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Fertility Testing
When Is Fertility Testing Recommended?
During your first patient appointment, we'll likely discuss fertility testing to help create a treatment plan that maximizes your chances of conception. We recommend testing for individuals and couples who:
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Have been trying to conceive for one year (if under the age 35) or six months (if over the age 35) without success
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Have a family history of early menopause
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Are interested in fertility preservation (egg freezing)
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Are part of the LGBTQ+ community and seeking to build their families
After initial consultation with one of our fertility specialists, your physician will outline a series of tests in attempts to identify the cause(s) of your fertility problems. If a specific problem is identified, efforts will be directed at correcting the defect. In many cases there may not be a single factor causing infertility. We carefully investigate all possible causes and try to optimize each variable. The tests may include some of the following:
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Female Fertility Testing
Female fertility testing involves bloodwork and transvaginal ultrasounds to assess anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels as well as an antral follicle count (AFC). As a woman ages, her ovarian reserve decreases. These tests assess ovarian reserve, the quantity and quality of eggs remaining in the ovaries. Individuals diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) may consider various options to achieve pregnancy, such as fertility preservation, IVF, donor eggs, and more.
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Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Testing
AMH is produced in ovarian follicles and measured through blood work. It can help assess a person's ovarian reserve, although it does not indicate egg quality or predict a woman's ability to get pregnant in a specific month. AMH levels are highest during puberty and decline gradually as women age.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Testing
FSH is produced by the pituitary gland and is essential for the development of maturing follicles. FSH levels are often used to assess the quality of eggs being produced. In both male and female hormones, excessive or insufficient FSH levels can affect fertility. FSH levels can be tested through a simple blood test on day two or three of the menstrual cycle, which begins on the first day of bleeding.
Ovarian Reserve Testing
Ovarian reserve testing evaluates egg count and can help identify potential concerns before egg freezing. Our physicians determine ovarian reserve through ultrasounds and blood tests, interpreting the results and what they may mean for an individual’s specific fertility journey.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
During a transvaginal ultrasound, our physicians can assess antral follicle count (AFC) to measure ovarian reserve and understand a patient’s fertility in relation to their age. Ovarian follicles house immature eggs inside the ovaries of the female reproductive system. Throughout a typical menstrual cycle, several follicles develop, and one mature egg is released during ovulation. Antral follicles, which are large enough to be seen via ultrasound, develop during the early stages of the menstrual cycle. During an AFC, we use the ultrasound image to visually count the number of egg-containing follicles developing in each ovary.
Male Fertility Testing
we'll evaluate your health history, as well as conduct a thorough examination, hormonal testing, and multiple semen analyses. A semen analysis evaluates sperm count, morphology (the shape of the sperm), and motility (how well sperm swim), helping us pinpoint potential issues with sperm.
The Semen Analysis Process
For us to perform a semen analysis, patients can either produce a sperm sample at home using a sterile container from our facility or visit our office to give a sample. Then, our andology staff will test the sample in our state-of-the-art laboratory. The results will be discussed between the patient and the physician.