|
Name
of Test
|
Purpose
|
Considerations
|
|
Physical Exam
|
Certain
physical characteristics imply hormonal imbalances.
A pelvic
exam is done to detect obvious physical abnormalities to
the reproductive organs.
|
May reveal reasons for infertility without costly or
invasive tests. |
|
Basal Body Temperature Charting
|
Tracking the body's temperature with a special thermometer
can help to determine the date of ovulation and the length
of the monthly cycles. |
Inexpensive.
Must be
done every morning before rising.
|
|
Cervical Mucus Observation
|
Checking the texture and fluidity of the cervical mucus
helps to predict ovulation. The cervical discharge is usually
white and sticky, but during ovulation the mucus becomes smoother,
clearer and stringy so that the sperm can swim through it
better. |
No costs.
The woman
checks her own cervical mucus everyday at home to help track
ovulation.
|
|
Ovulation Prediction Kit
|
To determine the date of ovulation based on urine levels
of LH. |
Noninvasive.
Reasonably
inexpensive.
|
|
Ultrasounds
|
An ultrasound can take a picture of the ovaries to see
if eggs are maturing normally. |
Noninvasive. |
|
Postcoital Test
|
After intercourse the couple goes to the clinic. The
cervical mucus is examined under a microscope to view quality
of the cervical mucus and the ability of the sperm to live
and swim through the mucus. |
Requires
pelvic exam.
Some couples
find the test embarrassing.
|
|
Hysterosalpingogram
|
Dye is injected into the fallopian tubes and an X-ray
is taken to view the tubes. Tubal blockages and some uterine
abnormalities can be diagnosed. |
Occasionally this flushing of the tubes can improve their
function.
On the
other hand, there is a slight risk of the procedure causing
an infection.
|
|
Hormone Tests
|
Blood levels of FSH, LH, progesterone, estrogen and prolactin
are obtained. These hormones are instrumental in the normal
menstrual cycle and ovulation. Abnormal results can indicate
the reason for infertility. |
Test results may reveal the need for further testing
with a hormone specialist. (Endocrinologist). |
|
Endometrial Biopsy
|
A sample of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is
examined to see if the uterus is properly preparing for pregnancy.
This test also helps to indicate if ovulation is occurring
normally, as the hormones involved in ovulation play a role
in uterine lining preparation. |
Obtaining the sample may cause pain and cramping. |
|
Hysteroscopy
|
A scope is passed through the cervix to view the interior
of the uterus. This procedure can detect fibroids and adhesions,
or other uterine abnormalities. |
Non-surgical procedure. Local anesthesia.
Small
growths and abnormal tissue can be removed with the hysteroscope.
|
|
Laparoscopy
|
A thin scope is inserted through the abdominal wall (often
at the site of the navel). This allows the surgeon to view
the external side of the reproductive organs. This test can
diagnose endometriosis, adhesions to the tubes, and other
pelvic abnormalities. |
Surgical
procedure requiring hospitalization and anesthesia.
Minor
repairs can be made using the laparoscope, thus avoiding
more invasive surgical procedures.
Expensive.
Risk
for infection or other damage due to the procedure.
|
