Fertility testing for women: Understanding different types of fertility tests & how they work

Fertility testing for women is a comprehensive evaluation of the female reproductive system and hormones. It might be useful for women who are trying to conceive for over a year (under 35 years) or over six months (for 35 and over) and haven’t gotten pregnant. A comprehensive evaluation can help determine the problem that might be there and allow for effective treatment.

Today, there is a wide range of diagnostic tools that fertility specialists can use for this purpose, such as:

• Fertility blood tests
• Ovarian reserve testing
• Genetic testing
• Pelvic ultrasound
• Sonohysterogram
• Hysterosalpingogram
• Hysteroscopy

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The female reproductive system is complex. It can be highly dynamic and change with age, as well as under a variety of internal and external factors. So, when you are planning to have a child, there are quite many things that can affect the time you need to conceive.

Unfortunately, not every pregnancy journey begins fast and effortlessly. According to studies, 12% to 15% of couples are unable to conceive within 1 year of having unprotected sex. Of course, being in this position can feel frustrating and overwhelming. Luckily, fertility testing helps diagnose if there are any fertility issues and find effective treatment options to overcome the existing challenges and get pregnant.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the topic of fertility testing for women. We’ll delve into the definition, mechanism, and test types to help you understand what to expect.

What Is Fertility Testing for Women?

Fertility testing for women is a comprehensive evaluation of the female reproductive system and hormones. It can consist of a combination of tests and methods aimed at diagnosing different fertility issues.

This type of medical test is used to understand why you and your partner might be having issues conceiving and prepare a personalized treatment plan to help you get pregnant.

Who Might Be Recommended for Fertility Testing for Women?

A woman should consider checking for fertility issues if she has been actively trying to conceive and hasn’t gotten pregnant. For women under 35, it’s recommended to consider testing after unsuccessfully trying to conceive for more than one year. For women over 35, it’s recommended to consider a comprehensive examination after six months of trying.

Apart from the age and time of trying, other reasons to consider fertility testing for women include:

• Abnormal menstruation, such as heavy, irregular, or absent periods.
• A history of recurring miscarriages.
• A history of pelvic pain, endometriosis, PCOS, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Diagnosed reproductive system issues.
• A partner with diagnosed or suspected infertility.

Important: Regardless of your reason to consider fertility testing, it’s important to remember that fertility issues affect both men and women equally. That’s why the American Society for Reproductive Medicine recommends testing both partners if there is difficulty conceiving.

How Does Fertility Testing Work for Women?

As was mentioned earlier, fertility testing for women is a comprehensive assessment that can consist of one or multiple tests aimed at assessing different parts of your reproductive system. Respectively, there is no single way to tell how this testing works.  The procedure is determined by your personal history and needs. But the process always starts the same.

Before doing any tests, you need to consult with a fertility specialist first. If you’ve been actively trying to conceive for a long time and didn’t get pregnant, or you have other issues that indicate the need for testing, you need to find a fertility specialist and make an appointment. During your visit, the specialist will perform a physical examination and ask you about your:

• Menstrual cycle history.
• Prior pregnancy history and overall gynecology history.
• Health history, including chronic conditions, surgeries, and other medical events.
• Any prescription medications you are taking.
• Sexual history and frequency of intercourse.
• Work environment specs.
• Lifestyle, including any bad habits, such as smoking or excessive caffeine/alcohol intake.

Together, this information and the findings from a physical examination will help the fertility specialist to see a bigger picture of your health condition and recommend the needed tests based on your situation.

Types of Fertility Testing for Women

After your prior examination, the fertility specialist can refer you to one or several test types. Today, specialists have access to a wide range of diagnostic tools that help assess different elements of your reproductive system.

For females, fertility testing can involve the following test types:

Fertility Blood Tests

Hormonal shifts can interfere with your reproductive system in multiple ways. It can affect menstrual regularity, egg production and maturation, and even prevent implantation in early pregnancy (if your progesterone levels are low).

A blood probe is used for hormone testing for women fertility. If there is a suspicion of hormonal imbalances, the fertility specialist might suggest you have blood checks for essential hormone levels at different points of your menstrual cycle. Typically, this test will check such hormones as progesterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), estradiol, and prolactin.

Ovarian Reserve Testing

The female ovarian reserve stands for the number of eggs that remain in your ovaries. It has a crucial role in conception. And it’s known to naturally shrink through a woman’s lifetime, with the most rapid decrease happening after 32 years.

Ovarian reserve testing is used to determine the follicle count you currently have and compare it to normal counts for your age. To do this, the fertility specialist will perform a transvaginal ultrasound together with blood hormone testing for women fertility. This kind of test is mainly performed in women who need in-vitro fertilization (IVF), so you may not necessarily face it in your journey.

Genetic Testing

Your genetics also have a significant impact on fertility. Certain chromosomal abnormalities and mutations may impact your ovulation and the ability to conceive and sustain early pregnancy in females, as well as the health of your future child.

During genetic testing, specialists will look for any mutations or abnormalities in your genes. This kind of testing might be recommended to people with a history of recurring miscarriages and failed fertility treatments, as well as those with a family history of genetic disorders or unexplained infertility.

Pelvic Ultrasound

The majority of conditions that affect your reproductive system organs also have an impact on your ability to conceive and maintain pregnancy. So, when there is a suspicion of such issues, your healthcare provider might need to get a close look at your reproductive organs.

A pelvic ultrasound, or sonogram, is a type of fertility testing for women that lets the doctor diagnose any conditions within your reproductive system. It creates a clear image of your inner organs, which makes it possible to see ovarian cysts, fibroids, and other issues.

Sonohysterogram

This is another imaging test used to detect abnormalities inside the uterus. Sonohysterogram is typically performed during the first 10 days of the current cycle. It enables detecting issues like fibroids, polyps, and others that might cause infertility.

Hysterosalpingogram

The fallopian tubes also play a huge role in fertility and pregnancy. Sometimes, if they are damaged or blocked, this can make it hard to conceive.

A hysterosalpingogram is an imaging test that allows the doctor to assess your uterus and fallopian tubes. This kind of test helps identify any related issues and plan proper treatment.

Hysteroscopy

Finally, the last commonly used type of fertility testing for women is hysteroscopy. This procedure implies placing a hysteroscope inside the uterus for a clear image of the cervix and the inner part of your uterus.

This kind of test allows diagnosing a variety of issues, including polyps, scar tissue, fibroids, and others. It’s usually performed if there is a history of miscarriages or abnormal bleeding.

FAQ

Is it necessary to have fertility testing for women if I fail to conceive?

It’s not mandatory. Indeed, every pregnancy journey is unique, and, often, conception doesn’t happen quickly, which can be affected by plenty of things. However, it’s recommended to consider fertility testing for women in one of the following cases:

• You’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for over a year.
• You’re 35 or over and have been trying to conceive for over six months.
• You have diagnosed conditions that can affect fertility or suspicion of them.

In these cases, fertility testing can help identify what doesn’t allow you to get pregnant and significantly increase the chances of conception through proper treatment.

What is the best type of fertility testing for women?

There really isn’t a single “best” test type. These days, fertility specialists have a wide range of diagnostic tools, which they align to your specific medical history and situation. Although the huge range of test types can feel overwhelming, this actually allows for a more comprehensive assessment and helps diagnose any issues that might be there with a high accuracy rate.

How does fertility testing work for women?

The answer depends on the specific type of test you’ve been referred to. At this moment, there is a range of procedures that allow assessing female fertility. Most of them involve imaging exams and blood tests. You can have one or several tests, depending on your situation.

How much is fertility testing for women?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Firstly, the price can vary depending on the chosen clinic. Secondly, it depends on the type of test and their number. On average, the cost of each individual test can be anywhere between $50 and $400.

Conclusion

So, what is fertility testing for women? As you now know, it’s a range of tests and procedures performed in order to examine your reproductive system health and define the possible cause of having difficulty conceiving. Most importantly, it’s a chance for couples who are actively trying to get pregnant to understand what might be holding them back from success and find effective treatment options.

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