Below are some tests your provider may order as part of a fertility evaluation. Each patient is different and a work up will be individualized based on your needs.
Day 2-3 Labs
These are labs that are drawn on day 2 or day 3 after the start of your menstrual cycle and are part of a fertility work up.
Progesterone Blood Test
A serum progesterone lab is drawn during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle. This helps to determine if you ovulated and if there is a sufficient progesterone level to support a healthy pregnancy.
Ultrasound
Your provider may recommend that you have an ultrasound to evaluate your uterus and ovaries. This is best done cycle days 5-10.
Hysterosalpingogram
Your provider may recommend that you have a hysterosalpingogram. During a hysterosalpingogram, dye is injected inside the cervix, which leads to the uterus and fallopian tubes, through a thin plastic tube. X-rays will be taken to detect blocked tubes, fibroids, polyps or scar tissue. This is best done cycle days 5-10.
HyCoSy
Your provider may recommend that you have a hystero contrast sonogram (HyCoSy). During a HyCoSy, normal saline bubbles are injected inside the cervix, which leads to the uterus and fallopian tubes, through a thin plastic tube. A HyCoSy can evaluate for blocked tubes and abnormalities of the uterus and ovaries. This is best done cycle days 5-10.
Clomid and Letrozole (two ovulation induction medications)
Ovulation induction medications have been used to treat infertility for more than 30 years. They cause the pituitary gland to secrete an increased amount of follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinizing hormones (LH), which stimulate ovulation, increase progesterone secretion during the second half of the menstrual cycle and may make menstrual cycle lengths more predictable; which in turn help pregnancy chances. These medications are taken cycle days 3 through 7 and used with an ovulation predictor kit.
Common Side Effects:
- Hot flashes
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Leg cramps
- Anxiety/mood swings/irritability
Semen Analysis
Semen analysis evaluates volume, concentration, motility and morphology. A semen analysis will need to be performed at one of our partner labs. Please ask your provider for more information.
Specimens can either be collected at the fertility lab or at home and dropped off within 45 minutes from collection time.
Collection Information:
- Have intercourse or ejaculate 3-4 days before testing. Abstain from sexual activity thereafter until sample day.
- No alcohol or drugs.
- No hot baths.
- Maintain normal body temperature.
- Home Collection: Put your sample into a sterile wide-mouth plastic container that you have received from the lab ahead of time. Not the date and time of collection.
- Laboratory collection: You will be given instructions at the lab.
Please reach out to your provider for more information on our partner fertility labs.
