What’s included in a female fertility evaluation

When a new patient comes to us looking for fertility tests for women, we thoroughly review each of the different tests performed that are necessary to provide a comprehensive picture of a woman’s reproductive ability. That’s why beginning a complete female fertility evaluation is one of the first things we do when a woman or couple comes to us seeking fertility testing in San Antonio.

What do fertility tests for women look for?

The role of a woman’s body in conception, pregnancy and birth is complex. Many factors must come into play to allow egg and sperm to meet, fertilization to occur, and an embryo to implant and grow into a healthy pregnancy and baby. That’s why a complete female fertility evaluation includes a variety of different tests designed to check several different factors that play a role in achieving a successful pregnancy.

• Hormone levels
• Ovulation
• Reproductive anatomy
• Genetics
• Chronic medical conditions and lifestyle

What tests are part of a female fertility evaluation?

At your first visit, we will begin by discussing your family-building goals and medical history, including any pre-existing medical issues, medicines you’re taking, birth control usage, substance use, prior pregnancies and past attempts to conceive.

From there, we will guide you through completing the fertility testing, oftentimes dependent on which part of your menstrual cycle you are in.

• Bloodwork to check all hormone levels related to fertility. By measuring the levels of specific hormones at specific points in your cycle, we can learn a lot about your egg supply, whether you are ovulating, and how much time you might have left to try to conceive a baby. Hormones we check include follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), and screening for chronic medical diseases like hypothyroidism, diabetes, or those that impact fertility like PCOS.
• Tests for common sexually transmitted diseases, and immunity for infectious diseases. Some STDs can cause scarring or other problems that can make it harder to get pregnant. Diseases like varicella (chickenpox), rubella (three-day measles), and SARS CoV-2 (COVID), can all cause significant health problems in pregnancy and significant risk for both mom and baby, so it’s important to get up to date on vaccines prior to pregnancy.
• Pelvic exam and transvaginal ultrasound exam of the uterus and ovaries. In addition to verifying that the uterus is a normal shape and is free from any problems such as polyps or fibroids, this exam allows us to count the number of egg-containing follicles visible on each ovary. This, combined with your bloodwork, gives us valuable information about your egg supply.
• Genetic carrier screening. Certain genetic disorders can cause problems with eggs or embryo development, resulting in infertility or miscarriage. It’s also important to learn if your future children may be at risk of inheriting a genetic disorder that runs in your family.
• Hysterosalpingogram. This X-ray study checks whether the fallopian tubes are patent, or open, for sperm, eggs and embryos to travel through. It also gives us a good look at the inside of your uterus, so that we can be sure there are no issues that could interfere with an embryo’s ability to implant and grow.

Because it “takes two to tango,” we will also order fertility testing for the male partner when couples have been trying to conceive without success. This includes a semen analysis, genetic carrier screening and blood work. Testing both partners gives us a complete and prompt picture of your fertility as a couple, so that we can create the most effective treatment plan right off the bat to help you achieve your goals.

Don’t wait to get answers

If you are 35 or older and have been trying to conceive without success for six months or longer, it’s time to come in for fertility testing in San Antonio. The same is true if you are younger than 35 and have been trying for a year or longer. Women with certain pre-existing medical conditions, such as autoimmune or genetic disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, irregular or painful periods, or a prior history of cancer treatment should pursue fertility testing earlier.

The goal of a female fertility evaluation is to give you the information you need to get pregnant and stay pregnant when you are ready to, but it can also provide valuable information for women considering egg freezing for fertility preservation. We are here to help women at all stages of life reach their family-planning goals. Contact us to schedule an appointment and get started with fertility testing in San Antonio.