Fertility Tests for Women - Everything You Need to Know

Infertility Overview

• Infertility is a reproductive disorder in males or females. A male or a female is said to be infertile if they fail to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of unprotected sexual intercourse.
• If you are unable to conceive in the first year, it doesn't mean you won't be in the second year, according to a study conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
• According to the World Health Organisation, around 48 million couples and 186 million individuals live with infertility globally. Infertility among people worldwide affects not only you or your partner but also your families and communities.
• In females, fertility is usually caused by various abnormalities of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and endocrine system.

Are you struggling to conceive? No worries. Here's what you need to know. This article will talk about the various fertility tests for women at home, what the purpose of these tests is, what the signs and warnings are to know if you need a fertility test, and lastly, about the cost of fertility tests for women at home. Read on to learn everything related to fertility tests for women.

The Purpose of Fertility Tests for Women

Fertility tests for women are intended to determine the cause of not being able to conceive after 12 months or more of unprotected sexual intercourse. These tests help your doctor diagnose the cause of your fertility issues. The causes triggering your pregnancy cycle may include a range of abnormalities in the ovaries, endocrine system, fallopian tubes, and uterus. 

Signs or Symptoms You Should Not Ignore 

The doctor usually suggests trying for pregnancy for at least a year before going for fertility tests. The signs and symptoms to know if you need a fertility test include:

• The obvious reason is that you are not getting pregnant.
• If you experience an irregular or absent menstrual cycle.
• If you are over 40 years of age.
• If you have had miscarriages.
• If your menstrual cycle lasts for too long (35 days or more) or too short (21 days).
• If you have heavy or painful periods. Heavy or painful periods result in a condition called endometriosis.
• If you are untreated for chlamydia disease, which leads to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The PID, in turn, blocks the fallopian tubes, causing an inability to conceive.
• If you are facing hormonal imbalance issues like skin issues, facial hair growth, reduced sex drive, etc.

Fertility Test for Women at Home

The fertility test for women to perform at home includes:

•  Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charting: BBT charting is an old ovulation testing technique. This is the simplest method of fertility tests for women that your doctor may suggest you do at home. It involves checking and charting your basal body temperature (your temperature when you're fully at rest) to assess the ovulation period. However, experts believe it is not an effective test like other ovulation tests.

The lab technician visits your home at the booked slot to take the blood sample for the following tests:

• Luteinizing Hormone (LH) CLIA Serum Test: LH is a hormone produced in the brain's pituitary gland. The hormone plays a significant role in ovulation, which in turn promotes pregnancy. The LH Test measures the levels of LH hormone in the blood.
• FSH-Follicle stimulating hormone Test: FSH is a hormone produced in the brain. It promotes the sexual organs and sexual functioning, timely menstrual cycle, and ovulation (production of eggs). The FSH test detects menstrual irregularities and dysfunctions, diagnoses the cause of infertility, and confirms the onset of menopause.
• Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Test: AMH hormone is responsible for producing eggs that are used to become pregnant. The AMH test detects the level(high or low) of AMH in the blood. A low AMH level indicates a low egg reserve, which means difficulty in becoming pregnant. At Metropolis Healthcare, there are two AMH tests — the AMH Premium Test (which includes AMH, FSH, LH, Testosterone, TSH, E2, and Prolactin Tests) and the AMH Supreme Test (which includes AMH, FSH, LH, Prolactin, Testosterone (Total & Free), TSH, E2, and Progesterone Tests).
• E2 Estradiol Serum Test: It is a significant sex hormone in women that helps in the growth of breasts, regulates the menstrual cycle and uterus, and maintains a healthy pregnancy. The E2 Estradiol Serum test measures the estradiol levels in the blood.

Cost of Metropolis Healthcare Fertility Tests for Women

Below is the table mentioning the cost of different fertility tests for women at home. The table mentions the top six cities of Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. You can visit Metropolis Healthcare's website to find prices for your city.

Final Words from Metropolis Healthcare

Infertility may be a serious health condition. Still, you should not give up on your dream of "becoming a mother." These tests will help you and your doctor identify the cause of infertility. After the cause is known, your doctor will guide you to the right treatment to help you conceive. All you need to do is pay heed to your symptoms and book an appointment with the doctor who will guide you to the proper test for infertility.
Consult your doctor and book your tests right away from the comfort of your home.