Dextra / Infertility / Female fertility investigations / Other Female Fertility Tests

Other Female Fertility Tests

Fertility evaluations aim to examine hormone function, assess whether follicle maturation and ovulation occur normally, and evaluate the structural condition of reproductive organs. The main methods include ultrasound and blood tests, though diagnostic insights are also gained during treatments.

1. Ovulation Testing

For women with regular menstrual cycles (25–35 days), egg maturation and ovulation usually occur normally.

Ultrasound: The most reliable method for assessing ovulation.
Ovulation Test (LH Test): Conducted at home using a urine sample; moderately reliable.
Progesterone Blood Test: Measures progesterone levels, which rise significantly after ovulation.

2. Hormonal Testing

In addition to AMH, other blood tests are used to evaluate ovarian function and provide insights into pregnancy likelihood:

FSH and LH: Measure ovarian function and reserve.
TSH: Evaluates thyroid function.
Prolactin (PRL): High levels can inhibit ovarian activity.
Progesterone: Essential for pregnancy initiation and maintenance.

3. Ultrasound Examinations

Ultrasound is the most important method for studying the structure and function of female reproductive organs:

Tracks follicle growth and ovulation.
Calculates the number of available follicles (Antral Follicle Count, AFC), an indicator of ovarian capacity and pregnancy likelihood.
Examines the uterus, including the structure and thickness of the endometrium, during fertility investigations and treatments.
Fallopian Tube Patency Test (Hydrosonography or Salpingosonography): A standard fertility investigation to determine if the uterine cavity is normal and the fallopian tubes are open.

In some cases, further examination may require:

Hysteroscopy or Laparoscopy: Performed in a hospital to investigate or treat structural abnormalities such as polyps, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or fibroids.

4. Endometrial Receptivity Array

One common question is why a good-quality embryo fails to implant. While the uterus does not reject embryos, the implantation window—when an embryo can successfully attach—may vary among individuals. This window might be earlier, later, or unusually short, potentially linked to structural abnormalities in the uterus.