Female Diagnostic Infertility Tests & Procedures
Whether you’re struggling to conceive or wish to grow your family your way, CRM is proud to offer critical advantages not found in most nearby centers and our commitment to build meaningful relationships with our patients. To successfully treat infertility issues, we must pinpoint the cause. And one of the first steps we take on this journey together is to uncover the root cause of each patient’s fertility challenges. Once we have a comprehensive diagnosis, we evaluate the best options for a positive outcome and create a personalized and detailed treatment plan to address our findings. In this overview we share some of the diagnostic tests and procedures we perform that you may encounter on your path to parenthood.
Ovarian Reserve Assessment
Ovarian reserve testing uses blood tests and possibly ultrasound as part of an initial infertility evaluation to determine a patient’s egg supply, the maturity of those eggs, and how they might respond to infertility treatment. The blood tests of this assessment are to check a patient’s levels of the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), the form of estrogen made mainly by the ovaries, Luteinizing (LH), the hormone that tells the ovaries to release a mature egg, and the hormone marker of fertility, Anti-Mullerian (AMH). An ultrasound may be performed to observe a patient’s antral follicle count, the number of follicles measuring 2–10 mm in diameter.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) Test
This is an X-ray that allows us to evaluate the fallopian tubes and uterine cavity. In this test a sterile fluid, containing dye for contrast, is injected into the cervix. X-rays are taken to observe the flow for blockages to determine if the fallopian tubes are open. This is a short procedure that may cause mild to moderate cramping.
Saline Infusion Sonohysterography (SIS)
This ultrasound assesses the shape of the uterus and can detect abnormalities, including fibroids and uterine polyps. In this procedure, sterile fluid is injected into the uterus and a vaginal ultrasound is performed. It cannot determine if the fallopian tubes are open.
Office Hysteroscopy
This procedure allows us to evaluate the uterine cavity and lining and to detect polyps and fibroids. With this test a tiny, thin fiberoptic camera is gently inserted into the uterine cavity which allows the physician to view the uterus. As the name implies, this procedure is done at CRM rather than a hospital setting. It cannot determine if the fallopian tubes are open.
Follicular Dynamic Ultrasound (FD)
Follicular Dynamic Ultrasounds are used to track follicle growth and to identify and measure the size of the dominant follicle or follicles. It also helps evaluate the timing of ovulation. This test is performed mid-cycle in our office.