Do you find our website to be helpful?
Yes   No
Skip to main content

All About Fertility Testing

All About Fertility Testing

Maybe you thought that when you tried to have a baby, it would just happen. But for whatever reason, it isn’t happening and now you are wondering why not. Your next step might be to make an appointment with an OBGYN for some testing or even fertility treatment.

Not everyone will have every fertility test performed, but most people will at least start with a round of fertility testing. Dr. Alan Patterson explains more about what fertility testing usually includes.

The first step

The first step in finding out why you’re having difficulty in conceiving a child is often to look at the basics. Some of those basics include:

Timing conception properly

Many women are unfamiliar with their bodies and when they can get pregnant. Although it is theoretically possible to get pregnant at any time, your odds of conception greatly improve if you time your attempts at an appropriate time of your cycle.

Every woman has a fertility cycle, during which they’re much more likely to conceive. For most women, this is around the middle of their menstrual cycle. However, this can vary depending on other factors, including conditions you might have, like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS.)

Waiting until you’re off birth control long enough

For most women, your fertility returns to normal shortly after you stop taking birth control. However, other factors can determine how long this is, including:

A general physical exam

We’ll also do a general physical exam if you’re trying to conceive. Dr. Patterson will ask questions such as the following:

In addition, Dr. Patterson may also do a Pap smear to examine the appearance of your cervix. 

The basics of fertility testing

If you’ve been timing your conception attempts properly and are still unsuccessful, we’ll look at doing some fertility tests of both men and women. About 30% of infertility cases are because of factors involving the male, 30% are because of female factors, and the remaining percentage have factors that can’t be identified.

One of the fertility tests for women measures whether or not you’re ovulating and how many oocytes (or eggs) you have left. This is called your ovarian reserve. It’s done with just a simple blood draw.

Another blood draw he may order includes a test of your progesterone levels. This hormone is often involved if you have a history of early miscarriage.

Dr. Patterson may also order a sperm sample from your male partner, which he’ll examine for signs of abnormalities.

If you need further testing

If any of your basic fertility tests come back as abnormal, Dr. Patterson may order additional tests. He may also recommend medications to induce ovulation. He’s committed to helping you achieve a successful conception. Contact Dr. Alan Patterson today or request an appointment online. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

The Truth About Forbidden Foods During Pregnancy

The Truth About Forbidden Foods During Pregnancy

When you’re expecting, every bite counts, but sorting out which foods are safe can be confusing. From sushi to coffee, some foods come with hidden risks that make them worth a second thought. Learn more here. 
Gestational Diabetes: Why Is Treatment so Important?

Gestational Diabetes: Why Is Treatment so Important?

Gestational diabetes doesn’t just affect you — it can have long-term effects on your baby’s health. Timely treatment and close monitoring are essential to manage your blood sugar during pregnancy and reduce your risk of serious complications.

When Should I Start Having Mammograms?

Breast cancer screening is a powerful tool in your health arsenal, and knowing when to start is key to early detection and prompt treatment. Understanding your personal risk factors can help you take steps to protect your breast health.
All About PCOS: The Most Common Cause of Irregular Periods

All About PCOS: The Most Common Cause of Irregular Periods

PCOS is more than just a cause of irregular periods — it can impact many aspects of your health and well-being. Recognizing the signs early and taking proactive steps to manage the condition can make a significant difference in your daily life.