How is Fertility Evaluation Done? A Step-by-Step Guide

Fertility evaluation is a process of determining the cause of infertility among couples who are struggling to build their families naturally. This is a process that covers several areas of fertility both in men and women. Let us get right into what a fertility evaluation is, the areas that are evaluated, how one can prepare themselves for the process, and what conclusions could be drawn from the results. 

What is a Fertility Evaluation?

A fertility evaluation explores probable causes of infertility in a man or woman. For men it assesses reproductive functions, hormone levels, sperm production and sperm production. For women, it assesses hormonal health, ovarian reserve, egg quality and reproductive function. . The purpose is to assist doctors in identifying potential causes of infertility, which can guide them into determining effective treatment options they can recommend. This evaluation is typically done when a person or couple have been having unprotected sex consistently for more than six to 12 months.

Common Tests in a Fertility Evaluation

Fertility evaluations are done using several medical tests:

Blood Tests

Blood tests are used to evaluate hormonal levels because they regulate reproductive function in both men and women. Women and men have two hormones in common which regulate the production of their eggs and sperm. These are luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone(FSH). In men, the hormone inhibin regulates FSH and in women anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) triggers the beginning of antral follicles development. It also indicates the quantity of oocytes left in the ovarian reserve. 

Ultrasound and Imaging

Ultrasound and imaging gives a visual of the reproductive organs. This helps doctors understand the physical structure of the organs and see if there are any abnormal aspects that could present challenges in reproduction.

Semen Analysis

A semen analysis is a test done to assess quality and quantity. This is done in terms of semen volume, sperm count, sperm structure, and sperm movement. The results are weighed against natural fertilization potential. When any of these aspects has a direct impact on natural fertilization, assisted reproductive treatments may be considered.   

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing screens for structural anomalies and hereditary conditions carried on the DNA that could have an impact on embryo formation, embryo implantation, and fetus development,  leading to miscarriage or future disability. 

How to Prepare for a Fertility Test

Diet and Lifestyle

A person’s lifestyle and diet can impact their fertility and in order for a doctor to understand your specific circumstances, they will ask you questions regarding your lifestyle including your sleep habits, exercise routine, sexual history, alcohol, tobacco and drug intake. If there are some aspects that need adjusting, the doctor will advise you on which they are and what to do about it. Typically if you have a healthy lifestyle, then they would proceed to the medical aspects of fertility testing. 

Fertility Testing

If no change in fertility is observed after adjusting your diet and lifestyle, or the cause of infertility  still cannot be explained, further exploration through the tests for fertility evaluation will be conducted. At this point your doctor will tell you the test they will be conducting, what they will entail, how to prepare yourself for each. If they are doing several evaluations, you will be told the order in which they will be done, so that you can prepare accordingly.  

Understanding Your Results

Once the results are out you will meet with your doctor to go over them. The results will be addressed one at a time, and your doctor will explain what each of the results mean and how it relates to or impacts your fertility. At this point you can raise any questions or concerns which will  be addressed. The next step is that the doctor will address the treatment options, their benefits, side-effects, risks, and how long they will take. The cost of treatment will be determined based on the treatment plan that is settled upon. 

Summary

Thanks to advances in technologies in modern medicine there are solutions pertaining to infertility which are effective in family building. To find out what these solutions are, contact Dallas Fertility Center and speak to one of our fertility experts about your fertility and what options you have for family building. 

FAQs:

How long does a fertility test take?

Blood tests are perhaps the quickest test taken, within a few minutes. Ultrasounds and semen analyses tend to take about 20 to 20 minutes. Checking for fallopian tube blockage could take an hour and a comprehensive evaluation could be conducted over a few days. 

What tests are included in a fertility evaluation?

Fertility evaluations for men include hormone testing, semen analysis and DNA fragmentation. Women’s fertility evaluations include hormone testing, ultrasound, hysterosalpingogram, and an antral follicle count. 

Can fertility evaluations predict my chances of getting pregnant?

Fertility evaluations do not predict anything, they only provide information regarding the causes of infertility which guide decisions about treatment.

Does insurance cover fertility testing?

Insurance depends on your provider and policy. Check with your provider or consults the financial counsellor at your fertility clinic.