Fertility Tests for Women: A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating the journey of fertility can often feel overwhelming and complex. Whether you're planning for a family now or considering your options for the future, understanding your reproductive health is crucial. Fertility tests for women are a key component in this process, providing essential insights into your body's readiness for pregnancy and helping to identify any potential obstacles.
In this guide, we'll demystify the various fertility tests available, explaining what they involve, why they are important, and how they can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
What is a fertility test?
Fertility testing typically involves examinations and tests to identify any potential issues affecting your fertility. This information can be used to identify the underlying cause of infertility or better understand how likely you are to achieve pregnancy, with or without fertility treatment. However, these tests cannot guarantee with absolute certainty your chances of getting pregnant.
Types of Fertility Tests
At the Reproductive Medicine Group, fertility testing for women starts with a review of your medical history and a physical exam to evaluate your general health. Additional diagnostic tests can include hormonal evaluations, and radiological (ultrasound) imaging tests. These fertility tests provide valuable insights into your reproductive health and help make informed decisions.
Physical Evaluations
While hormonal factors account for many common fertility issues, physical problems can also lead to infertility. Physical evaluations and procedures can identify blockages, malformations, and other conditions that interfere with conception.
Hormonal Tests
Blood tests allow us to measure levels of estrogen, androgens, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and other hormones in your system at different stages of your menstrual cycle. This information allows us to perform more specific fertility tests or recommend appropriate treatments.
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that provides an indirect measure of ovarian functioning. Measuring the amount of FSH in a blood sample can help identify if the ovaries (sex organs) are working as they should. For example, elevated FSH levels may indicate a decrease in the number of eggs a woman has (ovarian reserve). However, test results can vary between menstrual cycles, making the test results less reliable than other fertility tests.
- Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH): AMH is generated by the ovarian follicles/eggs and corresponds to egg supply(count). Unlike FSH, blood work can be obtained at any time during a cycle. Higher AMH levels generally indicate a higher ovarian reserve, while lower levels may suggest a diminished reserve. It is important to note that an AMH test does not predict your fertility, and you should discuss your results with your physician, because age also significantly impacts egg quality.
- Estradiol (E2): Estradiol is a form of estrogen that plays a critical role in reproductive health. This test is often used to access ovarian function and menstrual cycle irregularities.
- Progesterone: Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries after ovulation and is crucial for regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy. Progesterone tests are used for confirming ovulation.
- Androgen: Excess androgen levels can help identify and diagnose polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common infertility-related diagnosis.
Imaging Tests
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a minimally invasive fertility test that uses sound waves to create images and assess internal bodily structures. Ultrasounds can confirm the size, shape, and position of reproductive organs, as well as identify issues like uterine fibroids, or ovarian cysts.
- Antral Follicle Count (AFC): ACF is typically obtained early in the menstrual cycle using transvaginal ultrasound measurements. The size of the ovaries and the number of visible immature follicles/eggs seen early in the cycle have been linked to the number of eggs that have the potential to develop during a treatment cycle.
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG): An HSG is performed by injecting an X-ray contrast liquid into the uterine cavity and monitoring its progress through the fallopian tubes This test allows us to check for blockages in the fallopian tubes as well as uterine abnormalities. If an abnormality is revealed, special ultrasound examinations such as saline infusion sonogram (SIS) may be recommended.
- Saline Infusion Sonogram (SIS): Saline infusion sonogram, or saline sonography, is often performed to ensure the endometrial cavity appears normal. It also allows us to check for benign uterine growths such as endometrial polyps or uterine fibroids and scar tissue. This test is often recommended for people who experience recurrent pregnancy loss, irregular or very heavy menstrual cycles, chronic pelvic pain or those planning an IVF cycle.
When should women consider getting their fertility tested?
The right time to have your fertility tested largely depends on personal circumstances.
It is recommended women under the age of 35 see a fertility specialist if you have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success. For women over the age of 35, it is recommended you undergo female fertility tests after six months of trying. Additionally, if you have experienced 2 or more miscarriages, you should consider seeing a fertility specialist.
Additionally, understanding your fertility health can help plan for your future and prepare for fertility preservation methods, such as egg freezing.
Women who have a family history of fertility issues or reproductive conditions such as endometriosis or PCOS may consider fertility testing prior to the above timelines to find answers and receive help treating the issues at hand.
Conclusion
Whether you are actively trying to conceive or planning for the future, fertility tests are a valuable tool in understanding your reproductive health.
At the Reproductive Medicine Group, we offer on-site fertility testing for both men and women. Based on your specific needs, our physicians can determine which fertility tests are right for you. Our fertility specialists will explain the details of each test, what to expect during the procedure, and answer any questions you may have.
Schedule a consultation to learn more about your fertility and take control of your reductive health.