Infertility Evaluations

An infertility evaluation begins with your physician obtaining a complete medical history and performing a thorough medical exam. Certain lifestyle factors are assessed as part of this process, including whether a woman is significantly over- or underweight, whether she engages in excessive exercise, whether she has abnormal periods and whether she smokes or regularly consumes alcohol – all of which can have impacts on her fertility. Based on what these initial steps reveal, additional testing may be required such as ovulation tests, ultrasound imaging of the ovaries, hysterosalpingography and a laparoscopic exam. Most women will be evaluated for their basal body temperature, thyroid function, prolactin level and ovarian reserves. Imaging tests may be ordered to see if the fallopian tubes are functioning properly and to closely examine the uterus. For men, lifestyle factors that need to be assessed also include the amount of alcohol consumed, whether the man smokes or uses marijuana, and whether he has used anabolic steroids. A semen analysis, or sperm count, can be conducted, with additional testing such as an ultrasound performed when other test results indicate this is warranted.