Female Diagnosis

The first step in testing is to determine if the woman is ovulating each month. There are several ways to accomplish this. A woman can track her ovulation at home by:

  • recording changes in her morning body temperature over the course of several months
  • recording the texture of her cervical mucus over the course of several months
  • using a home ovulation test kit (available at most drug stores)

We can also check if a woman is ovulating by doing blood tests and/or an ovarian ultrasound. If the woman is found to be ovulating normally, further testing is needed.

The two most common fertility tests are:

Hysterosalpingography:

X-rays are used to check for physical problems of the uterus and fallopian tubes. The test works by injecting a special dye, visible by x-ray, through the vagina into the uterus. This allows the doctor to see if the dye moves normally through the uterus into the fallopian tubes. With these x-rays, blockages that can contribute to infertility will be apparent. Blockages can prevent the egg from moving from the fallopian tube to the uterus or keep sperm from reaching the egg.

How Should I prepare?

The hysterosalpingography procedure is best performed about one week after the completion of the menstrual cycle but before ovulation to best avoid a period where you may be or may become pregnant.

You may be asked to take a laxative or an enema the night before the procedure, to empty your bowels, so that the uterus and surrounding structures can be seen clearly by your physician. Prior to the procedure, you may also be given a mild sedative or over-the-counter medication to minimize any potential discomfort or pain.

You will be asked to remove some or all of your clothes and to wear a gown during the exam. You may not want to wear jewelry, eye glasses or any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images as you will be asked to remove them before the procedure.

Women should always inform their physician or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. X-rays are not healthy for a fetus. Also, inform your physician of any active inflammatory condition, medications you are taking or allergies.

Laparoscopy:

A tool called a laparoscope is used to see inside the abdomen. A small incision is made in the lower abdomen for insertion of the laparoscope. The doctor can then check the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus for problems. Scarring and endometriosis can usually be detected with laparoscopy.

How Should I prepare?

You may be asked to take a laxative or an enema the night before the procedure, to empty your bowels, so that the uterus and surrounding structures can be seen clearly by your physician. Prior to the procedure, you may also be given a mild sedative or over-the-counter medication to minimize any potential discomfort or pain.

You will be asked to remove some or all of your clothes and to wear a gown during the exam. You may not want to wear jewelry, eye glasses or any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images as you will be asked to remove them before the procedure.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have allergies to any medicines, including anesthesia or if you are or may become pregnant. Also let them know if you have any bleeding problems or are taking any blood-thinning medicines, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin).