Baby Making

Recent scientific breakthroughs in fertility testing have made it possible to determine, without a doubt, if you and your partner are fertile enough to conceive. These tests are able to pinpoint the problem and provide the solution. The problem is there are so many tests to endure. Tests to determine the fertility include:

Baseline Blood Tests

Baseline blood tests are conducted after your period starts, usually on day 2-3. 

Progesterone

A test that measures progesterone hormone levels, that's also an indicator of ovulation. 

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

This test is given to both men and women to determine menstrual regularity and pituitary disorders in the ovaries or testes.  If you have PCOS, then you may have higher levels of LH.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

This test will probably be done on day three of your menstrual cycle. It determines if your ovaries are functioning properly or if you're going through pre-menopause.

HSG (Hysterosalpingogram)

Dye is injected into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. It outlines your uterus and fallopian tubes, making it easier to see abnormalities, such as blocked fallopian tubes. This test can be somewhat painful, causing cramps.  Take an ibuprofen before you go to your test. If you have gonorrhea or chlamydia, then the doctor may not perform the test since it can spread the infection as the dye is pushed through the fallopian tubes. 

Hysteroscopy

If your doctor thinks you may have small polyps or fibroids inside your uterus, he may order this test.  It's an outpatient procedure where they insert a small tube through your cervix and into your uterus.  If it requires extensive work, he may hospitalize you to perform the procedure. 

Laparoscopy

Doctors use laparoscopy as a tool to help them examine the pelvic organs and determine if there are problems with your uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries that might contribute to your inability to conceive. The camera help the doctor examine the pelvic organs.  If there is endometriosis or scar tissue, they'll remove it at that time.  They can also remove infected fallopian tubes. This is an outpatient procedure that's performed at a surgical center or hospital and the pain afterwards is mild.

Postcoital Test

Postcoital test determines whether sperm can survive in your cervical mucus. Within 24 hours after intercourse, the woman visits the doctor's office where the cervical mucus is analyzed. If the doctor determines there are dead or stagnant sperm, he'll then test for an antibody problem. 

Semen analysis

A semen sample is gathered in the doctor's office by the man masturbating into a container. If the results are to be reliable, they must be tested within 2 hours of collecting the specimen.

Sonohysterogram

A Sonohysterogram is used to diagnose tubal obstruction, detect fibroid tumors, polyps or abnormalities in the uterus and fallopian tubes. A doctor can also evaluate "incompetent cervix" in women who have had several miscarriages. The test is usually performed in the early stage of a menstrual cycle because it should not be performed on a pregnant woman. A saline solution is inserted through the cervix into the uterus and allows the doctor to better see abnormalities. This is an outpatient procedure performed in your doctor's office and isn't painful for most women. 

Thyroid

This blood test determines if your thyroid levels (TSH and T4) are under control. If not, medication can usually bring them to normal levels. If you have an overactive thyroid, you could have trouble conceiving. The doctor will check to see if your thyroid is over (hyper) or under (hypo) active. If your partner has thyroid problems, it can contribute to a low sperm count or decreased mobility.  Women with thyroid problems may suffer miscarriages or have problems ovulating.  

FSH and Inhibin B

FSH is a hormone that can be measured by a simple blood test in the male and female. This hormone is secreted by the brain and encourages the presence of eggs in women and sperm in men. Inhibin B is a protein hormone produced by the ovaries. This test is used in to foresee ovarian reserve, as well as the egg quality and egg quantity.  If you are diagnosed with low levels of Inhibin B from your doctor, then he or she may prescribe a synthetic estrogen. 

Clomiphene citrate challenge test (CCCT)

This test measures estradiol and FSH. Blood will be drawn at the doctor's office on day 2 or 3 of your period.