Infertility TreatmentInfertility Tests First, let's talk about infertility tests. What tests are done depends on the couples' issues or concerns. Usually, the simplest, less invasive tests are run first, and then more detailed tests are pursued. Typically, a woman who is older will have a day 3 FSH and LH blood test drawn to see if her FSH (or follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (or luteinizing hormone) are normal. FSH is what stimulates the maturation of the eggs each cycle, and LH triggers ovulation. A semen analysis is the first course of action for the male partner to see if his sperm are optimal in quality, quantity, and speed to fertilize a woman's egg. (Read more here about male factor infertility and what the semen analysis reveals.) If these two tests check out normally, other tests can be run to check further for infertility causes. HSG, or hysterosalpingogram, is often recommended for the woman to see inside the uterus, fallopian tubes, and surrounding areas in order to check for blockages or other abnormalities. During this procedure, a blue dye is inserted into the woman's uterus, which also flows into the fallopian tubes. Other tests can be done to check thyroid function, prolactin levels, progesterone levels, and estrogen levels to make sure that a woman's reproductive system is working effectively.
Ultrasound testing is also helpful in determining infertility causes. An ultrasound can determine the thickness of the uterine lining and also see the overall health of the ovaries and uterus. Infertility Treatments There are many types of infertility treatments, but I will just focus on two of the more popular ones here on this site, and those are in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination (or IUI). In vitro fertilization (or IVF) can be quite expensive, so most couples do not have the luxury of going this route. It is typically used as a last resort when all other treatments have failed. (Read all about in vitro fertilization here.) Artificial insemination may benefit some couples who are having difficulty getting pregnant by natural means. I talk specifically about IUI (intrauterine insemination) in more detail here. Learn About Acupuncture for Infertility
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