Learn More about Female Fertility Testing at Aspire HFI in Houston
If you have questions about female fertility testing, contact Aspire Houston Fertility Institute. Our team is ready to meet you right where you are in your fertility journey.
Understanding Female Reproductive Health
To conceive successfully, ovaries need to release healthy eggs, and the reproductive tract must allow the egg to travel into the fallopian tubes, where it can meet sperm. Once fertilized, the egg must move to the uterus and successfully implant into the uterine lining. Fertility testing for women can help identify issues at any of these stages of conception. At Aspire Houston Infertility Institute, we're dedicated to empowering our patients with the information and treatments they need to plan for their future families.
Blood Work
Specific blood tests can be used to evaluate female fertility, including:
Day 3 FSH and E2
A Day 3 measurement of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) levels provides valuable information about the number of eggs in the ovaries. FSH is responsible for stimulating the ovaries to produce an egg during each menstrual cycle. If the ovaries are less responsive, FSH levels will be elevated.
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Testing
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is produced by ovarian follicles and helps physicians assess a woman's ovarian reserve, reproductive potential, and response to fertility treatments.
Progesterone
A physician can use a simple blood test to assess progesterone levels, which can help evaluate ovulation, which is crucial for conception.
Ultrasound
Ultrasounds are utilized to visually assess the structures of the uterus and ovaries. They can also determine the antral follicle count, providing insight into the number of eggs in in the ovaries.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
An HSG is an X-ray procedure used to assess the shape of the uterus and to check if the fallopian tubes are open. During the HSG, a physician inserts a narrow tube through the cervix to inject dye into the uterus and fallopian tubes. This is an outpatient procedure that typically takes less than five minutes to complete.
Sonohysterogram(SHG)
Sonohysterograms use ultrasound and sterile water to visualize the uterine cavity and assess the patency of the fallopian tubes. While SHG may not always be able to confirm whether the tubes are open, it provides a much clearer image of the uterine cavity.