Depending on your circumstances, a primary healthcare provider may be able to run several tests to determine your fertility status. These tests include the following: Blood tests, laparoscopy, semen analysis, and ovulation. If you are unsure whether you are fertile or not, your healthcare provider can perform various hormone tests to determine ovulation status and early menopause. This information will allow you to choose the best treatment option for your fertility test.
Tests for ovulation
Fertility doctors may prescribe a variety of tests for women to determine when they will begin ovulating. The first step in determining your ovulation date is an anti-Mullerian hormone test, which checks levels of an anti-Mullerian hormone, a hormone produced by the ovaries. These levels are decreasing as a woman ages, but they can still be measured and compared to those in women of the same age.
Another test to determine fertility and ovulation is a pap smear, which can detect any abnormal cells on the cervix. AMH levels can indicate the likelihood of success in IVF or fertility treatments. You can have your AMH level checked anytime during the menstrual cycle, including during an oral contraceptive. Serum progesterone levels can also be checked to determine when you ovulate.
Blood tests
A doctor can order a variety of blood tests to test your fertility to pinpoint the root cause of your problem. One-third of cases of infertility are female, while the other third are due to male factors. Depending on the results, your doctor may recommend additional testing or lifestyle changes to improve your chances of conception. A doctor can also recommend a variety of other treatments, including IVF (in vitro fertilization), ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), and other procedures.
If you’re not having success with IVF, your doctor may recommend a blood test that looks for the anti-Mullerian hormone. This hormone is released by the egg and decreases with age. Having this blood test done will give your doctor a general idea of how many eggs you’ve got left and allow her to compare your results with other women of the same age. Ultimately, your physician will tailor the test to your unique needs.
Laparoscopy
Infertility testing can include a laparoscopy. While this invasive test is most often the last step in fertility evaluation, it can also be the most effective. When performed correctly, a laparoscopy can confirm a diagnosis of infertility or provide helpful information on ways to overcome fertility problems. Before undergoing a laparoscopy, your doctor will discuss your options and provide specific instructions for preparation. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection during the procedure.
Infertility is defined as the failure of a woman to conceive after 24 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. It affects one out of every seven couples. While the issue is a medical one, couples dealing with infertility may also be dealing with psychological and financial stress. Fortunately, laparoscopy can help resolve infertility issues. A fertility doctor can perform a laparoscopy to test fertility and to remove any lesions caused by endometriosis.
Semen analysis
Semen analysis is a common fertility test performed by a medical laboratory. The procedure usually involves collecting semen samples from the patient via masturbation, urological surgery, or partner-assisted non-toxic condom. The laboratory should evaluate two samples produced at least seven days apart and no more than three weeks apart. The results of this test are generally accurate, but abnormal findings may require re-testing. The volume of semen is generally around 1.5-5.0 milliliters. Semen volume may be lower than expected, or the sample may be blocked. In such cases, the semen sample must be tested within one hour of collection.
A health professional will also look for abnormalities in the semen. In some cases, the health professional may find evidence of agglutination, a process in which sperm clump together. A microscopic examination may also identify immature germ cells and white blood cells called leukocytes. Fertility evaluation is a vital part of a woman’s medical treatment and can help detect infertility earlier. While this type of test is convenient, it should not be used as a substitute for an evaluation by a medical provider.
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