You might feel anxious, nervous, or excited during your first fertility consultation appointment. However, having a trusted fertility physician can provide the comfort needed throughout the process. If you want to start a family and are struggling to conceive, consider making a Fertility Consultation Mountain View. These tests evaluate your reproductive system and any issues causing problems with conception. During your first fertility consultation, your doctor reviews your medical history in-depth before recommending further tests. Below are six common and mandatory tests you should expect during your first fertility consultation appointment.
- Hormone Testing
Hormone testing is the most common fertility test done during the first consultation. It also helps you prepare if you are planning on having children later in life. It involves taking blood samples from your arm and sending them off to be analyzed by a lab technician.
They determine each sample’s estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels through proper analysis. Your lab technician will then give you feedback based on imbalanced hormones. Afterward, they will provide a proper diagnosis to help you know what might affect your fertility.
- Cervical Mucus Testing
Cervical mucus is a good indicator of fertility. Changes in your cervical fluid, or mucus, can help analyze your fertility levels. These changes can occur anytime during the month and mostly signify ovulation. Cervical mucus is a proper diagnostic method for detecting pregnancy and other reproductive issues such as endometriosis. If you have an abnormal cervical mucus pattern, your doctor may recommend other tests to help the evaluation process.
- Postcoital Testing
The postcoital test measures the presence of active sperms in your cervical mucus. It is usually performed by a gynecologist or a fertility specialist about 24 hours after intercourse. Apart from testing for pregnancy, a postcoital test can also be an indicator of fertility.
It involves using a speculum to seethe the cervix. Afterward, your doctor uses a catheter with a syringe to draw mucus from your cervix. The sample is examined under a microscope to detect the number of active sperms in your mucus.
- Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that uses an instrument called a laparoscope. Your doctor inserts a small camera into your vagina to look at your ovaries and uterus. The doctor can use this footage to see if there are any problems with your reproductive organs. If they discover any abnormalities, they may surgically remove them through laparoscopic surgery. However, this procedure is usually recommended if other tests fail to provide liable results.
- Ovulation Tracking Test
The Ovulation Tracking Test is a simple, non-invasive test that will tell you when you are most fertile. The Ovulation Tracking Test involves taking a urine sample and testing it for luteinizing hormone (LH). Your doctor will provide you with a specific kit and instructions on how to use it.
The kit has anovulatory strips that you can place in your underwear overnight. Your doctor will instruct you on how long each strip should remain in place for collection, usually about three days or longer. Therefore, ensure your timing coincides with ovulation and remember what day of the week each test was performed.
If you are having difficulty getting pregnant, taking a fertility test during your consultation visits is important. This step will help determine issues or factors affecting your fertility and the best treatment options. Feel free to do more tests than necessary, as this will only help your chances of conceiving.
