BASIC TESTING

Basic blood work to assess your ovarian function include Cycle Day 3 labs. Follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol and luteinizing hormone levels are checked Day 3 of your cycle, with day 1 being the first day you start your period. Thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin, antimullerian hormone levels and a rubella titer are also frequently tested. Depending on you and your partner's genetic history, your provider may have additional recommendations for blood work that would be determined at the time of your appointment.

A sonohysterogram is a procedure where a small volume of saline is inserted into the uterus while an ultrasound is performed. This test allows the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and the shape of the uterus to be seen more clearly than on a pelvic ultrasound. For the bubble test portion of the procedure, the provider will pass a mixture of saline and air bubbles through the fallopian tubes, making it possible to see whether a blockage exists, and if so, where it is located. This test is performed after your period stops but before ovulation (days 6 through 12 of cycle). There may be cramping associated with this test. You can take ibuprofen 600 mg 45 minutes prior to (if no allergy).

A hysterosalpingogram is an x-ray of your uterus and fallopian tubes, where a dye is used to assess for any structural abnormalities. This procedure is done days 7 through 12 of your cycle at Maine Medical Center X Ray Department Bramhall Campus in the early morning. If your provider has recommended this test for you, you will need to call the office day 1 of your cycle, the first day of your period, to schedule. During the procedure you can experience some cramping, so we recommend that you take 600 to 800 mg of ibuprofen the night before and the morning of the procedure. Your provider will be able to discuss the results of this test with you at the time that it is performed.

Because fertility issues can be of female and male origin, often your provider will recommend a semen analysis for your partner. A semen analysis looks at the following: sperm count, motility (the ability of the sperm to swim), the velocity or forward progression of the sperm, the size and shape of the sperm (morphology), total semen volume and the liquefaction of the semen (the ability to go from normal gel-like state at ejaculation to a liquid state). A semen analysis does require an appointment with the lab and your partner will need to create a chart in our electronic medical record, with their demographic and insurance information, prior to the appointment. The semen sample is to be obtained after 48 hours of abstaining from ejaculation and must be collected in a sterile cup. Our office can provide you with this sterile container. The instructions for collection and transportation are very detailed and a copy of these instructions can be obtained from a nurse in the office and can also be located in the "Fertility" section of our website, under the "Patient Forms and Information".