According to the World Health Organization, approximately one out of six people face infertility during their lifetime. Even with the continuing advancements in fertility treatment, intended parents are often unsure where to start. That’s why Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) strives to make the process as easy and transparent as possible, including offering a variety of testing to help you begin your fertility journey.
Fertility Testing for Women
At RHWC, our comprehensive fertility testing starts with blood testing for anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol.
Your AMH level helps us determine how many eggs you have in your ovaries, and the amount of FSH in your blood tells us if that number is low, if the eggs are of poor quality and if you’re close to menopause. Estradiol provides information about your menstrual cycle, egg quality, and whether your ovaries are being properly stimulated. It also tells us whether you’re approaching menopause.
This test is also incredibly simple. You’ll just need to schedule a blood draw, which is typically done on day 2-4 of your cycle. If you have irregular cycles or are taking certain forms of birth control, we’ll help you determine the best time for your test.
After about a week, you’ll receive a detailed report with your results. And we’ll schedule a 15-minute phone call with one of our fertility specialists to help you understand what your test results mean.
Male Fertility Testing
A couple’s infertility challenges may stem from one or both partners, so it’s always a good idea for both men and women to be tested. At RHWC, we offer similarly easy male fertility testing that allows you to collect your sample in the privacy of your own home.
Call RHWC to make a reservation and stop by our office to collect your sample at our center, or pick up the test kit and drop off your sample at a lab in your area. Three to five days later, one of our fertility nurses will call to discuss your results.
You’ll learn things like your sperm count, density, and motility, your defective sperm count, and the number of immature sperm in your semen. You’ll also learn about the volume of your semen, its consistency, and how quickly it turns to liquid. Additionally, we check the pH of your sample, look for sugar or fructose, and count the number of white blood cells, which could be a sign of infection.
Diagnostic Fertility Testing for Women
If you are experiencing infertility, there are several additional tests you may need to help determine the root of your challenges and how to treat them. We’ll start by scheduling an initial visit with a fertility specialist who’ll conduct a medical history assessment. And we’ll spend as much time as we need to get to know you and your medical history so we can help you get the specific fertility treatment you need.
Next, we’ll run some tests to determine how healthy you are and whether you have appropriate hormone levels that could impact your fertility. For example, we’ll check things like your thyroid function and prolactin levels to see whether they’re within normal range. And we’ll screen you for conditions like diabetes, anemia, and vitamin D deficiency.
As part of your diagnostic fertility testing, we’ll schedule a transvaginal ultrasound for the third day of your cycle. This helps us get a good look at your uterus and ovaries to see whether there are any structural problems. We’ll also check for ovarian cysts and count how many follicles are in your ovaries that month.
Another diagnostic test you may receive is the sonohysterogram. This test also uses transvaginal ultrasound to view the uterus, but we’ll first fill your uterine cavity with saline. That helps us see whether you have irregular growths in your uterus, like polyps or fibroids that often prevent embryos from correctly implanting or growing.
Finally, you may need a procedure called a hysterosalpingogram. This test involves using a catheter to put a small amount of dye into the uterus so an X-ray image can be taken. This helps us evaluate the shape of your uterus and see whether your fallopian tubes are open or blocked. We also check for polyps and fibroids, which may impact your fertility.
Diagnostic Fertility Testing for Men
If you’re a man experiencing fertility challenges, having a full and complete diagnosis is crucial for developing a treatment plan. That’s why we provide thorough diagnostic fertility testing for men, starting with a semen analysis described above.
If we identify problems with your sperm, we’ll run blood tests to check your hormone levels. And we may use blood testing to screen for genetic issues, too. Finally, you may need a trans-scrotal ultrasound to help us look for dilated veins and structural abnormalities. You can read more about RHWC’s diagnostic fertility testing for men here.
In-House Fertility Financing Options
At RHWC, our goal is to make testing and treatment available to everyone. Because we never want cost to be a barrier to high quality fertility care, we provide affordable in-house financing options.
If you’re thinking about starting a family, are curious about your fertility, or are considering protecting your future fertility, testing is an excellent first step in making informed decisions. Schedule a consultation with one of our fertility specialists today.
Founder and Doctor at RHWC
