
Female Infertility Tests
When a couple has trouble getting pregnant, doctors often recommend fertility testing. If a woman has tried for 12 months without success—or six months if she’s over 35—it’s time to look into possible causes. Female infertility tests help doctors understand why pregnancy hasn’t occurred and how to improve the chances of getting pregnant.
These tests explore many parts of a woman’s reproductive system. They examine hormone levels, egg supply, ovulation, the uterus and fallopian tubes, and more. When needed, doctors may also suggest assisted reproductive techniques like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
When is fertility testing recommended?
A woman should consider fertility testing in the following cases:
- She has tried to get pregnant for over 12 months
- She is older than 35 and has been trying for more than six months
- She has irregular periods, a known reproductive issue, or a history of pelvic infections
Testing early can help couples make better decisions about treatment. It also helps doctors prepare for fertility options like IVF or IUI.
When is fertility testing recommended?
The doctor starts by asking about your health history. They’ll want to know about:
- Past illnesses or surgeries in your groin area
- Use of medicines, steroids, or testosterone
- Habits like smoking, drinking, or using hot tubs
In these cases, early testing improves the chance of diagnosis and successful treatment. Both partners should ideally take part in fertility testing, but this article focuses on testing for women.
Female Infertility Tests: Initial evaluation
The first part of a fertility check-up begins with a discussion of the woman’s medical history. The doctor asks about menstrual cycles, sexual history, past pregnancies or miscarriages, surgeries, or illnesses like thyroid disorders or diabetes. Lifestyle habits like smoking, weight, diet, and stress are also important.
After this, the doctor performs a physical and pelvic exam. They look for signs of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), fibroids, or endometriosis. These initial steps help the doctor choose the most appropriate tests for the patient’s needs.
Hormonal and blood tests
Hormones play a key role in reproduction. A blood test to check hormone levels helps doctors understand if ovulation is happening and whether the body supports pregnancy.
The most commonly tested hormones include:
- Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH): Stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs. High levels may suggest poor ovarian function.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH): Triggers ovulation and helps egg development.
- Estradiol: A type of estrogen that supports the uterine lining.
- Hormone AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): Shows how many eggs are likely left in the ovaries. Low AMH may indicate low egg count.
- Thyroid hormones and prolactin: These also influence ovulation and the menstrual cycle.
Ovarian reserve testing usually includes AMH levels and sometimes ultrasound. It helps estimate a woman’s egg supply and guides further treatment planning.
Assessing ovulation
Ovulation is necessary for natural conception. Some women ovulate monthly, while others may not—even with regular periods. That’s why confirming ovulation is important.
Doctors can use these methods:
If sperm count stays very low, doctors may look at your genes. They order genetic tests to find inherited conditions that affect sperm production. These tests include:
- Ovulation predictor kits: Measure LH hormone in urine
- Progesterone blood test: Taken about 7 days before the next expected period
- Pelvic ultrasound: Checks if a follicle has developed and an egg has been released
If no ovulation is confirmed, medications like clomiphene or letrozole may help trigger it.
Female Infertility Tests: Imaging
The uterus and fallopian tubes are vital for conception. If the egg can’t travel to the uterus, or if the embryo can’t implant, pregnancy won’t happen.
Doctors often begin with hysterosalpingography (HSG). In this test, dye is inserted into the uterus, and X-rays are taken. This shows if the fallopian tubes are blocked or if the uterus has abnormal shape.
Another option is saline infusion sonography (SIS). The doctor uses saltwater and ultrasound to look at the uterine cavity and lining.
If needed, hysteroscopy uses a small camera to view the inside of the uterus. This helps find fibroids, polyps, or scar tissue. Laparoscopy is a small surgery done through a cut in the belly to examine the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus. It can detect endometriosis or other unseen problems.
Advanced female infertility tests
If standard tests don’t explain the problem, more detailed evaluations may help:
- Endometrial biopsy: A small sample from the uterus lining checks for problems with implantation
- Genetic testing: Looks for chromosome issues, especially after several miscarriages
- MRI scans: Create clearer images of the uterus and surrounding organs
- Immune testing: Finds rare immune conditions that might affect pregnancy
- Infection screening: Detects hidden infections from previous sexually transmitted infections
These tests offer helpful details when infertility remains unexplained.
Fertility tests for women are essential for understanding what may be preventing pregnancy. Doctors start with a full review of medical history, then use blood tests, hormone checks like follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and AMH, and ovarian reserve testing. Imaging helps find problems in the uterus and fallopian tubes. In some cases, advanced testing or even surgical views of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus may be needed.
Doctors often recommend that the partner also complete a semen analysis. Together, this gives a full picture of the couple’s fertility. If problems are found, solutions may include medication, lifestyle changes, or assisted reproductive methods such as IVF. With the right support, many couples can reach their goal of having a child.
Parenthood is a beautiful, life-changing journey that every person deserves to embark on. We at Gyn Care IVF are here to assist and accompany you on every step of this journey. With state-of-the-art facilities, renowned medical professionals and a passion for making your wishes come true, Gyn Care IVF ensures an affordable, but qualitative experience. Gain all necessary information about IVF in Athens by contacting us via WhatsApp or E-Mail and enjoy your stay!