Fertility Test for Women

by Shivani Sachdev Founder & Director

Females who are not meant to conceive naturally they may be suffering from infertility, therefore some test are to be done to identify their reproductive problems. Confirmatory test for infertility in female is divided into three categories which are following:
1. Female Endocrine System Evaluation
Basic endocrine evaluation includes measurement of serum Testosterone (T) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). Name of some test included in this category are following:

Basal Body Temperature Charting (BBT): BBT is the lowest body temperature attained during rest (usually during sleep). It is usually estimated by a temperature measurement immediately after awakening and before any physical activity has been undertaken. This will lead to a somewhat higher value than the true BBT.
Endometrial Biopsy: The endometrial biopsy is a medical procedure that involves taking a tissue sample of the lining of the uterus. The tissue subsequently undergoes a histologic evaluation which helps the physician in forming a diagnosis.
Urinary Luteinizing Hormone Detection: This predicts LH surge, the urinary LH surge usually occurs about one to two days prior to the rise in BBT and 12 to 60 hours before ovulation. Test requires a woman to empty her bladder in the morning, restrict fluids, and then perform the test between 10 AM and 12 PM.
Ultrasonography: It can be performed either trans-abdominally or, preferably, trans-vaginally. It is a very useful clinical tool to evaluate follicular development and ovulation.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Oestradiol (E2): E2 is almost always tested at the same time as the FSH level to prevent an inappropriate interpretation of the test results. Several studies have demonstrated that even one elevated cycle day 2-4 FSH level is associated with a poorer prognosis.

2. Pelvic Factor Investigation
If a gynaecologist suspects a physical or anatomic problem within the women’s pelvis, the following diagnostic tests can be conducted:

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): It is a procedure in which a small amount of radio-opaque fluid is injected into the uterus and fallopian tubes, and then visualized with x-rays. An x-ray (radiograph) is a non-invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.
Hysteroscopy: This is an operative procedure performed as a diagnostic procedure or as a therapeutic intervention used to do tubal catheterization to open the blocked tubes, and, visualize the internal structure of the tubes.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging: This can be useful for differentiating Myomas and complex congenital uterine and pelvic abnormalities as well as masses.

3. Cervical Factor Investigation
If gynaecologist suspects that the source of infertility may be related to the interactions of the cervical mucus with the sperm, then the following investigations needs to be done.

Post-Coital Test: The test can help to identify difficulty in timing intercourse, sexual dysfunction, poor cervical mucus, cervical infection, low sperm count and/or motility, and the presence of antibodies.
Anti sperm Antibody Tests: Anti sperm antibody tests may be helpful in selected patients with shaking sperm motion on the semen analysis or post-coital test, or a history of testicular operation or injury.
Cervical Cultures: It is done to identifying infection in selected patients or in those undergoing intrauterine insemination or assisted reproductive technology procedures.