| Day 1-3: | Baseline hormones | These blood tests assess for ovarian reserve (as reflected in your baseline FSH and estradiol levels); as well as general hormonal imbalances (of the thyroid, adrenal and/or pituitary glands) and other conditions, including insulin resistance. |
| Day 5-12: | Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) Sonohysterogram (SHG) Office Hysteroscopy |
These tests, done during the second week of your menstrual cycle, involve the injection of contrast (with the HSG), sterile saline (with the SHG), or a viewing telescope (hysteroscopy) through the cervix and into the uterine cavity. This will evaluate the anatomy of your uterine cavity and fallopian tubes; and look for intrauterine abnormalities or tubal blockage. |
| Day 11-14: | Follicle monitoring | This uses ultrasound to measure the size, shape and rate of growth of the developing follicle, which contains the maturing egg; along with measurements of hormones that must reach certain levels around ovulation. Such monitoring tells us whether you are ovulating, when, and how well. Suboptimal findings generally support the use of fertility drugs to enhance ovulation. |
| Semen analysis | This test evaluates the quality of sperm (number, motility and shape). It is imperative that your husband/partner abstain from ejaculation at least 3-5 days prior to producing the sample. This can be done at home provided the sample can be brought within one hour to CFA's Male Fertility Testing facility, Conception Laboratories. |
