Fertility Testing

Day 3 fertility testing is commonly done in our office as part of the evaluation of the female partner. A series of blood tests are done early in the morning. We will measure reproductive hormone levels in your blood to assess egg quality. These tests will give us an idea of how sensitive your ovaries are to fertility drugs. We can then determine the dosage you may need in order to ensure adequate ovulation. A thyroid test, as well as infectious disease screening, will also be done through blood work. You will also be offered the opportunity to undergo carrier screening. Carrier screening refers to genetic blood tests designed to help determine your risk of having a child with an inherited genetic disease. This test can help identify couples at risk to pass down serious, prevalent, clinically-actionable inherited conditions that could affect your baby. Vaginal Ultrasound is also commonly done on Day 3 and uses sound waves to create images. Your ultrasound will assess the uterus, ovaries, endometrium (lining of the uterus) and the nearby pelvic areas to check for abnormalities and structural reasons for infertility. It takes just a few minutes and causes minimal discomfort.

OTHER TESTS THAT MAY BE ORDERED:

  Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) test may be ordered by your doctor and is done on an outpatient basis at a radiology center. It involves injecting a small amount of fluid into your uterus that shows up on an X-ray. The dye outlines the inside of the uterus and tubes. If the fallopian tubes are open, the fluid passes into the surrounding pelvic cavity and is re-absorbed by your body. Your doctor will provide your with more details on how this test is done. Sonohysterogram (Saline sonogram or water ultrasound) is a test done to examine the uterine cavity for abnormalities by vaginal ultrasound and looks for polyps, scar tissue, or fibroids. It takes approximately 10 minutes in the office and is associated with minimal discomfort. Your Coach will assist you in scheduling this procedure. Office Hysteroscopy: Hysteroscopy is used to diagnose or treat problems of the uterus. The actual procedure often takes less than 2 minutes. A hysteroscope is a thin (3.1 mm), lighted telescope-like device. It is inserted through your vagina into your uterus during an office visit. Patients appreciate the comfort and convenience of having hysteroscopic procedures done in a familiar setting like our office. Patients can generally be in and out of the office in less than 30 minutes for this procedure.

Male infertility testing starts with a semen analysis to establish if there is a sperm problem. Once a sperm sample is collected, our andrology technician will evaluate the sperm count as well as the appearance, shape, and motility (ability to move) of the sperm sample. If an abnormality is found, a second sample is often requested. Blood tests may be ordered which include:

• Hepatitis B serology
• Hepatitis C serology
• RPR serology
• HIV serology
• Male reproductive hormone levels

After testing is complete you will meet with your doctor to discuss your treatment options and decide what is right for you. Once you decide on how to proceed, our doctors will begin your treatment.