Fertility testing is a common first step in someone’s fertility journey if they have concerns about their ability to conceive. It gives you important information to move forward in your journey to parenthood. The specialists who are part of The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services have been helping future parents learn more about their fertility and treatment options for over four decades.
A Compassionate Approach to Fertility Care
The fertility journey is described as an emotional rollercoaster by many people. Our board-certified reproductive endocrinologists understand the emotions that come with fertility treatment and will offer compassion when addressing your fertility concerns.
Our fertility specialists will walk you through the fertility testing process so you know what to expect. Once your fertility testing is complete, we will review what we’ve discovered and help you determine how to move forward on your path to parenthood.
Our specialists welcome any questions you may have about fertility testing and fertility treatments. These questions help us ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision and make you more comfortable with the process.
When Should I Consider Fertility Testing?
Fertility testing is not the first thing everyone does when planning to conceive a child. If you are under 35 years old, you should consider fertility testing after one year of trying without success. If you are over 35 years old, consider a fertility evaluation after trying for six months. Those over 40 should plan for fertility testing after three months.
In addition to these age guidelines, you may want to consider fertility testing if:
- You have any diagnosed reproductive conditions, such as endometriosis or PCOS.
- You experience heavy, absent, or irregular menstruation cycles.
- You have experienced recurrent miscarriages.
- You have a family history of infertility.
- You have a partner who experiences male infertility.
If you menstruate and have irregular cycles, this can indicate you may not be ovulating or could potentially have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can affect fertility. Those with endometriosis may also benefit from fertility testing when trying to conceive.
If you have a history of miscarriages, seeking out a fertility test can also determine and help treat any potential causes of your miscarriages.
Fertility Testing for Men and Women
Comprehensive fertility testing can be completed for both men and women. There are many causes of infertility, and your fertility specialist will work to uncover any underlying reasons why you have been unable to conceive. Infertility is a common issue that affects 1 in 6 couples. You are not alone.
Fertility testing begins with reviewing your and your partner’s (if you have one) medical history. Your fertility specialist will request that you provide us with this information before your appointment in order to make your first visit with our fertility specialists as productive as possible.
Your medical history, as well as any known family medical history, may inform your fertility specialist of potential reasons you are struggling to conceive. It’s also important to include information about your attempts to conceive before the appointment so we know what you’ve already tried.
Fertility testing for females may include:
- Pelvic Exam and Transvaginal Ultrasound
- Ovarian Reserve Testing
- Ovulation Testing
- Blood testing to check hormone levels (AMH, FSH)
- Pre-conception health screening blood testing
- Diagnostic hysteroscopy
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to check Fallopian tubes
- Semen Analysis
- Male Hormone Testing
- A hysterosonogram
- A laparoscopy
These tests allow your fertility specialist to learn more about your hormones, ovarian reserve, ovulation, and the structures of your reproductive system. Male fertility testing often involves blood tests to measure hormone levels, as well as a semen analysis or a Sperm DNA Fragmentation Assay (SDFA) to check the health and motility of the sperm.
Schedule an Appointment for Fertility Testing Today
If you’re struggling to conceive or want to learn more about your fertility before beginning your journey to parenthood, schedule an appointment at a CARS facility near Branford, CT. Our fertility specialists will help you manage any feelings you’re experiencing throughout the fertility testing process.
