Infertility can be a challenging and emotional experience for couples. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 12% of women aged 15 to 44 have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term.

Infertility can affect both women and men and may be caused by a variety of medical conditions. If you’ve been trying to conceive for a while without success, it’s important to talk to your doctor about having an infertility evaluation.

This evaluation will include several tests that can determine the underlying cause of infertility and help guide your treatment options.

Hormone Tests

Hormonal imbalances can contribute to infertility in both men and women. Hormone tests can help evaluate the levels of different hormones in the body and detect any imbalances that may be interfering with fertility.

: For Women

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs. High levels of FSH may indicate a decline in ovarian function, which can lead to infertility.

Luteinizing hormone (LH): LH is also produced by the pituitary gland and plays a key role in ovulation. Abnormal levels of LH may indicate problems with ovulation or a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Estradiol: Estradiol is a form of estrogen produced by the ovaries. Abnormal levels of estradiol may indicate problems with ovarian function or other hormonal imbalances.

: For Men

Testosterone: Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and plays a crucial role in sperm production. Low levels of testosterone may indicate problems with fertility.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): FSH is also produced in men and plays a role in sperm production. High levels of FSH in men may indicate a decline in testicular function.

Luteinizing hormone (LH): In men, LH stimulates the production of testosterone and also plays a role in sperm production. Abnormal levels of LH may indicate problems with fertility.

Semen Analysis

A semen analysis is a test that evaluates sperm count, motility, and morphology. This test is typically done for the male partner and can help determine if there are any issues with sperm production or function.

During the test, the man will provide a semen sample, which will be evaluated under a microscope.

Sperm count refers to the number of sperm present in the sample, motility refers to the ability of the sperm to swim and move towards the egg, and morphology refers to the shape and size of the sperm.

If the results of a semen analysis are abnormal, further testing may be recommended to determine the underlying cause and guide treatment options.

Ovarian Reserve Testing

Ovarian reserve testing is a series of tests that evaluate a woman’s egg supply. These tests can help determine if there are any issues with ovarian function that may be contributing to infertility.

: For Women

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH): AMH is produced by the follicles in the ovaries and provides an estimate of a woman’s egg reserve. Low levels of AMH may indicate a decline in ovarian function.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): FSH levels can also be used to evaluate ovarian function. High levels of FSH may be a sign of reduced ovarian function.

Antral follicle count (AFC): Antral follicles are small follicles that have the potential to develop into mature eggs.

An ultrasound can be used to count the number of antral follicles, which provides an estimate of a woman’s egg reserve.

Tubal Evaluations

Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can prevent the sperm and egg from meeting, making it difficult for pregnancy to occur. Tubal evaluations can help determine if there are any issues with the fallopian tubes that may be contributing to infertility.

: For Women

Hysterosalpingography (HSG): HSG is a type of x-ray that uses dye to visualize the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes. This can help determine if the tubes are open or blocked.

Sonohysterography: Sonohysterography uses ultrasound to evaluate the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes. This can help detect any abnormalities that may be contributing to infertility.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing may be recommended for couples who have a history of genetic disorders or who have a higher risk of passing on certain genetic conditions to their children.

Genetic testing can help identify any genetic mutations or abnormalities that may be interfering with fertility.

: For Women

Karyotype: A karyotype is a type of genetic test that evaluates the number and structure of a woman’s chromosomes. Abnormalities in the chromosomes can lead to infertility or miscarriage.

: For Men

Y chromosome microdeletion: Y chromosome microdeletion is a genetic test that evaluates whether a man has any missing genes on his Y chromosome. This can lead to problems with sperm production and fertility.

Conclusion

Infertility can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, and the underlying cause may be different for each individual or couple.

There are several tests that can be done to determine the underlying cause of infertility, which can help guide treatment options and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.