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Additional Testing for Females
Why perform these tests?
- To confirm you have been ovulating
- To predict when you will be ovulating next
- To evaluate ovarian function or reserve (the ability to produce eggs)
- To test whether or not you did ovulate in the current cycle
- To measure how receptive your uterus is to pregnancy during the second half of your cycle
Ovulation Testing
- Basal Body Temperature Charts: Keeping track of your BBT (body temperature at rest, when you first wake up) is a way to document whether you have ovulated.
- Ovulation Predictor Kits: Designed to help you predict the time you will ovulate, they measure the LH level in your urine.
- Blood Tests and Ultrasound: Blood tests measure levels of estrogen and LH, while frequent ultrasounds track follicular growth.
Ovarian Function Tests
- Day 3 FSH: This is a blood test taken on day 3 of your menstrual cycle. It measures the level of the hormone FSH. An increase in FSH may indicate the decrease in the production of good quality eggs and embryos.
- Day 3 Estradiol Tests: This measures the amount of estrogen in your blood. A high level of estradiol may indicate poor egg quality.
- Inhibin B levels: A blood test to determine if inhibin B is being produced at too low a level is conducted.
- Ultrasound: A transvaginal ultrasound may be performed several days after the LH surge to determine if ovulation has occurred
Luteal Phase Testing
- Plasma progesterone level: A blood test in the last part of your cycle, high levels of progesterone indicate that ovulation has occurred.
- Hormone tests: Your physician may take a blood test to measure the amount of prolactin, androgen and thyroid stimulating hormone.
- Endometrial biopsy: Performed after day 21, the test involves taking a small piece of tissue from the uterine lining. This test determines if the lining is thick enough for a fertilized embryo to implant. smear. The results will indicate endometrial development