Blood tests are necessary to determine fertility in both men and women, and thus for continued treatment. A fertility blood test is used to measure your hormone levels and is usually the first fertility test that will be prescribed by your doctor if you have difficulty conceiving and suspect that you may be infertile. There are many blood tests for fertility, however, your doctor will decide which blood tests you need before your pregnancy on the basis of your pre-pregnancy situation.
Along with this If you’re a woman who is 35 years old or younger and have been not able to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse, or after six months if you’re over 35, in this situation your doctor will prescribe you some test to check your and your partner’s fertility.
Common blood test for fertility
A blood test to determine male fertility and female fertility may not always be the same. Let’s take a look at some common fertility blood tests for men and women.
1. FSH test
FSH is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland. In women, Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) helps regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle and follicle production in the ovaries, Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) helps regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle and, follicles ovaries, the follicle grows, which contains eggs [1]. A blood test to measure the FSH level is done on the second or third day of your menstrual cycle and is used to evaluate egg supply and ovarian function.
In men, FSH regulates the production and transport of sperm. Tests are used to determine sperm count.
People over 35 years of age should do this test. In addition, women who show signs of ovarian failure, and men who show signs of testicular failure also need this test.
2. Estradiol Test
Estradiol is an important form of estrogen hormone. Estradiol tests (E2) are used to measure the ovarian function of women and also evaluate the quality of eggs. Like FSH, it is done on the second or third day of your menstruation. [2]
Patients who are taking fertility medicine should have their estradiol levels checked so that the effectiveness of the drug can be evaluated and adjusted if needed.
3. LH test
In women, the luteinizing hormone (LH) is associated with ovarian hormone production and egg maturation. A luteinizing hormone test is done at the beginning of your cycle which can help the diagnosis of hormonal imbalances such as PCOS. When the LH test is done in your mid menstrual cycle (14 days of a 28-day cycle), the levels can help determine when you are ovulating. [3]
LH is a hormone that stimulates ovulation and the production of progesterone in women. In men, it stimulates the testes to secrete testosterone. Every couple should have this test done, as abnormal levels of LH hint infertility.
4. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test
AMH has quickly become the ‘gold standard’ in all the Fertility Blood Test. Secreted by small antral follicles in the ovary, AMH remains present until a woman reaches her menopausal phase. Testing Anti-Müllerian Hormone gives a doctor a good idea of understanding the ovarian function and egg reserve in women. A lower AMH level may predict lower egg yield and, thus, a lower probability of success in patients undergoing IVF procedure.
AMH can be tested at any time of your menstrual cycle, and can also be done if you are taking an oral contraceptive medication.
5. Serum Progesterone Test
Progesterone is a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries during ovulation. It prepares the endometrial lining of the uterus and makes it receptive to the fertilized egg. A serum progesterone test is used to determine if ovulation is occurring.
As progesterone levels rise towards the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle, the progesterone test is performed during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (just before your period begins).
Women who have a history of miscarriage, ovarian dysfunction, or who have had bleeding or spotting during pregnancy should undergo this test.
6. Prolactin Hormone Test
The hormone prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland, and causes milk production in women.
In women, the prolactin test is performed for :
- Evaluation of infertility
- To find out the cause of anovulation
- In nipple discharge.
In men, a prolactin test is performed in:
- The decrease in sexual desire
- Difficulty in erections
- Problems with the pituitary gland or tumors
7. Androgens Test
A free androgen index (FAI) is a ratio figured out after a blood test for testosterone. It’s used to see whether you have abnormal androgen levels or not. [4] Testosterone is perhaps the most well-known androgen, affecting the sexual functioning of both men and women. In women, an androgen test is performed in the evaluation of conditions including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In women, this test is done on fasting and 24 hours before breast stimulation or after sexual intercourse.
In men, androgen tests are used to find the cause of low sex drive, an erection problem, and inability to achieve pregnancy or infertility.
8. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) Test
TSH secretes T3 and T4 thyroid hormones following the simulation of the thyroid gland.
Women who have irregular periods or if your doctor suspects something wrong with your thyroid gland, then you will need to do this test. Due to irregular or disturb periods and without the complete cycle, including ovulation, fertilization, and implantation, you can’t get pregnant naturally. [5]
TSH Test results show Low TSH levels can mean your thyroid is making too much of the hormones, a condition called hyperthyroidism. High TSH levels can mean your thyroid is not making enough thyroid hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism. Both conditions can prevent ovulation in women. These tests are extremely useful if you find that it is taking you a long time to become pregnant and helps to find the root of the problem.
9. Infectious Disease Screening
If a patient is undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intra-uterine incineration (IUI), it’s important to undergo an infectious disease screening.
Tests should be done every 12 months and to check for any communicable diseases. Various tests are performed for screening blood type and Rh factors, HIV 1 and 2, hepatitis C antibody, hepatitis B, surface antigen, hepatitis B core antibody, RPR (syphilis), varicella (chicken Chex), and rubella (German measles ).
Summary:
This test can tell a lot about fertility issues in both males and females. A doctor who specializes in infertility diagnosis and treatment will suggest to you some this test to know your fertility health and help the doctor to treat you to improve your fertility health.
Read Also:
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ActiveMan does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
