Current Patients - Infertility Tests

1. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
2. Home Ovulation Predictor (LH Surge) Kit
3. Post Coital (PCT) Test
4. Endometrial Biopsy
5. Semen Analysis
6. Day 3 Lab
7. Hydrosonography

1.  Hysterosalpingogram (HSG):  This x-ray procedure will evaluate the uterine cavity and will determine whether or not the fallopian tubes are open. You should call the office between 8am and 4:30pm the first business day after your period starts. The HSG will be done approximately 1 week after your period starts. You will be given specific instructions when you call. You should take a non-steroidal medication (Motrin, Aleve, Advil, etc) 30 minutes prior to the procedure as this x-ray usually causes some uterine cramping.  More information.

2.  Home Ovulation Predictor (LH Surge) Kit:  These kits can be purchased over the counter at any pharmacy or grocery store. No prescription is needed.  You should start checking your urine for the LH surge beginning on cycle day 11.  You should ovulate the day after you detect the urinary LH surge.  This test is used to schedule procedures such as inseminations, PCT’s and endometrial biopsies.

3.  Post Coital (PCT) Test: This test will determine whether or not sperm are able to penetrate the cervical mucus. The test is performed the morning after you have an LH surge. You should call the office the day you have an LH surge. If you surge during the night or weekend, call the after hours pager. You should have intercourse late in the evening of the day your surge is positive. You will come to the office the next morning for the test. The test is not painful and involves taking a sample of cervical mucus and observing it under the microscope.

4.  Endometrial Biopsy:  A small catheter will be inserted through your cervix and into the uterine cavity. A small piece of the endometrium (uterine lining) will be removed for analysis. The test is generally performed 11-13 days after a positive LH surge. You should call the clinic the 1st business day after you have a positive surge and schedule this test. It is advisable to use barrier contraception or abstain from intercourse during the cycle in which the biopsy is to be performed. A pregnancy test will be performed prior to the biopsy, but an early pregnancy could be missed. This procedure can be associated with some cramping. You should take a non-steroidal medication (Motrin, Aleve, Advil, etc) 30 minutes prior to the procedure.  More information.

5.  Semen Analysis:  Your husband should abstain from intercourse/ejaculation for 3-4 days prior to the semen analysis. You may call the office to schedule this during any weekday. We have facilities in our office for collecting the sperm. If you would like to collect the sample at home and bring it to the office, please let the secretary know when you call to schedule the test. You will be given specific instructions on how to collect the sample at home.  More information.

6.  Day 3 Lab:  Blood will be drawn on the 3rd day of your menstrual period for FSH, LH, and estradiol. These tests will evaluate your ovarian reserve. The 1st day of full menstrual flow is considered day 1 (do not count any days of premenstrual spotting). You should call the clinic when your period starts to schedule this test. If your period starts on the weekend, you should call the after hours number and the physician on call will tell you when to come in. There is some flexibility on when this test can be performed. It can be performed on day 2, 3, or 4 of your cycle.

7.  Hydrosonography:  This is a special type of ultrasound in which fluid is injected into the uterine cavity while a vaginal ultrasound is performed. The purpose of this test is to evaluate the uterine cavity for abnormalities. It is performed in the 1st half of your cycle; after your period stops, but before the expected day of ovulation. You should call the clinic when your period starts to schedule this test. Some uterine cramping should be expected when this test is performed, so you should take some Motrin or Advil prior to this procedure.