After a reasonable time period of trying for conception gives no positive result requires consultation with the doctor having specialization in obstetrics and gynecology. The following are some tests usually prescribe to evaluate the fertility tests.
Ovulation testing
Self ovulation testing can be done at home by using an ovulation prediction kit. This diagnostic kit is available as over-the-counter (OTC) product at a pharmacy store. The kit assesses the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs before ovulation.
However, a blood test is performed in a clinical laboratory for confirmation. A blood test detects the progesterone level, which is produced after ovulation. Sufficient progesterone level in blood can confirm ovulation. Some additional hormone level tests, such as prolactin level can also be estimated for checking ovulation.
Hysterosalpingography
This test is performed for detecting the abnormalities of the uterine cavity. In this test, X-ray contrast has injected the uterus and then X-ray imaging techniques applied to take images of the uterus. This test can detect the fluid passage in the uterine cavity and to spills out to the fallopian tubes. Detection of abnormalities requires further investigation. In some cases, hysterosalpingography is beneficial for improving fertility by correcting the flushing out the fluid from the uterus and also opening the fallopian tubes.
Ovarian reserve testing
This test is performed for determining the quantity and quality of eggs for ovulation. This test and subsequent imaging tests and blood tests are performed for women who have a higher risk for diminishing egg supply, including women with more than 35 years of age.
Other hormone tests
Thyroid and pituitary are two important endometrial glands, which secrete certain hormones including T3, T4, TSH, FSH, LH has direct regulatory action on the reproductive process. Therefore, these hormonal testing are also included during a fertility evaluation.
Imaging tests
Pelvic ultrasound is a common test performed to take images of the uterine or fallopian tube to detect any disease affect these reproductive organ parts. Sometimes, the doctor also prescribes to perform hysterosonography for detail medical assessment in case of the complicated condition.
Depending upon the clinical findings from above-mentioned fertility tests, the following medical tests may require to perform in rare cases:
Additional imaging tests
Hysteroscopy may doctor prescribed after a thorough symptomatic assessment. Hysteroscopy provides details of uterine or fallopian tube disease.
Laparoscopy
This is a minor surgical invasive procedure requires to make a tiny slit under the navel and insert a camera guided thin catheter-like tube device for examining the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. A Laparoscopy helps to detect ovarian and uterine problems and also identify endometriosis, injury, blockages or abnormalities of the fallopian tubes.
Genetic testing
Genetic testing helps to detect the interference of genetic defect in fertility and leads to infertility.