Female fertility tests that may need to be taken while planning to become pregnant

Fertility tests and examination of the female reproductive organs are recommended if pregnancy does not occur even though you have had regular sex for 12 months. The doctor will perform a series of tests to detect disorders of the reproductive organs, hormones, and other components that cause difficulty getting pregnant.

So, what are the test series?

Variety of reproductive organs examination

Examination of the female reproductive organs includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the area around them. The following are common tests:

1. Hysterosalpingography (HSG)

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) makes use of x-ray technology real time to determine the condition of the uterus and fallopian tubes, as well as the risk of miscarriage related to abnormalities in the uterus. If there is a blockage in the fallopian tube, the doctor can also open it through this examination.

HSG is the first test a woman needs to do before undergoing other fertility tests. The reason is, the results you get are the basis for conducting further examinations. Especially if there are disturbances in the reproductive organs.

Source: Fertility Center of San Antonio

2. Transvaginal ultrasound

The transvaginal ultrasound test aims to determine the condition of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and vagina. This test is also recommended for cases of abnormalities such as pelvic pain, cysts, vaginal bleeding, and to check the position of the contraceptive device in the uterus.

To perform a transvaginal ultrasound test, the doctor will insert a high-frequency sound wave transmitter into the vagina. Sound waves will bounce off the reproductive organs. This reflection then produces an image on the screen.

3. Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy test is useful for diagnosing female fertility problems related to uterine conditions. In addition, hysteroscopy can also be used to treat polyps, fibroids, abnormal bleeding, and confirm the results of an HSG examination.

A hysteroscopy procedure is performed by inserting a hysteroscope tube into the vagina. After passing through the vagina, the hysteroscope is continuously inserted into the cervix before finally reaching the uterus.

Source: Complete Woman Care

4. Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is performed to diagnose and treat diseases related to disorders of the abdominal and pelvic area. This procedure is usually performed on women who have problems with endometriosis, fibroid tumors, cysts, pelvic pain, and fertility.

The doctor will sedate the patient, then insert a catheter to remove urine and a small needle to fill the abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide gas. After that, the doctor makes a small incision to insert a laparoscope tube that sends images to a screen.

Another fertility test for women

Apart from examining the reproductive organs, a series of fertility tests also includes examining ovulation and hormones. Ovulation is the phase of releasing an egg from the ovary. The process of ovulation is greatly influenced by hormones and increasing age.

Launching the American Pregnancy page, ovulation-related examinations are divided into four types, namely:

Ovulation test

The purpose of this test is to make sure ovulation has actually occurred. The test procedure is carried out through blood tests, ultrasound, ovulation predictor kits, and body temperature charts.

Ovarian function test

This test serves to determine the function of the hormones that affect ovulation. The test suite includes a test for FSH function (follicle-stimulating hormone), estradiol (estrogen), and blood tests to find out the amount of the hormone inhibin B that inhibits ovulation.

Luteal phase test

Its function is to determine the amount of progesterone, because progesterone will increase after ovulation.

Other hormone tests

This test includes the tests for the hormones previously mentioned as well as the hormones prolactin, free T3, free testosterone, total testosterone, DHEAS, and androstenedione.

There are many factors that can hinder the pregnancy process. Therefore, the fertility tests that women need to do also vary. A consultation with an obstetrician can help you determine which tests to undergo first.

You also need to discuss with the doctor once the test results have come out. That way, you can find out what causes fertility problems and the best way to treat them.

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