Tests for Women

Female infertility can be caused by several factors. The following tests can help answer important questions that will guide your treatment plan.

Hormonal Evaluation

Hormone levels are measured using a simple blood test. Hormones are a very important part of the female reproductive cycle as they control everything from egg development to ovulation and implantation. The levels of certain hormones that are necessary for pregnancy naturally fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. An imbalance in hormone levels may be a cause of infertility.

Ultrasound Testing

An ultrasound test in a non-invasive procedure that provides images of your internal organs. Ultrasound tests are used throughout fertility treatment and can help answer many questions. We use ultrasound for the following tests:

• During initial fertility testing to check the structure of the uterus and ovaries
• For monitoring the ovaries and assessing thickness of the uterine wall throughout the menstrual cycle
• To assess any physical abnormalities that can interfere with pregnancy
• After a pregnancy is established, an ultrasound is used to monitor pregnancy progress and to check for any abnormalities in the fetus for up to 3 months

Sonohysterogram (Uterine Cavity Check)

A Sonohysterogram is a test that allows your doctor to examine the inside walls of the uterus for any abnormal structures that could interfere with pregnancy. During the procedure, a small amount of saline is inserted into the uterine cavity, which lets your doctor see the structure of the uterus using a transvaginal ultrasound. The sonohysterography is done after a menstrual cycle has finished, but prior to ovulation. For most women, this is between days 5 to 11 of the menstrual cycle.

If your doctor has ordered this test, see patient instructions for more information and what to expect on the day of your procedure.

Hysterosonogram (Tube Check)

Blocked tubes or a growth in the uterus can severely reduce your chances of getting pregnant. A hysterosonogram is an ultrasound procedure that examines the structure of the fallopian tubes and the inside walls of the uterus to check for any physical barriers to pregnancy.

If your doctor has ordered this test, see patient instructions for more information and what to expect on the day of your procedure.

Office Hysteroscopy (Uterine cavity check and repair)

Office hysteroscopy involves examining the inside of the uterus, with a narrow telescope, for any problems that might affect fertility. This procedure is performed under intravenous sedation to avoid discomfort. If something is found that could affect your fertility (such as polyps, fibroids, scar tissue or septum), we can usually treat it at that time.

If your doctor has ordered this test, see patient instructions for more information and what to expect on the day of your procedure.

Hospital Hysteroscopy (Uterine cavity check and repair in a hospital)

In some cases, office hysteroscopy (see above) cannot be used to treat a problem inside the uterus such as large fibroids. In this case, hysteroscopy must be performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. Hysteroscopy can also be performed during the same operation as laparoscopy.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a day surgery procedure performed in a hospital operating room under general anesthesia. The operation involves the insertion of a thin diagnostic telescope through the navel (belly button) and one to three small incisions elsewhere for manipulation. Using a laser and other instruments, your doctor can diagnose and treat conditions that could be affecting your fertility such as endometriosis and scar tissue. In addition, the fallopian tubes can be assessed for blockages.