What is Fertility Evaluation? Why It’s the First Step to Treatment

Family building can be met with infertility challenges that can be discouraging when people had hoped to have children. Infertility is defined as people being unable to have children naturally after having unprotected sex for more than six months. In many cases, once the cause of infertility is determined, it is possible for these people to go ahead and build their families. For some, family building proceeds naturally, while for others, it proceeds with the help of assisted reproductive technologies.  

In order to determine the cause of infertility, several tests are conducted. Together with the information a patient gives the doctor during their consultation, it is possible to determine the way forward. As with all treatments, the earlier diagnosis can be done, the sooner treatment can be given. So let us discuss what fertility evaluations are,  who is eligible for fertility testing, as well as some of the common tests one can expect at a fertility evaluation. 

Why Do You Need a Fertility Evaluation?

A fertility evaluation for women is typically done when people have been trying to conceive for some time. Under the age of 35, fertility testing will be considered after six months of trying. At 35 years and above fertility testing will be considered after 12 months of trying. For women, fertility challenges have to do with their menstrual cycle as it pertains to ovulation. Infertility in men tends to be based on sperm function. As well, the health, medical history, lifestyle and diet of a person who is trying to build their family will have an impact on their ability to do so naturally. By having a fertility evaluation, a professional medical practitioner is able to determine what the cause of infertility is, as well, recommend treatment options. 

Who Should Get a Fertility Evaluation?

If an individual or couple are facing challenges trying to have children, a fertility evaluation would be of benefit. As well, if people are experiencing pregnancy loss repeatedly, then DNA testing during a fertility evaluation would show if there are anomalies preventing a pregnancy from proceeding as expected. Other causes of infertility are poor sperm parameters, poor ovulation, low quality eggs or sperm, among others.  

What Are the Different Types of Fertility Tests?

Fertility tests are done depending on what the doctor deems necessary, therefore they will vary from one case to another. Some of the common fertility tests include semen analysis which checks the quality and quantity of sperm, ultrasounds for both men and women, and hysterosalpingogram which assesses fallopian tube blockage.   

Hormone Testing

At the core of fertility is hormonal regulation. Hormones are released in the bloodstream and as such, hormone testing is done using a blood sample. Men have testosterone which is responsible for the primary and secondary sexual characteristics that comprise masculinity, while women have estrogen which is responsible for a female’s primary and secondary sexual characteristics. 

As well, with regards to fertility, there are hormones that are specialized to regulate fertility in both men and  women. The main hormones tested are follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which serve to develop and avail healthy sperm and eggs for fertilization. The levels of progesterone, prolactin, estradiol and anti-mullerin hormone in women, as well as inhibin in men, are evaluated. 

Semen Analysis

A semen analysis is an evaluation of both semen and sperm. Semen is the fluid that transports sperm and the sperms are the key to fertilization. Semen is typically evaluated for viscosity, pH, and white blood cells. Sperms are usually evaluated for quantity, motility (movement), and morphology (structure). Typically, if any of these parameters have been impacted negatively, the result is likely to be infertility.  

Ultrasound and HSG

Ultrasounds are the typical diagnostic tool used to view the actual structure and form of the reproductive organs. Healthy organs are fully formed and have specific structural characteristics that facilitate conception. This applies to both men and women. Again, depending on what the suspected cause of infertility may be, specialized ultrasound testing, for example a transvaginal ultrasound for viewing ovaries better, may be used. 

If the uterus and ovaries are healthy, a woman may be experiencing infertility as a result of blocked fallopian tubes. To diagnose this a hysterosalpingogram is conducted. This is done using an x-ray and contrast fluid. As the fluid travels throughout the uterus, it pools where there is blockage in the fallopian tube. Fallopian tube blockage occurs for several reasons related to infection or treatments. Typically a person may experience a regular menstrual cycle, but be unable to conceive because sperm cannot reach the egg for fertilization. 

Conclusion

For people who desire to build their families, fertility evaluations enable doctors to determine the reasons why it is not occurring in otherwise healthy individuals. It must be noted that infertility has many causes, and therefore each case is assessed carefully in order for the best treatment options to be determined. To know what your fertility status is, or if you are actively trying to build your family but have been unable to for a while, contact the fertility specialists at Utah Fertility Center. Our team of experts have a wealth of experience and are ready to support you in your unique family building journey. 

FAQs

When should I consider a fertility evaluation?

If you would like to build your family now or in the future but have irregular or absent periods; if you have had multiple miscarriages; if you have had infections such a sexually transmitted infections; if you have had treatment or surgery in the past impacting your reproductive organs, or have conditions affecting your reproductive health such as PCOS or endometriosis; then consider having a fertility evaluation done.

Can I still conceive naturally after a fertility test?

Yes, it is possible to conceive naturally after a fertility test. The purpose of a fertility evaluation is to provide information regarding reproductive health, and does not impact a person’s fertility. 

What if my fertility test results are normal but I still can’t conceive?

If your fertility markers return normal results but you are unable to conceive, the fertility expert will be able to advise you on the next course of action. Each case of infertility is influenced by different factors, therefore there are no hard and fast rules regarding treatment.

How much does a fertility evaluation cost?

Fertility evaluation costs vary from one location to another. For basic evaluations, the cost ranges between $200 and $500, while more comprehensive evaluations may range between $1,000 and $3,000. Insurance plans may cover some of these costs, therefore one would need to consult with their own insurance provider to determine what is covered.