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For the millions of couples who face the challenges of infertility, many factors come into play from both partners. Men’s issues account for approximately 50 percent of all infertility cases, but there are indicators that tell doctors if a woman requires further testing. Two general signs are:

• A woman under 35 has not become pregnant after one year of trying (with regular, unprotected intercourse
• A woman over 35 has not become pregnant after 6 months of trying

If your doctor recommends fertility testing, it’s important to know what to expect.

A complete guide to fertility testing for women

Many women who struggle to get pregnant have multiple problems contributing to their infertility, which is why there are many kinds of fertility tests available. What fertility test(s) a woman undergoes depends entirely on her unique situation. Still, there is a basic order of testing that doctors follow to pinpoint the source of infertility:

• Initial fertility appointment – When you first meet with your fertility doctor, he or she will review your birth controluse, menstrual and pregnancy history, current and past sexual practices, medications used and other health issues. Your doctor will also ask about your lifestyle and work/living environments.
• Physical exam – In addition to a Pap smear and pelvic exam, the doctor will examine areas such as your thyroid, breasts and hair growth.
• Blood tests – Initial tests may be conducted to evaluate thyroid hormone levels, prolactin levels (the hormone that makes you produce milk after giving birth), testosterone levels, and to screen for diseases like HIV or hepatitis.
• Ovulation testing – To confirm ovulation, the doctor may use a range of techniques, including reviewing your temperature charts, ovulation predictor kitsand 3D ultrasound.
• Hormone testing – During the ovulation portion of your workup, levels for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, inhibin B and other hormones may be examined.
• Cervical mucus tests – These involve post coital tests (PCT) to help determine if the sperm can penetrate and survive in the cervical mucus. It also includes a bacterial screening.

If the above testing is inconclusive, more procedures may be recommended, including reproductive organ tests and genetic testing.

Excellence in fertility testing and complete reproductive care is close to home

If your purpose in life is to become a parent, yet that purpose remains unfulfilled, hope is just around the corner. With locations in Akron, Columbus, Canton and Youngstown, all the expertise, advanced technology, compassion and dedication it takes to help you have the baby you’ve always wanted is within reach.

Our team of reproductive endocrinology and infertility nurses, embryologists and onsite laboratory technicians surround you with support and expertise. They’re led by our board-certified physicians, who bring decades of combined experience, a wealth of innovative diagnostics and treatments, and a genuine passion for helping you realize the dream of parenthood.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, click here to see the phone numbers for each office, or to use our online form.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process of fertilization by extracting eggs, retrieving a sperm sample and manually combining the two in a laboratory. Once the eggs are fertilized, they are transferred back into the woman’s uterus in hopes of having a successful pregnancy.

IVF hormone injections and the retrieval process

Daily hormone injections are required to control the menstrual cycle and encourage multiple eggs to grow simultaneously. A fertility specialist will perform an ultrasound to determine when the eggs are mature and ready for retrieval. When the eggs are ready, the woman is placed under twilight sleep or IV sedation for the retrieval procedure.

IVF fertilization process

Once the eggs are collected, sperm from a male partner or sperm donor is collected, analyzed and washed from the semen. Next, the best quality sperms are injected into the best quality eggs. The fertilized eggs, or embryos, will grow in a laboratory for three to five days and be closely monitored by a skilled specialist.

IVF implantation process

Once the embryos are growing well, one or two are implanted inside the female’s uterus. A period of rest is usually recommended following the implantation procedure to increase the chance of the embryo implanting itself to the uterine wall.

IVF injections

Depending on your specific situation, IVF can be a four- to six-week commitment that requires daily injections and regular visits to Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility for blood work. The blood work, which comes after the transfer procedure, measures HCG levels. HCG is a hormone made when a women becomes pregnant that can be detected even before a missed period. If an IVF implantation is successful, HCG levels will double every two to three days. Progesterone injections may be required for many weeks after implantation, up to the first trimester. The egg retrieval process during IVF removes the cells that would naturally create progesterone after ovulation. Progesterone injections are needed to help thicken the uterine lining and prepare the woman’s body to support the embryo.

If you are under the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 consecutive months or are over the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for 6 consecutive months, it’s important to know your options. To learn more about getting started with IVF, contact the reproductive specialists at Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility today at 866-537-2461. We are here to help you build your long-awaited family.