EVALUATE. Female fertility testing is completed when conception does not occur after one year of unprotected intercourse or after six months in women over the age of 35, or if there are other identified issues causing infertility, a medical evaluation for both the male and female partner is recommended at LIV.
An estimated 12 percent of all women aged 15 to 44 in the US have trouble getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term. Given that fertility is an important part of most women’s lives, it is important to go through a female fertility testing procedure in the event one can’t get pregnant.
Female fertility testing is a test carried out on women to determine whether ovulation is taking place, to predict the next ovulation, to evaluate ovarian function or reserve, to test whether or not ovulation took place in the current cycle, and to measure how receptive a uterus is to pregnancy during the second half of the cycle.
Which women should consider a fertility check?
A female fertility test is an important part of determining whether you are suffering from infertility. This test is usually carried out by a trained professional in our LIV Fertility Center.
Failure to get pregnant for a year or six months if you are above 35 years of age is not the only reason why you should seek a fertility test for women. Other conditions that would warrant a test include:
- If you have been previously diagnosed with a reproductive system problem of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or uterus
- If your periods are heavy, irregular or absent for a considerable amount of time.
- If you have recurrent miscarriages
- If you have a history of endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or pelvic pain.
During your fertility consultation, a LIV fertility specialist will review the following topics:
- Menstrual history
- Pregnancy history
- Birth control history
- History of sexually transmitted diseases
- Current sexual patterns
- Medications
- Surgical history
- Other significant health problems
- Lifestyle and work environment
Female Infertility Testing
There are several types of fertility tests carried out on women. They include:
Physical Exam
- Thyroid exam. The doctor will examine the thyroid for any abnormalities
- Hair distribution. They will examine any unusual or excessive hair patterns on the face and body, indicating a possible increase in male hormones which could affect fertility.
- Breast examination. They will examine the size and shape of the breasts and test for liquid exertion which may indicate the presence of increased prolactin, a hormone that prevents ovulation.
- Pelvic examination. They will then inspect the cervix to locate any unusual growths, sores, discharge, or infection.
Ovulation Testing
- Blood Tests and Ultrasound. Blood tests measure levels of estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH), while frequent ultrasounds track follicular growth. A female fertility blood test is used to check levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, which triggers the ovaries to prepare an egg for release each month. High FSH can mean lower fertility in women. The FSH blood levels get checked early in the menstrual cycle (often on day 3).
Ovarian Function Testing
The assessment of ovarian reserve is routinely performed through various reserve and function tests in order to predict the response and outcome in couples before prescribing IVF Mexico. The most conventional and advanced tests are basal follicle-stimulating hormone and anti-Mullerian hormone and antral follicle count.
Ovarian reserve testing includes:
- Day 3 Blood Tests. By looking at hormone levels such as FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone) and E2 (Estradiol) drawn at the beginning of the menstrual cycle (days 2, 3, or 4), the doctor will get a good indication of a woman’s ovarian reserve.
- Baseline Ultrasound. A transvaginal pelvic ultrasound may be performed several days after the LH surge to determine if ovulation has occurred.
Luteal Phase Testing
The luteal phase starts during the second half of a menstrual cycle. The Luteal phase normally lasts between 12-14 days after ovulation and will happen after ovulation. This phase is responsible for producing progesterone.
The production of hormone secretions such as progesterone and estrogen happens in the luteal phase in order to help prepare the uterine lining for a possible fertilized egg.
Here at the LIV Fertility Center, we diagnose luteal phase defect through conducting two, out-of-phase biopsies typically 2 days prior to the start of menstruation.
An endometrial biopsy involves taking a small piece of tissue from the uterine lining. This test determines if the lining is thick enough for a fertilized embryo to implant. The results will indicate endometrial development.
Female Fertility Tests at Home
In a booming fertility industry, there have never been more options available to couples trying to conceive. This includes options for women to carry out a female fertility test online. According to the American Pregnancy Association, ovulation kits track luteinizing hormones to gauge when the most fertile time of your cycle is. The Luteinizing hormone surges 24-48 hours prior to ovulation, so that’s when you can plan around having sex.
Ovulation kits are a great first step for providing women with the preliminary knowledge of their own reproductive health. And while we certainly understand the convenience and privacy of testing at home using a female fertility kit, it is important to consult with a specialized reproductive endocrinologist for better insight into fertility.
The LIV Lifeline
Regardless of your situation, our leading infertility specialists work closely with you to develop a personalized fertility treatment plan based on both male and female fertility tests. We offer intended parents a unique fertility lifeline and create a unique vision for the everlasting dream of parenthood. Contact the leading Puerto Vallarta, Mexico IVF clinic for the best fertility services today.
