When you’re having difficulties in trying to conceive, we understand how painful and daunting that can be. If you’re concerned about infertility, the best thing to do is to make an appointment with a doctor, preferably an infertility specialist. He or she will start by talking with you and your partner about your medical health and habits. Although you may find some of the questions awkward or embarrassing, it’s the best way to evaluate what might be causing your trouble. In many cases, infertility is the result of a combination of problems, sometimes in each partner, which makes a thorough examination important.
Firstly, we will take a look at some of the female tests for infertility.
1/ Female blood tests – Hormones levels
A. On day 3 of your cycle
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
If too low, this prevents follicle recruitment.
If too high, this may indicate diminished ovarian response (FSH rises with age).
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
An LH that is higher than FSH is an indication of possible PCOS.
Prolactin
Prolactin stimulates breast milk production and inhibits FSH.
Oestrogen
Raised oestrogen (estrodiol) can indicate diminished ovarian reserve, or possible presence of a cyst.
Progesterone
An elevated level on day 3 indicates a lower pregnancy rate (progesterone failing to diminish and rise at correct time during the cycle).
Insulin
Excess insulin increases the production of androgens.
High levels of insulin cause the ovaries to overproduce testosterone, interfering with the development of the follicles.
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Hypothyroidism can have an effect on fertility as it upsets the general hormone balance.
B. On day 21 of your cycle
Progesterone
Without sufficient progesterone to support the endometrium, the embryo will miscarry.
C. Any day of your cycle
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)
Produce by ovarian follicles, AMH gives an indication of ovarian reserve – the quantity but not the quality of the remaining egg supply.
Often interpreted alongside an Antral Follicle Count (AFC).
2/Uterine tests
Laparoscopy
A surgical procedure in which the abdomen is inflated with gaz and a fibre-optic instrument is inserted through the abdominal wall to view the uterus and other organs.
Done under general anaesthetic, it may include surgery to remove endometrial tissue, adhesions, etc…
HyCoSy (Ultrasound with hysterosalpingo contrast Sonography)
Sugar water is injected into the uterus and fallopian tubes are checked for blockages. Ultrasound examination avoids the use of X-rays.
Hysteroscopy
The inside of the womb is inspected by a miniature telescope in a narrow tube; biopsy or removal of a polyp may happen at the same time if necessary. Local anaesthetic only.
Transvaginal ultrasound
Type of pelvic ultrasound used to look at the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina may show up conditions such as:
- Bicornuate (bicornate) uterus, a malformation where the uterus spilts into two “horns” at the upper part; associated with recurrent miscarriage, preterm birth and breech presentations
- Retroverted (tilted) uterus , where the uterus is tilted backwards instead of forwards. Possibly 20% of woman have this. No impact on fertility. Becoming pregnant frequently realigns the uterus correctly
Antral Follicle Count (AFC)
Antral follicles are visible by vaginal ultrasound. Scanning on day 2 to 5 of the cycle. It shows the number of eggs in the process of developing (the number of follicles), enabling ovarian reserve to be predicted.
3/ Others tests
Body Mass index
BMI is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the height in metres square. Increased BMI is associated with increased testosterone
BMI above 30: consistent with hyperinsulinaemia ( metabolic syndrome), a feature of obese women with PCOS
BMI below 19: typically results in reduced hormone levels, sub fertility and the risk of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage and low birth weight
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Such as Chlamydia: Often asymptomatic, it can damage the fallopian tubes
Semen Analysis (Sperm Test)
As women are the carriers of the child, infertility in men if often overlooked to begin with. Evaluates certain characteristics of a male’s semen and sperm such as sperm count, motility, morphology, volume, liquefaction
Chromosomal Testing
Of both partners, to screen for genetic defectS. Done on the NHS only after three consecutive miscarriages
If you have any questions, please do get in touch to discuss how I may be able to help you.
