Fertility Testing For Women Over 30

When couples embark on the journey of trying to conceive, many are surprised to learn that getting there isn’t as easy as they’d thought. And with more and more couples choosing to delay starting a family, the incidents of infertility are steadily on the rise.

If you are 30 years of age or older, and have been trying to get pregnant for more than six months, you should consider some form fertility testing. The problem, of course, is deciding where to begin. With so many tests available, which one is right for you? From home fertility tests to ultrasounds and everything in between, read on to make your decision an informed one.

At-Home Fertility Tests

For women, the most important first step in assessing your fertility is by monitoring your menstrual cycle, particularly if you are 30 years of age or older and trying to get pregnant. Once you are familiar with the length and regularity of your cycle, you’ll be able to track your ovulation. This can be done by creating a chart, or by using an ovulation calculator. It is during ovulation that your chances of conceiving are highest.

You can also purchase ovulation predictor tests from a pharmacy. These home fertility tests work by analysing a woman’s urine sample for levels of luteinizing hormone (LH). LH is released by the pituitary gland, with the function of stimulating the release of eggs by the ovaries in preparation for fertilization. These tests can be taken between 24 and 48 hours prior to ovulation.

Another at-home fertility test designed to analyze a woman’s fertility is a cervical mucus test. During ovulation, a woman’s cervical mucus changes to become thinner and more stretchy, in order to allow sperm easier access to the fallopian tubes and uterus. A woman can test her own cervical mucus by doing the “finger test”, with your thumb and index finger. If the fluid is able to stretch between 1-2 inches apart (sometimes even farther), it is most likely you are ovulating. During other stages of the menstrual cycle, the fluid with either be thick and break easily, or non-existent.

If you are under 35 and have been using these timing methods for a year and a half without success, it is recommended that you seek consultation from a fertility specialist. For those women over 35, health experts recommend you seek consultation if you do not become pregnant after six months of trying.

Getting a Physical Examination

Once natural methods have been exhausted, the next step is to seek help from a health care provider. Before you can see a fertility specialist, you will most likely need to undergo a physical examination by either your family doctor or an obstetrician-gynaecologist (OB/GYN).

This examination will include questions about your overall health, family history, menstrual cycle, as well as a routine physical exam. This generally includes a pelvic and breast examination, as well as a Pap smear. Based on your answers and the results of your tests, your doctor will able to advise you on what steps you need to take next.

Blood Tests

Another type of test that may be performed to evaluate fertility is a blood test. One of the least intrusive of all fertility tests, the blood test can be performed by your doctor. However, if infertility is suspected, you will likely need to undergo several tests to determine what’s causing the problem.

The blood test is performed in order to determine the presence of certain hormones, such as LH, FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), and estradiol, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. This can help indicate your ovarian reserve. Based on this, your doctor will be able to assess your overall fertility and egg quality.

Ultrasounds

Another type fertility test that may be preformed by your doctor is an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to produce images of internal structures of the body, such as the female reproductive organs.

An ultrasound can detect the presence or absence of follicles that contain and release eggs, as well as any abnormalities in the ovaries and uterus. An abdominal ultrasound, or pelvic ultrasound, will look for the presence of conditions that may lead to infertility, such as uterine fibroids, cysts, endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

During a transvaginal ultrasound, female reproductive organs that are harder to see will be examined, including the cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

By: Stephanie F

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For more information on fertility testing, including both female and male fertility testing, visit fertilitytesting.co.uk.