When you come to our Tulsa fertility clinic for a fertility evaluation, you will have a physical examination and, usually, a transvaginal ultrasound. The next step for women is fertility bloodwork, combined with a semen analysis for men. Sometimes patients wonder why these tests are necessary, so our fertility doctors want to explain the importance of fertility testing for diagnosing infertility.
Bloodwork tells us several things about your fertility
Hormone tests check levels of several hormones that play a role in conception and pregnancy. Each test provides clues to the causes of infertility.
These are some of the most common blood tests our fertility doctors recommend during the initial evaluation.
- LH, or luteinizing hormone
- FSH, or follicle stimulating hormone
- Prolactin
- Progesterone
- Estradiol
- Testosterone
- DHEAS
- Androstenedione
Hormone levels can provide clues about your ovarian function, or your egg reserve. Well–timed tests measure Day 3 FSH and estradiol levels. We also measure the levels of inhibin B and perform an ultrasound to determine whether you have ovulated.
Additional fertility testing for women
When the initial ultrasound and bloodwork don’t tell our fertility doctors what is causing your fertility issues, we have several other testing options. These include additional ultrasound tests to examine the uterus and the ovaries, determine the thickness of your uterine lining, or monitor follicle development.
At our Tulsa fertility clinic, our physicians sometimes perform minimally invasive procedures in the office when diagnosing infertility. These might include hysteroscopies and hysterosalpingograms, or HSGs, to look for problems in your uterus or fallopian tubes. In some instances, you may need an endometrial biopsy to check the thickness of your uterine lining, to determine if it is the proper thickness needed for an embryo to implant and grow.
Tests for male factor infertility
About 40% to 50% of the time, male factor infertility, alone or combined with female infertility, is the cause of a couple’s fertility issues. Many men believe that it’s more important for women to go through fertility testing first, but we recommend that men also begin the process with a semen analysis. It save times and trouble for everyone. This analysis provides our team with vital information, including sperm count; shape, or morphology; and movement, or motility.
Several additional tests are also available for men.
- Scrotal or transrectal ultrasound
- Genetic testing
- Sperm function tests
- Hormone testing
The fertility doctors at our Tulsa fertility clinic are experts at diagnosing infertility
Our fertility team only orders additional fertility testing if necessary. Testing is usually noninvasive or minimally invasive, and every poke and prod leads you to your ultimate goal — your future family. If you are struggling with infertility, contact us for compassionate fertility care.
