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A Baseline Fertility Workup
Lab Tests You Need & When to Request Them
By Jane Gregorie - September 15, 2024
Fertility is often taken for granted until challenges arise when trying to conceive. If you've been attempting to start a family without success, you might be wondering if it's time to consider fertility testing. Understanding the basics of fertility testing can be empowering, providing insight into your reproductive health and helping you take the next steps towards parenthood.
When to Consider Fertility Testing
For most couples, fertility testing becomes a consideration after about a year of trying to conceive without success. However, if you're over 35, it's advisable to seek testing after six months. Early testing might also be necessary if you have known health conditions or menstrual irregularities that could impact fertility, like irregular cycles, a short luteal phase, abnormal uterine bleeding, or a family history of early menopause/premature ovarian failure (POF).
The Basics of Female Fertility Testing
Fertility in women is influenced by several factors, including the health of the ovaries, patency of fallopian tubes, and condition of the uterus, as well as hormone levels. Here's a look at the basic tests involved in assessing female fertility:
1. Ovulation Testing:
2. Hormone Testing
3. Ultrasound Scans
4. Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
5. Ovarian Reserve Testing
The Basics of Male Fertility Testing
Male fertility is equally important, as male factors contribute to about 40-50% of infertility cases. Basic male fertility testing focuses primarily on semen analysis:
1. Semen Analysis
2. Hormone Testing
3. Physical Examination
What to Expect During the Testing Process
Fertility testing can be an emotional process, but it's a critical step in understanding your reproductive health. Initially, your healthcare provider will take a detailed medical history and discuss any symptoms or concerns you might have. Both partners should ideally be tested simultaneously to quickly identify any potential issues.
The testing process may take several weeks, depending on the types of tests required and the results. Some tests, like hormone levels, need to be conducted at specific times (ie cycle day 3 for FSH, LH, and estradiol) in a woman’s menstrual cycle, which can extend the timeline.
Moving Forward
Once the tests are completed, your doctor will review the results with you and discuss potential next steps. This could range from lifestyle changes to enhance fertility, to more advanced fertility treatments like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Fertility testing is just the beginning of your journey towards building a family. By understanding your options and taking proactive steps, you can approach this journey with greater confidence and hope.
Whether you're just starting to consider testing or are already in the midst of it, remember that you're not alone. Many couples go through this process, and with the right information and support, you can find the path that's right for you. Here at Acupuncture Denver, we frequently recommend labs since we are so well-versed in both Eastern and Western fertility diagnoses and can also interpret these labs if you have not yet been able to discuss them with your medical provider. It’s vital to seek out providers who know how to interpret fertility testing or who can suggest testing based on signs and symptoms, medical history, or cycle irregularities. We’ve supported thousands of patients from start to finish through this process and helped so many build the families of their dreams. It’s an honor to be both acupuncturists and guides who can support our patients through every step of the way so that both Eastern and Western diagnosis is accurate, and time is never wasted when further testing is indicated.
When to Consider Fertility Testing
For most couples, fertility testing becomes a consideration after about a year of trying to conceive without success. However, if you're over 35, it's advisable to seek testing after six months. Early testing might also be necessary if you have known health conditions or menstrual irregularities that could impact fertility, like irregular cycles, a short luteal phase, abnormal uterine bleeding, or a family history of early menopause/premature ovarian failure (POF).
The Basics of Female Fertility Testing
Fertility in women is influenced by several factors, including the health of the ovaries, patency of fallopian tubes, and condition of the uterus, as well as hormone levels. Here's a look at the basic tests involved in assessing female fertility:
1. Ovulation Testing:
- What It Is: One of the first steps in female fertility testing is determining whether you're ovulating regularly. Ovulation is when the ovary releases an egg, and it typically occurs once a month.
- How It’s Done: This can be assessed through blood tests that measure hormone levels, such as progesterone (typically tested 7 days past ovulation), or by tracking your menstrual cycle. At-home ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) can also be useful, as they detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that triggers ovulation. LH surge happens 24-48 hours prior to ovulation. You can have a surge without ovulation happening, especially in cases of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) since LH levels can be high in this case throughout the cycle, but if you have full flow menses, most likely you are ovulating about 11-14 days prior to that.
2. Hormone Testing
- What It Is: Hormone levels play a crucial role in fertility. Hormone tests can provide insights into ovarian reserve (how many eggs are left in the ovaries) and the overall balance of reproductive hormones.
- How It’s Done: Blood tests are conducted to measure levels of key hormones, including Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Estradiol, Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), and Prolactin (PRL). Abnormalities in these levels can indicate issues like diminished ovarian reserve, PCOS, ovulation issues or thyroid problems.
- Important note- FSH, LH, and Estradiol should be drawn on cycle days 2-4 (ideally CD 3) in order to get and accurate assessment of these levels. Usually AMH is drawn then as well. Progesterone should be tested 7 days post ovulation (not just on cycle day 21 as is often suggested).
3. Ultrasound Scans
- What It Is: An ultrasound scan can help visualize the reproductive organs to ensure that there are no structural issues affecting fertility.
- How It’s Done: A transvaginal ultrasound is commonly used to examine the ovaries and uterus. This test can detect problems like ovarian cysts and fibroids as well as to check ovarian reserve by examining the number of antral follicles in the ovaries on cycle day 3. A saline ultrasound (SHG) or hysteroscopy is needed to check for smaller uterine anomalies like polyps or a septum.
4. Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
- What It Is- HSG is a specialized X-ray used to check if the fallopian tubes are open and to assess the shape of the uterus.
- How It’s Done**: During the procedure, a dye is injected through the cervix via a catheter and into the uterus, and X-rays are taken to see how the dye moves through the uterus and fallopian tubes. Blockages or abnormalities can be identified with this test.
5. Ovarian Reserve Testing
- What It is: This test assesses the quantity and quality of a woman's remaining eggs, which can give an indication of her fertility potential.
- How It’s Done: AMH levels, FSH/Estradiol levels on day 3 of the menstrual cycle, and an antral follicle count via ultrasound are commonly used to evaluate ovarian reserve.
The Basics of Male Fertility Testing
Male fertility is equally important, as male factors contribute to about 40-50% of infertility cases. Basic male fertility testing focuses primarily on semen analysis:
1. Semen Analysis
- What It Is: The semen analysis is the cornerstone of male fertility testing, providing information about the quantity, shape, and movement of sperm.
- How It’s Done: The test is conducted by examining a sperm sample under a microscope. The analysis evaluates several factors, including sperm count, motility (how well the sperm move), morphology (the shape of the sperm), and the volume of semen. A low sperm-count or poor motility can significantlyimpact fertility.
2. Hormone Testing
- What It Is: Just like in women, hormone levels can affect male fertility. Hormone tests can reveal underlying issues like low testosterone or other hormonal imbalances.
- How It’s Done: Blood tests are used to measure levels of testosterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Luteinizing Hormone (LH).
3. Physical Examination
- What It Is: A physical examination by a urologist or fertility specialist can identify potential issues such as varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum), which can affect sperm production and motility.
- How It’s Done: The doctor will check for signs of physical abnormalities in the reproductive organs.
What to Expect During the Testing Process
Fertility testing can be an emotional process, but it's a critical step in understanding your reproductive health. Initially, your healthcare provider will take a detailed medical history and discuss any symptoms or concerns you might have. Both partners should ideally be tested simultaneously to quickly identify any potential issues.
The testing process may take several weeks, depending on the types of tests required and the results. Some tests, like hormone levels, need to be conducted at specific times (ie cycle day 3 for FSH, LH, and estradiol) in a woman’s menstrual cycle, which can extend the timeline.
Moving Forward
Once the tests are completed, your doctor will review the results with you and discuss potential next steps. This could range from lifestyle changes to enhance fertility, to more advanced fertility treatments like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Fertility testing is just the beginning of your journey towards building a family. By understanding your options and taking proactive steps, you can approach this journey with greater confidence and hope.
Whether you're just starting to consider testing or are already in the midst of it, remember that you're not alone. Many couples go through this process, and with the right information and support, you can find the path that's right for you. Here at Acupuncture Denver, we frequently recommend labs since we are so well-versed in both Eastern and Western fertility diagnoses and can also interpret these labs if you have not yet been able to discuss them with your medical provider. It’s vital to seek out providers who know how to interpret fertility testing or who can suggest testing based on signs and symptoms, medical history, or cycle irregularities. We’ve supported thousands of patients from start to finish through this process and helped so many build the families of their dreams. It’s an honor to be both acupuncturists and guides who can support our patients through every step of the way so that both Eastern and Western diagnosis is accurate, and time is never wasted when further testing is indicated.