When To Seek Fertility Evaluation For Women
Couples struggling to conceive may be considering fertility tests. A fertility evaluation is recommended after 12 consecutive months of failures or six months if the couple is over the age of 35. While couples can seek an infertility workup together, men and women receive different fertility tests. For women, a variety of fertility blood tests can be performed depending on the situation.
Progesterone test
A fertility specialist may test women’s blood for levels of the hormone progesterone. Progesterone increases when women are ovulating and prepares the uterine lining for a fertilized egg. The progesterone test is performed during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle to check if ovulation is occurring.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) test
A doctor may also order a woman’s blood test to check the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is essential in the production of eggs in the ovaries. A high FSH count could hinder fertility in women. FSH levels are usually checked on day three of the menstrual cycle.
Estradiol testing
Similar to an FSH test, estradiol testing occurs on the second or third day of a menstrual cycle. A blood estradiol test measures the amount of estradiol, a type of estrogen produced mainly in the ovaries, in the blood. An estradiol test also checks for a healthy ovarian function and high-quality eggs.
Luteinizing hormone (LH) test
A luteinizing hormone (LH) test for women determines the health of the ovaries. LH production stimulates the egg to release from the ovary during ovulation. A doctor may require multiple LH tests to assess the peaks and valleys of the hormone level.
Clomid challenge test
The Clomid challenge test is a type of infertility blood test used to measure a woman’s ovarian reserve, which refers to the quality of eggs produced by the ovaries. The Clomid challenge test is done with an FSH test. A patient takes a pill of clomiphene citrate on the fifth through the ninth days of a menstrual cycle, and FSH levels are checked on day 10.
Anti-m¸llerian hormone (AMH) test
An anti-m¸llerian hormone (AMH) test checks for the levels of the protein produced by cells in ovarian follicles. An AMH test can be performed on any day of a woman’s cycle. AMH levels help doctors determine how many eggs a woman has. AMH tests are usually combined with an antral follicle count (AFC) using an ultrasound scan.
A complete infertility workup
Infertility in women can be improved with an initial consultation with a healthcare provider. A doctor can create a personalized treatment plan and begin fertility testing, including bloodwork, ultrasound of the uterus, x-rays, and testing for men to identify the cause of infertility.
