Infertility & Reproduction Health Center

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Fertility Problems - Exams and Tests

Testing for a cause of infertility usually starts with simple tests for both partners. In addition to an interview and physical examinations, your initial tests will check semen quality and both partners' hormone levels in the blood. Hormone imbalances can be a sign of ovulation or sperm production problems that can be treated.

If your initial test results show no cause of infertility, your doctor may recommend checking fallopian tube function. Depending on your age and other risk factors, you may then be offered further testing or you may begin treatment with superovulation, intrauterine insemination, or both.

Should I have infertility testing?

**Commonly used tests for finding the cause of infertility**
Who is tested	Type of test
The woman	Charting basal body temperature (BBT) at home to identify ovulation phases, often for a few menstrual cycles before considering medical testing. Use a simple Fahrenheit temperature chart(What is a PDF document?) or Celsius temperature chart(What is a PDF document?) to track your temperature for a few months. Many doctors recommend that women use a home ovulation test kit to test luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in urine to confirm that ovulation occurs within 12 to 36 hours of your temperature increase.
Both the man and the woman	Medical history and physical examination Chlamydia test, because untreated chlamydia can cause female infertility and can infect a newborn at birth.
The man	Semen analysis, to check the amount and quality of semen and sperm and for signs of infection. Abnormal test results are usually confirmed with another semen analysis, then followed with testosterone and FSH tests.
The man or the woman	Hormone tests, to check for a woman's ability to ovulate or a man's ability to produce sperm. These may include: Luteinizing hormone (LH). Abnormal LH levels can be a sign of female ovulation problems or male testosterone production problems. Progesterone. Low progesterone levels can be a sign of ovulation problems. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), sometimes followed by a more specific clomiphene challenge test of the egg supply. High FSH levels may be a sign of low egg supply, or ovarian reserve; low FSH levels can prevent ovulation or, in men, sperm production. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Abnormal thyroid function can affect the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Prolactin. High prolactin can be a sign of a pituitary problem, which can affect ovulation. Testosterone. Low testosterone in men can cause sperm production problems. High levels in women can cause irregular menstrual periods. No test provides absolute proof that the ovaries are releasing eggs. But basal body temperature charting, LH, and progesterone testing can provide strong evidence of ovulation.

If the above tests are normal (sperm is within normal ranges and ovulation is regular), one of the following tests is often done next.

**Other infertility tests**
Who is tested	Type of test
The woman	Pelvic ultrasound to study egg follicle development Hysterosalpingogram or sonohysterogram (through the vagina) to check the uterus and fallopian tubes for signs of damage or structural problems Hysteroscopy (through the vagina) to examine the uterus, sometimes done in addition to a hysterosalpingogram Laparoscopy (through an abdominal incision) to look for and possibly repair conditions such as uterine fibroids, scarring from pelvic inflammatory disease, or endometriosis that can prevent pregnancy

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 21, 2008

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.