Infertility test and diagnosis for women

Infertility tests and diagnosis for women

Diagnosis begins with detailed questions about your sexual practices, medical history, menstrual history, previous fertility, medications, caffeine intake, and the amount of street drugs or alcohol consumption.

For women, testing may spread over several months for accurate diagnosis.

Infertility blood tests determine the hormone levels in the body. Hormones are produced in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary and have an intricate balance in regulating hormone levels. A blood test will measure gonadotropins (FSH, LH), estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin.

Progesterone levels are used to determine if ovulation has occurred.

Prolactin levels will determine pituitary problems or tumors.

Ovulation predictor tests at home

• Urine LH tests can help predict ovulation by measuring the LH spike and is successful predictor for some women. LH hormone spikes 14 to 48 hours prior to ovulation.
• Basal body temperature charting measures a slight rise in body temperature that occurs immediately after ovulation. However, in practice, the recording of body temperature is often inaccurately measured, thus it is not a completely reliable predictor of ovulation.

Hormone blood tests to determine ovulatory dysfunction

• Low estrogen is expected in women with infrequent or no menstruation.
• Low to Normal FSH is common in PCOS and hypothalamic amenorrhea. Obesity can distinguish between PCOS and hypothalamic amenorrhea.
• High FSH levels suggest premature ovarian failure or a low supply of eggs.

Infertility tests to evaluate fallopian tubes and uterus

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) – HSG is an important test to determine the physical condition of the uterus and fallopian tubes. A dye is injected through the cervix and fills the uterus and fallopian tubes. An x-ray will show if there are any uterine abnormalities or if the fallopian tubes are damaged. The dye may assist in future pregnancies by clearing any debris from the fallopian tubes. HSG is performed approximately 5 days after menstruation.

Transvaginal Ultrasound – a probe is inserted into the vagina and can measure the thickness of the uterine lining, as well as count the number of follicles available.

Laparoscopy – a camera called a laparoscope is inserted near the belly button and provides physical images of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. A laparoscopy is used when an HSG reveals any abnormalities.