Female Fertility Testing

Preliminary Infertility Screening Tests

The physicians at the Fertility Institute of Hawaii utilize the results of several diagnostic tests to help personalize your treatment plan. These tests are designed to look for problems that could have an adverse impact on your infertility treatment or subsequent pregnancy.  If you have had any of the tests listed below within the last 6 to 12 months, please make the results available to your nurse or physician. Depending upon the test, you may not need to have the test repeated immediately prior to your cycle. Depending upon the type of therapy planned, some tests may not need to be done.

Female Testing

1. Blood Tests

   • FSH / LH / Estradiol: This combination of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone) and estradiol drawn early in the menstrual cycle is a reflection of the female partner’s ability to respond to stimulation (ovarian reserve). These tests will help to determine which procedures and protocols are most appropriate for fertility treatment.
   • AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone): A hormone produced by the ovarian follicles, Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) can be tested to check ovarian function. A low AMH level may indicate problems with ovarian function
   • Infectious Screen: (chlamydia, hepatitis, syphilis, HIV, gonorrhea): Having one of these infections could adversely affect the outcome of your procedure or your pregnancy should you become pregnant. Many people have already been screened by their OB/GYN or primary care provider.
   • Pregnancy Screen: (Blood type and Rh Factor, Rubella titer, Varicella titer, complete blood count). Determining Blood type can be helpful if there are problems with a pregnancy. Varicella and Rubella are infections that may cause birth defects.  Most people have been immunized already. However, some people have not been immunized or they are no longer immune. These tests determine if any additional vaccines are needed prior to pregnancy. A complete blood count screens for anemia and other blood disorders and can indicate certain inherited disorders.
   • Prolactin, TSH: These hormonal tests screen for subtle abnormalities that could affect your treatment or your pregnancy. Both hormones are made by the pituitary gland in the brain. Prolactin is a hormone that helps to stimulate milk production during breast-feeding. Some women will secrete too much prolactin when not breast-feeding potentially affecting fertility. TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is the most sensitive test of thyroid function. It can detect either over activity or under activity of the thyroid gland.
   • Genetic Carrier Screening: ACOG recommends that ob-gyns make DNA screening for cystic fibrosis and other genetic diseases available to all couples seeking preconception or prenatal care.

2. Uterine Testing

   • A Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and/or Sonohysterography (saline sonography) may be done to evaluate the inside of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. The HSG mainly provides information regarding the fallopian tubes while the sonohysterogram provides information on the uterine cavity.
   • Baseline Transvaginal Ultrasound: this can done at the initial and subsequent visits. The transvaginal ultrasound evaluates the muscle of the uterus, the ovaries, and the surrounding structures for any potential abnormalities that may affect fertility.
   • Office hysteroscopy: We are one of only a few clinics offering in-office hysteroscopy with minimal discomfort, often preventing the need to undergo a more invasive surgery with anesthesia. This is a process where a very small camera is inserted into the uterus to directly visualize the cavity and look for any abnormalities which might adversely affect fertility.