Learning About Infertility Testing

Infertility tests help find out why you cannot get pregnant. These tests include a physical exam, semen analysis, blood tests, and other procedures.

Many of these tests are done in your doctor's office or clinic. Some other procedures may be done in a hospital.

Your doctor will first ask you questions about your medical history and do a physical exam to check your health. You may also have other tests to check for specific problems. Tests that may be done include:

• Blood or urine tests. These tests check hormones and look for sexually transmitted infections.
• Semen analysis. This test checks the number of sperm and how they move.
• Ultrasound. A pelvic ultrasound looks at the size and structure of the uterus and ovaries. An ultrasound can also check for problems in the testicles that can cause problems with the sperm.
• X-ray. A special kind of X-ray looks at the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
• Hysteroscopy. This procedure looks at the lining of the uterus using a thin, lighted scope that is put through the vagina and cervix into the uterus.

If the problem is still not found, other tests and procedures may be done.

Sometimes tests can't find the problem. And not all infertility problems can be treated. But you may still be able to get pregnant with techniques like in vitro fertilization.

Infertility tests can cost a lot. And they can be stressful and take a lot of time.

In some cases, you may not find a problem even after many tests. So it is important to decide how many tests you might want to try.