Blood Infertility Test

Tests and Procedures for Infertility

Is there a blood infertility test? Is there a test that can tell a couple why they are having a difficult time conceiving a child?

• Androgen Panel
  This is done if PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is suspected. PCOS causes the eggs that are released from the ovary to form a hard cyst around it – thus not allowing the egg to be fully released. The test is performed by drawing blood from a vein in your arm and the levels of testosterone and dihydroeprandrostone are checked. High levels of these hormones can cause PCOS.
• Estrodril Blood Test
  This checks for the level of the hormone estrogen. Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm and can be done at either the LH surge prior to ovulation or 7 days post ovulation.
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone Test
  This tests for the level of follicle stimulating (FS) hormone on day 3 of your cycle. FS is responsible for the maturation of 15 to 20 eggs in each ovary every cycle.
  
• Luetenizing Hormone Test
  This tests for the level of luetenizing hormone (LH) on day 3 of your cycle. LH is responsible for causing the egg to burst from the ovarian wall.
• Prolactin Hormone Test
  This tests for the level of prolactin at 7 days past your LH surge (when ovulation occurs). Too high prolactin can suppress ovulation. Breastfeeding moms produce it – and it’s the reason why conception doesn’t normally happen in the first 6 months of breastfeeding.
• Progesterone Test
  This tests for the level of progesterone at 7 days past ovulation or LH surge. Progesterone is responsible for building up a good uterine lining for the fertilized egg to bury into. It also helps the fetus stay alive during pregnancy by keeping the body from expelling the baby.
• Thyroid Test
  This tests the function of the thyroid. It can be done at any point in the cycle. The thyroid produces hormones that if imbalanced can cause infertility. This is the first blood infertility test run if there are problems conceiving.

Next we will discuss infertility tests that are not a blood infertility test but a procedure. These tests are more invasive and will normally be run if the blood test come back inconclusive or to confirm what the blood tests may reveal.

• Endometrial Biopsy
  This procedure is done right before menstruation is due. A pregnancy blood test is given first. This test determines if there is a luteal phase defect. It involves snipping some of the endometrium from the uterus. Luteal phase defects can cause miscarriages or can prevent the fertilized egg from properly implanting and sustaining a pregnancy. The main cause of it is low progesterone.
  
• Hysterosalpingogram or HSG
  This procedure is done by inserting a dye through the cervix and into the uterine cavity. The dye will pass up into the fallopian tubes. An X-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes will determine if there are any blockages, scar tissue or tumors. This test is done before ovulation.
  
• Hysteroscopy
  If the HSG come back showing abnormalities, then a hysteroscopy is preformed. This is done by inserting a small tube called a hysteroscope in through the vagina and into the uterus to better see the environment inside. Photos are taken for evaluation.
  
• Laparoscopy
  This is done right before menstruation, after a pregnancy test has been preformed. A fiber optic tube is inserted through a tiny cut in the abdomen. A small camera in the end of the tube allows for the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus to be looked at and checked for adhesions.
• Postcoital Test
  This is preformed by obtainina a sample of cervical mucus soon after intercourse and just before ovulation. This is to determine if the sperm can survive in the cervical fluid.
  
• Semen Analysis
  This is done by obtaining a semen specimen from your partner. Normally after a 48 hour abstinence from orgasm. This checks for quantity and viability of the sperm.
• Ultrasound
  This is given on the day of the LH surge right before ovulation. This is to determine the thickness of the uterine lining. It also helps to see the follicle development and the general condition of the ovaries and uterus. This how endometriosis is diagnosed.

As you can see there are many tests for a couple trying to conceive be it a blood infertility test or an invasive procedure. The good news is that once the tests determine the problem, treatment can then be given to hopefully cure the infertility and make conception a possibility.