A clinical evaluation can help inform your individual treatment plan
Here are some of the tests you may be given during your fertility journey:
Physical exam
A pelvic exam is usually performed at your physical to check the size and shape of your uterus and other internal and external organs.
Ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound is done by inserting a probe directly into the vagina. This enables a better view of the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and ovaries to check for problems like structural abnormalities or cysts.
Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy helps your fertility specialist to better see the uterine cavity to diagnose or treat problems of the uterus.
Hysterosalpingogram
A hysterosalpingogram (or HSG) is a type of X-ray that checks for any issues in the fallopian tubes and can also detect some uterine cavity problems.
Laboratory tests
Tests for women and men
The FSH test is one of several key tools for diagnosing infertility in men and women.
For women:
- Egg development: FSH helps stimulate growth and prepares eggs for ovulation
- Ovarian reserve check: Helps estimate the number of eggs left in the ovaries when measured at a specific time in the menstrual cycle
For men:
- Sperm health: FSH is crucial for the production and quality of sperm
- Infertility insights: Test results can help explain infertility or low sperm count
FSH levels are checked with a blood test. Women may also have an estradiol test to better interpret FSH results. Because FSH works with luteinizing hormone (LH) in reproduction, a test for LH is often performed at the same time.
The LH test is an important complement to other tests that help physicians diagnose fertility problems.
For women:
- Ovulation trigger: A quick rise in LH levels initiates the release of an egg
- Ovarian function: The test can help predict when ovulation will happen and if a medical condition is impacting the ovaries
For men:
- Testosterone production: LH is essential for making testosterone, a hormone necessary for making sperm
- Infertility clues: Test results can help explain infertility or low sperm count
LH levels are typically checked with a blood test, often alongside FSH levels. At-home urine tests for women can also track ovulation timing.
Tests for women
AMH tests are among the most frequently used evaluations of egg supply (ovarian reserve) because AMH levels closely correspond to a woman’s egg count. AMH testing can also help diagnose an ovarian mass. An AMH test is a blood test.
The estradiol test works with the FSH test to measure the number of eggs in the ovaries (ovarian reserve) and make sense of the FSH results. It is not used as a standalone test to check for infertility. An estradiol test is a blood test but can also be done using a urine sample.
Progesterone is important for ovulation, and an increase can indicate that a woman has ovulated. A blood test can determine your progesterone levels.
Measuring thyroid hormone levels can help your doctor determine if you have a thyroid disorder. Thyroid problems can lead to infertility, irregular periods, and miscarriages. TSH is measured with a blood test.
The pituitary gland regulates the body’s balance of hormones. One of the hormones it releases is prolactin, which stimulates breast development and milk production in women. Elevated levels of prolactin can cause abnormal ovulation. A blood test can help determine your prolactin levels. Prolactin tests are usually not done unless there are other symptoms, such as irregular periods.
Test for men
Semen analysis is a crucial part of fertility testing. This lab test determines a man’s sperm count, movement, and shape.
Your fertility care team may need to collect blood, urine, and/or semen samples for tests. Additional testing may be necessary for specific treatment options.
We’ve prepared some questions you may want to ask at your fertility evaluation as a printable worksheet.
Download fertility evaluation worksheet
