Evaluation of Infertile Couples

An important initial step in the evaluation of female is to determine if normal ovulation is occurring (release eggs). Progesterone is produced only after ovulation. Usually, a regular menstrual period occurs every 21-35 days and is important indicator of normal ovulation.

The presence or absence of ovulation may be evaluated by following tests.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

Normally, the release of progesterone will cause a mid-cycle temperature rise, which means that ovulation has occurred. BBT is one of the method used to help determine the time of ovulation.

Ovulation Prediction Kits

Ovulation Prediction kits measure the level of leutinizing hormone, or LH, in a woman's urine. LH is found in high level of the urine just before ovulation, which generally occurs within 12 to 24 hours after the rise of LH is detected. If patient has a positive test near the middle of her menstrual cycle, her ovulation is occurring. Persistent failure of the test to turn positive may indicate a problem with ovulation.

Blood Tests

Blood Tests to measure the hormone progesterone can be performed to confirm that normal ovulation has occurred. The ovary produces progesterone only after ovulation, and an elevated level in her blood confirms that an egg has been released.

Endometrial Biopsy

Scrapings from the mucus membrane lining of the uterus will be taken with a special small curette in the office, usually around day 22-26 of the cycle. This test is to evaluate the effect of the ovarian hormones on the uterus.