There are a number of tests performed for fertility—some for men, some for women—that may be performed if conception does not occur within twelve-month period. It is both easier and more cost-effective to test the male partner first before going on to the more invasive techniques needed to test the female partner. Quite often, male infertility could be the reason for the couple not being able to conceive. The following table lists some of the most frequently performed fertility tests. If you are interested in learning more about how to treat infertility naturally, give us a call at the clinic to schedule a visit with our naturopathic practitioner – Sushma Shah, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.
| Test | Description |
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Tests Performed on Men |
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| Endocrine test | Blood tests are done to determine levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and thyroid hormones (T). LH levels are tested only if T levels are abnormal. |
| Postcoital test | The partners have sexual intercourse and the ejaculation is tested for surviving sperm. |
| Semen analysis | A sample of semen is examined no longer than one hour after ejaculation. It is tested for sperm motility (the percentage of sperm that are swimming) and morphology (the percentage that are normally shaped,) |
| Sperm penetration test | Sperm is tested to see if its has the ability to penetrate hamster egg cells. This indicates the sperm’s ability to penetrate the partner’s egg. |
| Testicular biopsy | A sample of testicular tissue is examined under a microscope to determine the condition of the sperm, or to determine if sperm are being made. |
| X-ray | This test is done to check for damage to the ducts in the male responsible for transporting the sperm to the penis. |
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Tests Performed on Women |
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| Endometrial biopsy | A tiny sample of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) is taken in the later part of the menstrual cycle and tested to see if there is enough progesterone in the lining as it matures. If not, the condition is called luteal phase defect. It can be treated with hormone therapy. |
| FSH test | A blood sample is taken on day three of the menstrual cycle and tested for FSH. FSH levels increase as a woman reaches menopause. If there is a high FSH level, pregnancy is unlikely. |
| Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) | Dye is inserted through the cervix into the fallopian tubes and uterus, and an x-ray is taken to determine whether the tubes are open and if the uterus is a normal shape. |
| Laparoscopy | A surgical procedure in which a physician examines the reproductive organs by means of a tiny scope. If scar tissue or endometrial buildup is found, it can be removed by means of the scope as well. |
| Postcoital test (PCT, Sims-Huhner test) | The partners have intercourse 2-8 hours before this test. A sample of cervical mucus and tissue is removed and examined to determine whether the mucus of the cervix is prohibiting fertilization.Undergoing a PCT is much the same as having Pap smear. |
| Transvaginal Ultrasound | A probe is inserted into the vagina to look for fibroid tumors or ovarian cysts. This can also be done to track early pregnancies. |