Fertility evaluation consists of checking for ovulation, semen analysis and determination of tubal patency. Additional tests are done if indicated based on the above. Some of these are blood hormone tests, ultrasound, chromosome studies, cultures, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, postcoital test.
OVULATION is detected by an ovulation predictor kit, elevation of basal body temperature and cervical mucus changes to clear and stretchy.
HEALTH ISSUES such as smoking, drug, alcohol, overweight or underweight, chemical exposure, certain medications, sexually transmitted infections are significant.
SEMEN ANALYSIS checks the sperm count per cubic centimeter of semen, volume of semen, sperm motility and sperm morphology (shape).
BLOOD TESTS are done to check levels of FSH, LH, progesterone, thyroid, blood sugar, estrogen, prolactin, testosterone and STI ( sexually transmitted infection).
TUBAL PATENCY is tested by doing an HSG (hysterosalpingogram) to visualize the fallopian tubes and the uterus by x-ray.
ULTRASOUND uses sound waves to view the uterus, ovaries and follicles which contain eggs.
LAPAROSCOPY could be needed to directly view the pelvic organs.
HYSTEROSCOPY is used to visualize the inside of the cervix and uterus.