Types of Fertility Tests

There are a number of types of fertility testing that can help our fertility doctors to establish the source of a couple’s infertility.

Hormone Evaluation
There are several hormones that must work together in the female body for pregnancy to occur and progress properly. Levels of reproductive hormones FSH, LH, and estradiol are measured around day three of the woman’s menstrual cycle to determine her ovarian reserve (remaining egg supply). Hormone fertility testing can also detect the presence of excess androgens – male hormones produced by a woman’s ovaries and adrenal glands. Elevated androgen levels may indicate polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Transvaginal Ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound test uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. This image allows the physician to detect any irregularities. It can also help us monitor the growth of the ovarian follicles.

Saline Infusion Sonogram (SIS) or fluid ultrasound (FUS)
Is an ultrasound test done after a saline solution has been infused into the uterus through the cervix. The saline solution distends the uterus and acts as a contrast to the internal structure. This procedure provides more detail than a conventional ultrasound.

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
An important part of a basic infertility evaluation, a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is a radiology procedure that is used to detect irregularities inside of the woman’s uterus and fallopian tubes.

Hysteroscopy/Tubal Catheterization
Hysteroscopy is a procedure frequently utilized in the diagnostic evaluation of infertility. It is also commonly performed prior to more advanced fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization. Hysteroscopy is generally performed under anesthesia or conscious sedation. It involves placing a small camera through the cervix and directly examining the uterine cavity. Abnormalities, such as endometrial polyps, scar tissue, and small fibroids can identified and frequently treated in the same procedure. It is also possible to evaluate the status of the fallopian tubes with hysteroscopy by utilizing a tubal catheterization procedure. Your physician will discuss if this procedure is an option for you.

Laparoscopy
During the laparoscopy fertility testing procedure, a small instrument called a laparoscope is inserted through a minute incision in the woman’s navel. The instrument’s tiny camera allows the fertility specialist to look for abnormalities of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes such as fibroid tumors, scar tissue, and endometriosis.