Testing

• In about 20 percent of cases, infertility is due to a cause involving only the male partner.
• In about 30 to 40 percent of cases, infertility is due to causes involving both the male and female.
• In the remaining 40 to 50 percent of cases, infertility is due entirely to a cause involving the female.

There are several basic tests that everyone should have before beginning treatment:

Cycle Day 3 (CD3) blood work. This is blood drawn on the 3rd day after you get your period. This blood draw will check different hormone levels. You can check a complete list of hormone levels here

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) - This is a test where dye is inserted using a catheter into your cervix to watch the flow from your tubes to your uterus. This will tell you if you have anything blocking your tubes. Here is more information about the HSG

Semen Analysis (SA) - This is your husbands/partners part in the testing. What it will check for is amount, motility and morphology of his sperm. Keep in mind that even if you have a diagnosed issue, you should not rule out issues with your husband, in fact, 30% of cases the cause is attributed to both male and female factors, meaning there is an issue with both of you. For a chart of normal and abnormal results click here

Additional testing:

Besides the above tests that everyone should have, there a a couple of other tests that you should consider, especially if your doctor feels it is needed or after all other tests are done you feel you need more answers.

Laproscopy - Check here for more information

Sonohysterogram (SIS or SHG) - Check here for more information

7 day past ovulation (7dpo) bloodwork - This will check if you have ovulated and if your progesterone levels are considered high enough. If you have a short luteal phase you should ask about this.

Diagnostic Hysterscopy - Check here for more information