Fertility Testing

This involves a postcoital test (PCT) which determines if the sperm is able to penetrate and survive in the cervical mucus. It also involves a bacterial screening.

This is used to assess the thickness of the lining of the uterus (endometrium), monitor follicle development, and check the condition of the uterus and ovaries. An ultrasound may be conducted two to three days later to confirm that an egg has been released.

These tests are done to assess the various hormone levels that contribute to the reproductive process. These hormone tests include the following:

• Luteinizing Hormone
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone
• Estradiol
• Progesterone
• Prolactin
• Free T3
• Total Testosterone
• Free Testosterone
• DHEAS
• Androstenedione

If both the semen analysis and the above testing return normal results, there is also additional testing that your fertility specialists may recommend.

This is simply an x-ray of your uterus and fallopian tubes. A blue dye is injected through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes. The dye enables the radiologist to see if there is blockage or any other problem.

This is a procedure that may be used if the HSG indicates that there may be problems. The hysteroscope is inserted through the cervix into the uterus, which allows your fertility specialist to see any abnormalities, growths, or scarring in the uterus. The hysteroscope allows your physician to take pictures which may be used for future reference.

This is a procedure which uses a narrow fiber optic telescope. The laparoscope is inserted through a woman's abdomen to look at the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Your physician will be checking for endometriosis, scar tissue, or other adhesions. It is important to confirm that you are not pregnant before this test is performed.

This is a procedure which involves scraping a small amount of tissue from the endometrium just prior to menstruation. This biopsy is performed to assess whether there is a hormonal imbalance or not. It is important to confirm that you are not pregnant before this test is performed.