We Answer Your FAQs About Female Fertility Testing

If you’ve faced difficulty trying to conceive, you may be exploring fertility test options. Female fertility testing can help identify potential causes of infertility so you can get the appropriate treatment and increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

At Associates in Women’s Healthcare, we have worked closely with hundreds of women across the Raleigh area, helping them with the challenges of infertility. We also understand the pain and stress involved with infertility, and we want you to know that we are here for you. If you’ve had difficulty conceiving, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us so we can give you the quality care you need and deserve.

In this article, we’ll address types of fertility tests, when you should undergo fertility testing, and if your partner should also be evaluated.

What Are the Different Types of Female Fertility Testing?

Finding the underlying cause of infertility is the first step to treating it. To start, we’ll take your medical history, including asking questions about your pregnancy and menstrual cycle history, birth control use and sexual practices, and discuss other relevant health topics with you.

Your doctor may recommend a complete physical exam, including a pelvic exam and a Pap smear and want to test your hormone levels. Depending on your situation, they may also want to examine your uterus and fallopian tubes and conduct a pelvic ultrasound to detect the presence of uterine or ovarian diseases.

We’ll let you know what to expect during your initial appointment and any follow-up appointments.

Infertility tests we may suggest include:

Ovulation testing via a blood test to measure hormone levels to determine if you’re ovulating
Ovarian reserve testing to discern how many eggs you have for ovulation
Additional tests to check levels of hormones that control ovulation, including pituitary hormones
Imaging tests, such as a pelvic ultrasound, and in some cases, a saline infusion sonogram or sonohysterogram, are tests that can reveal details that can’t be detected on a standard ultrasound
Thyroid function testing, because sometimes infertility can be related to thyroid gland issues

Additional tests, if necessary, might include:

Hysterosalpingography is a test that examines the uterus and fallopian tubes by injecting a special dye into the uterus, then taking an X-ray
Hysteroscopy, in which a thin, lighted instrument is placed into the uterus via the cervix to check for irregularities
Laparoscopy, in which a thin viewing device is used to check the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. A laparoscopy may find endometriosis and other fallopian tube problems, as well as problems with the ovaries and uterus. The procedure can also remove fibroids or endometriosis tissue.
Endometrial biopsy, in which a small amount of tissue from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is scraped and tested to gauge if it is thick enough for a fertilized egg to implant and grow

Keep in mind, this is simply a list of some of the fertility tests available, not a list of required exams – your doctor may find the cause of infertility with just one or two tests. We may also advise testing not included above. Your care team will discuss recommended tests with you based on your situation.

When Should I Consider Female Fertility Testing?

Fertility testing is recommended if you’ve been trying to conceive for at least a year without success, or for six months if you’re 35 or older.

You may also want to consider seeking a fertility evaluation if you’re planning to become pregnant and experience any of the following:

Absent or irregular periods, extremely painful periods, or other menstrual problems
You’re over 40 years old
You have endometriosis
You have pelvic inflammatory disease
You’ve had miscarriages
You or your partner have a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
You have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or high blood pressure
You’ve had chemotherapy or cancer treatment

Sometimes, infertility doesn’t have an obvious cause and despite normal test results, you may still have trouble conceiving, a condition known as unexplained infertility.

Should My Partner Get Fertility Testing Too?

Yes, your partner should also get tested. According to the American Pregnancy Association, male factors account for around 50% of infertility cases.

Infertility testing for men may include:

A physical exam that includes checking the genitals
Semen analysis, which can sometimes be done with an at-home semen analysis kit
Hormone testing via a blood test to check testosterone levels and levels of other male hormones
Genetic testing to determine if there are genetic defects impacting fertility
An ultrasound to check for problems in the scrotum or in the glands that make fluids that become semen

Should I See A Fertility Specialist Or OB-GYN?

If you’re dealing with infertility and wondering if you should see a regular OBGYN or a fertility specialist, it might help to understand the difference:

A reproductive endocrinologist, also called a fertility specialist, is an OBGYN with advanced training in fertility evaluation and treatment, including diagnosing and treating hormonal imbalances and infertility issues in men and women.

You can rest easy knowing you will find reproductive endocrinologists at Associates in Women’s Healthcare.

Experience Dedicated, Compassionate Care on Your Fertility Journey

We understand how physically and emotionally taxing infertility can be. We have years of experience helping women conceive and bring their dreams of becoming a mom to a healthy baby to life.

The first step on the path to that dream may include fertility testing. At Associates in Women’s Healthcare, we offer fertility testing in a compassionate, encouraging environment where you will be supported through the testing phase and all the demands of your fertility journey. We invite you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.

The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.

Sources:

American Pregnancy Association, “Fertility Test for Women,”
https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/fertility-test-for-women/

The Mayo Clinic, “Infertility: Diagnosis and Treatment,”
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354322