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Additional Testing for Females

Why perform these tests?

  • To confirm you have been ovulating
  • To predict when you will be ovulating next
  • To evaluate ovarian function or reserve (the ability to produce eggs)
  • To test whether or not you did ovulate in the current cycle
  • To measure how receptive your uterus is to pregnancy during the second half of your cycle

Ovulation Testing

  • Basal Body Temperature Charts: Keeping track of your BBT (body temperature at rest, when you first wake up) is a way to document whether you have ovulated.
  • Ovulation Predictor Kits: Designed to help you predict the time you will ovulate, they measure the LH level in your urine.
  • Blood Tests and Ultrasound: Blood tests measure levels of estrogen and LH, while frequent ultrasounds track follicular growth.

Ovarian Function Tests

  • Day 3 FSH: This is a blood test taken on day 3 of your menstrual cycle. It measures the level of the hormone FSH. An increase in FSH may indicate the decrease in the production of good quality eggs and embryos.
  • Day 3 Estradiol Tests: This measures the amount of estrogen in your blood. A high level of estradiol may indicate poor egg quality.
  • Inhibin B levels: A blood test to determine if inhibin B is being produced at too low a level is conducted.
  • Ultrasound: A transvaginal ultrasound may be performed several days after the LH surge to determine if ovulation has occurred.

Luteal Phase Testing

  • Plasma progesterone level: A blood test in the last part of your cycle, high levels of progesterone indicate that ovulation has occurred.
  • Hormone tests: Your physician may take a blood test to measure the amount of prolactin, androgen and thyroid stimulating hormone.
  • Endometrial biopsy: Performed after day 21, the test involves taking a small piece of tissue from the uterine lining. This test determines if the lining is thick enough for a fertilized embryo to implant.The results will indicate endometrial development.

Evaluation of the Cervical Mucus
Postcoital test (PCT) Performed mid-cycle, shortly after intercourse, this test evaluates the quality and quantity of cervical mucus and documents the presence of live, motile sperm in the mucus.

– Content courtesy of Resolve