The Initial Workup | Fertility4Me

Your Fertility Workup

Learn about the basic blood work and diagnostic testing that should be conducted to assess one's fertility health whether you are trying to conceive or freezing your eggs. Some of these can be run by your OB/GYN, who would refer you to a specialist when needed.

Still confused? We also decode fertility acronyms for you.

Basic Blood Work

You will be asked to come in for blood work ranging from Day 2 to 5 of your menstrual cycle, depending on the clinic. If you are already undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), you will be asked to repeat several of these tests through ovulation. Otherwise, it is a one-time test to get a baseline.

This section lists what the clinician will test for and describes the purpose for each. Hover to learn more.

AMH

Estradiol

FSH

LH

Progesterone

Thyroid

When should I have tests done?

The definition of infertility is being under 35 and having tried actively to conceive for 12 months or more without success. If you are over 35, this time is 6 months or more.

If you fall in either category, get tested, but you will likely need more than hormone testing.

Diagnostic Tests

Additional Diagnostic Tools/Procedures

Ultrasound of the ovaries first done between days 2 through 4 of your cycle. This test determines the antral follicle count (AFC), which represents the number of eggs available for pregnancy that month.

These follicles can be stimulated so that multiple can mature, rather than the typical one women ovulate monthly.

Internal Ultrasound

An x-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes to see if a patient’s fallopian tubes are open, to assess whether the uterus has normal shape, and to ensure that the cavity is not affected by fibroids, polyps, or scar tissue.

X-ray contrast is injected into the uterus and an X-ray is taken to detect abnormalities in the uterine cavity. The test also determines whether the fluid passes out of the uterus and spills out of your fallopian tubes.

If abnormalities are found, you'll likely need further evaluation. In a few women, the test itself can improve fertility, possibly by flushing out and opening the fallopian tubes.

HSG (Hystersalpingogram)

Looks for uterine or fallopian tube disease. Sometimes a hysterosonography(his-tur-o-suh-NOG-ruh-fee) is used to see details inside the uterus that can't be seen on a regular ultrasound.

Pelvic Ultrasound

This minimally invasive surgery involves making a small incision beneath your navel and inserting a thin viewing device to examine your fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. A laparoscopy may identify endometriosis, scarring, blockages or irregularities of the fallopian tubes, and problems with the ovaries and uterus.

Laparoscopy

Decoding Fertility Acronyms

Now that you have learned about the basics of hormones and testing, how does it all fit together? We've tied it all together for you.

Quick Reads

Check out our blog posts covering important fertility-related topics.

Read

Sources: ASRM, ACOG, Fertility & Sterility, MayoClinic, American Thyroid Association