Blood Tests

A blood test is usually the first fertility test that your doctor will prescribe if you are finding it difficult to conceive and suspect that you may infertile. It is a relatively easy way of identifying why it is taking you some time to get pregnant and in many cases this will be enough to pinpoint the root of the problem.

Blood tests are often performed together with a spermogram; this allows your doctor to find out whether the problem is due to male or female-related fertility problems. Blood test results are primarily used to detect hormonal causes of infertility.

• Testing your ovarian reserve

  Ovarian reserve testing is usually administered to women facing fertility treatments such as IVF. The levels of FSH and LH indicate the level of your egg reserve and the quality of your eggs, and are usually measured during the first few days of your menstrual cycle. This gives a summary of how many years you have left to get pregnant.

• Testing for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

  Determining the ratio of FSH to LH will allow your doctor to find out whether you are suffering from polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS). If there is reason to believe that this is the case, then the next step is an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis. Several options are available for the treatment of PCOS, such as Clomid and Serophene.

• Testing your prolactin levels

  Unlike other hormones, the level of prolactin in your blood can be observed at any point in the menstrual cycle. Abnormally high prolactin levels can lead to problems with ovulation.

• Progesterone blood test

  A progesterone blood test is normally performed towards the end of the menstrual cycle (a few days before your next period); this will allow your doctor to see whether you have ovulated and whether the corpus luteum is secreting progesterone as it should. Progesterone prepares the womb for the implantation of the fertilised egg.

• Thyroid hormone (TSH) blood test

  This blood test can be performed at any point in your menstrual cycle. Abnormal levels of thyroid hormone (TSH) can seriously affect your chances of getting pregnant.

• Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) blood test

  Chlamydia can damage the Fallopian tubes, and therefore significantly reduce female fertility levels. If the blood test indicates the presence of a high number of anti-chlamydia antibodies, both you and your partner will need to be treated with a course of antibiotics.