, if any. A complete physical examination which involves a pelvic examination and a Pap test will be conducted in order to determine overall health and to find out if there are any obvious reasons pointing to infertility.

If recommended by the fertility specialist, initial tests could include:

• 
  Ultrasound tests: This test is conducted to check the condition of the uterus and the ovaries. Ultrasound will be used to see if there are fibroid tumors in the uterus or abnormal cysts in the ovaries.
• Blood tests: Hormone levels that contribute towards the reproductive process will be assessed. These include luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, free T3, testosterone, DHEAS and androstenedione.
• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): A simple x-ray of the uterus an fallopian tubes that will reveal if there is a blockage or any other problem.
• Postcoital test: Some doctors may recommend this test in order to analyze the woman’s cervical mucous. This test has to be done within a reasonable time after intercourse to determine whether the sperm are alive and able to move normally through the mucous.

Depending on the results of the above investigations, further tests may be recommended. These could include:

• Hysteroscopy: This test may be conducted if the HSG suggests that there may be problems in the uterus. A hysteroscope inserted through the cervix into the uterus takes pictures that record and show any growths, scarring or other abnormalities in the uterus.
• Laparoscopy: A laparoscope (narrow fiber-optic telescope) inserted through the woman’s abdomen aims to study the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries for endometriosis, scarring or other abnormalities.
• Endometrial biopsy: This procedure is conducted just before menstruation and involves scraping a small bit of the endometrium (uterine lining) in order to find out if there is any hormonal imbalance.

Further investigations may involve antibody tests or genetic (Karyotype) tests. Antibody tests are conducted to find out if there are any antisperm antibodies present in the blood or vaginal secretions. Karyotype is a blood test that studies the chromosomes in the cells for genetic abnormalities that may affect fertility.

Infertility can be treated more successfully in women than in men. In most cases, fertility tests help in discovering the cause of infertility allowing for appropriate treatment but not all infertility disorders can be treated. Since fertility tests can be expensive, it is important for the couple to decide just how far they are willing to take their investigations.