Fertility Tests Tips
Read these 14 Fertility Tests Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Conception tips and hundreds of other topics.
Postcoital Test
A postcoital test is done soon after having intercourse. The doctor obtains a sample of the cervical fluid. This is to determine if the sperm can survive in your cervical fluid. The test is performed just prior to ovulation.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound exams are given on the day of the luetenizing hormone (LH) surge. The ultrasound determines the thickness of the uterine lining, the follicle development and the condition of the ovaries and uterus. This is often when endometriosis is first diagnosed.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone Test
Follicle stimulating hormone level test is done by drawing blood from your arm. This test is done on day 3 of your cycle.
Hysteroscopy
If the hysterosalpingogram comes back with abnormalities then a hysteroscopy is performed. A small tube is inserted through the vagina into the uterus called a hysteroscope. Your doctor can then take photos of the inside of the uterus for a better evulation.
Laparoscopy
A laparoscopy is done right before menstruation and after an HCG pregnancy test is run. A fiber optic tube is inserted through the abdomen to look at the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus to check out the endometrium and to check for adhesions.
Semen Analysis
A semen analysis can be done at anytime. The man produces a specimen of semen through masterbation and collects in a specimen cup. For the most accurate results, the man should abstain from ejaculation for at least 48 hours. This test checks for the presence of sperm and their quantity and viability.
Prolactin Hormone Level
Prolactin is a hormone that if the levels are high enough causes anovulation or a luteal phase defect. The test is done by drawing blood from your arm 7 days past the luetenizing hormone surge.
Thyroid Test
If your thyroid is under or over active - it can greatly affect fertility. The thyroid level test is done by drawing blood from your arm. It can be done at anytime during your cycle.
Hysterosalpingogram
In a hysterosalpingogram a dye is inserted into the cervix to fill the uterus and fallopian tubes and then x-rayed. This test determines if the uterus and fallipian tubes have any blockages - such as scar tissue or tumors. It is usually done before ouvlation to insure that a fertilized egg will not be flushed out.
Progesterone Level Test
Progesterone is the hormone the body produces post ovulation. It helps to thicken the uterine lining and raises the basal body temperature. This test is done by drawing blood from your arm at 7 days past the luetenizing hormone surge. (The "norm" for performing this test is cycle day 21, assuming that ovulation occured on day 14.)
Endrometrial Biopsy
An endrometrial biopsy is done right before menstruation is due and after an HCG test (to rule out pregnancy) is given to determine if there is a luteal phase defect. It involves scraping some of the tissue from the uterus.
Luetenizing Hormone Level
Luetenizing hormone level test is done by drawing blood from your arm. This should be done on day 3 of your cycle.
Androgen Panel
An androgen panel is done if the doctor suspects PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrom). Blood is drawn from your arm and the levels of testosterone and dihydroeprandrostone are checked.
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| Sherril Steele-Carlin |
