An infertility evaluation typically includes a series of physical examinations and diagnostic tests aimed at uncovering the reason behind the difficulty in conceiving. Once the underlying cause is identified, suitable treatment options can be recommended. However, in many cases, infertility can be successfully treated even when the exact cause remains undetermined, highlighting the effectiveness of modern fertility treatments in overcoming challenges to conception.
Laboratory tests, imaging tests, and certain procedures are used to diagnose infertility. Imaging tests and procedures examine the reproductive organs and their functions. Laboratory tests often involve testing samples of blood or semen.
Laboratory tests may include a urine test, a progesterone test, thyroid function tests, a prolactin level test, and ovarian reserve tests. Imaging tests and procedures may include an ultrasound exam, hysterosalpingography, sonohysterography, hysteroscopy, and laparoscopy. You may not have all of these tests and procedures. Some are done based on the results of previous tests and procedures. You also may track your basal body temperature (BBT) at home.
A woman’s temperature increases around ovulation and stays elevated for the rest of her menstrual cycle. To track ovulation, you must take your temperature by mouth every morning before leaving bed. You record your temperature on a chart for two or three menstrual cycles.
Charting monthly temperature changes can confirm ovulation but cannot predict it. Some women also monitor their cervical mucus while charting BBT. Just before ovulation, a woman’s cervical mucus becomes thin, slippery, and stretchy. Cervical mucus monitoring is a natural way to help a woman identify her most fertile days.
A urine test determines when and if you ovulate by detecting an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in the urine. A surge in the level of LH triggers the release of an egg. If the test result is positive, it suggests that ovulation will occur in the next 24–48 hours. It gives you an idea of the best time to have sex to try to get pregnant.
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