Start your fertility journey and learn the basics of infertility testing
When people try to conceive for 12 months without success, or six months if the female partner is age 35 or older, the doctors at USC Fertility often recommend infertility testing. At our Los Angeles fertility center, we employ advanced testing to pinpoint common causes of female and male fertility issues. After a complete fertility analysis, your doctor can help you select the best treatment options for increasing the odds of a healthy pregnancy.
An overview of common infertility causes
Female fertility issues cause about one-third of infertility cases. Some common causes include structural abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, age and certain medical conditions. Male factor infertility, including a low sperm count and certain health problems, accounts for another third of infertility cases. The final third of cases is a combination of male and female factor infertility. Our Los Angeles fertility center experts utilize infertility testing to determine what could be preventing you from conceiving.
Identify potential barriers to conception with female infertility testing
For your fertility evaluation, your doctor will begin by gathering detailed information about your medical and family history to get a complete picture of your background. They may also perform the following female fertility tests.
- Bloodwork to check overall hormone levels.
- A physical exam to identify any structural issues.
- Ultrasound imaging to look at the uterus and ovaries.
- Ovarian reserve testing to estimate the quantity of remaining eggs.
- An hysterosalpingogram (HSG) can highlight issues with the uterus or fallopian tubes.
Our doctors may also recommend laparoscopic surgery to get a closer examination of your fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. This type of surgery can identify endometriosis, scarring or other blockages.
Understanding what male infertility testing entails
To check for male factor infertility issues, the doctors at our Los Angeles fertility center will begin with a medical history and will likely order a semen analysis. This simple test assesses the size, shape, number, motility and pH of the sperm sample provided by your partner. Depending on the results, your doctor may refer your partner to a local urologist, a doctor with advanced training in the male reproductive system.
If you have tried to conceive a baby without any luck, the doctors at USC Fertility can help identify fertility problems with infertility testing. During an initial visit with your doctor, you can ask questions and discuss the next steps. Contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation with one of our Los Angeles fertility center experts.