First Steps in Fertility Testing

Getting an infertility evaluation can be scary, but undergoing testing can provide some much-needed answers on why it’s been difficult to conceive. Learn what to expect from initial fertility tests here.

Sometimes, getting pregnant can take a while and requires more than a few tries. However, if you and your partner still haven’t conceived or had a successful pregnancy after several months of having unprotected sex, it’s wise to look into fertility testing.

At Women’s Specialty Care in Lake Forest and Grayslake, Illinois, Karen Mass, MD, FACOG, and the rest of our team understand that “infertility” can be a scary thought. But we offer incredibly thorough infertility evaluations to try and discover what’s keeping you and your partner from growing your family.

In this month’s blog, we discuss when it’s time to look into fertility testing and what the first steps are in that testing process, so you know what to expect.

Do you need fertility testing?

If you’re under the age of 35 and haven’t conceived after 12 months of having unprotected sex, or if you’re over the age of 35 and haven’t conceived after six months of having unprotected sex, you and your partner should seriously consider fertility testing.

You may also want to come in for an infertility evaluation if you have diagnosed health issues with your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus; you have irregular or heavy periods; you have a history of pelvic pain or endometriosis; or you’ve had multiple miscarriages.

What happens during initial fertility testing?

When you come in for an infertility evaluation, our team starts by performing a thorough evaluation.

First, we discuss your lifestyle and medical history, which includes any past birth control use, sexual history, current sexual practices, menstrual cycles, pregnancy history, surgical history, and types of medications you’re currently taking.

Next, we perform a physical exam, which includes taking a look at your breasts, thyroid, and hair growth. A pelvic exam with a Pap test is also included.

The last step in the initial stage of fertility testing involves urine and blood tests. These allow us to examine levels of hormones that are important to fertility, such as progesterone and luteinizing hormone.

What are the next steps?

Treatment for infertility varies widely, depending on what the root cause is.

If initial tests are inconclusive, you may need additional testing, which can include imaging tests like an ultrasound or hysteroscopy. These screenings can provide information on whether or not things like ovarian cysts or uterine structural abnormalities are causing fertility issues.

Thankfully, there are plenty of methods available for addressing causes of infertility. They can include lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, prescription fertility medications, and assistive reproductive treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Our team works with you every step of the way to make sure each treatment you try is working right for you and to make adjustments as needed.

To schedule your infertility evaluation, simply call your nearest office location, or book online with us today.