Fertility Testing for Women
Depending on your individual situation, various female fertility tests may be ordered to gain a full picture of your reproductive health and help identify any potential causes. At PCRM, we offer a range of female fertility tests to provide personalized care and guide appropriate treatment.
Some of the most common female fertility tests include:
- Medical history review and physical exam: A standard pelvic exam (similar to an annual gynecological exam) allows doctors to assess the health of the female reproductive organs, including the vagina, fallopian tubes, cervix, and uterus. Your doctor will also go over your medical history and family medical history to help identify any conditions that could be affecting fertility.
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): This X-ray procedure uses contrast dye to provide a clear view inside the uterus and/or fallopian tubes.
- Ovulation testing: Ovulation tests measure levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urine, helping to determine the most fertile days in a woman’s ovulation cycle.
- AMH (anti-müllerian hormone) testing: This blood test measures levels of AMH circulating in the body, which can help doctors determine how many eggs remain in the ovaries.
- Hormone testing: Your doctor may also test levels of other hormones—including progesterone, estradiol, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and prolactin—to evaluate ovarian reserve and check for any conditions that could be impacting fertility.
- Transvaginal ultrasound: This non-invasive procedure uses a lubricated probe to visualize the uterus, ovaries, and pelvis, helping doctors diagnose any conditions that may be affecting fertility.
- Antral follicle count (AFC): Conducted during a transvaginal ultrasound, an AFC measures your ovarian reserve by counting the number of small follicles in the ovaries.
Because every fertility journey is unique, different patients will undergo different tests. The team at PCRM will recommend the best tests for your needs and goals. To learn more, explore our Fertility Testing & Evaluation page.
Fertility Testing for Men
Male fertility testing can be equally as important as female fertility testing. With male factors contributing to about half of all infertility cases in couples, it’s important to gain a full understanding of anything that may be causing difficulty conceiving. Fertility testing can also be a good idea for men who are not actively trying to conceive but are curious about their fertility for future family building.
The experts at PCRM work with many male patients, using cutting-edge testing technologies to analyze sperm health and function. Results from these tests can then be used to identify potential causes of infertility and guide appropriate treatment.
Some of the most common male fertility tests include:
- Semen analysis: This lab test assesses sperm count, movement (motility), shape (morphology), as well as semen volume and overall semen quality. You’ll be asked to produce a sample, either at home or in a private, discreet room in your doctor’s office, before handing it off for analysis.
- Hormone testing: Blood tests may also be ordered to measure the levels of hormones such as testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin, which can affect fertility.
- Medical history review and physical exam: Your doctor will go over your personal medical history as well as your family medical history to identify any conditions that could be impacting sperm health and reproductive potential. A physical examination will also help your doctor determine whether any anatomical, hormonal, or medical factors could be impacting fertility.
- Genetic testing: In some cases, genetic testing may be recommended to assess for certain inherited conditions that could impact fertility.
Tests will be recommended depending on your individual circumstances. At PCRM, your care team will guide you through the process and create a personalized treatment plan based on test results. If you’re interested in learning more about our male fertility testing capabilities, explore our Fertility Testing & Evaluation page.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing can play an important role in their fertility and family-building journey, ensuring patients are equipped with the information they need to make informed decisions and helping to improve pregnancy outcomes. At PCRM, we may recommend genetic testing based on personal or family medical history, age, lifestyle, or pregnancy history.
Used in many in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, preimplantation testing (PGT) involves screening the genetic material of embryos before transferring to the woman’s uterus or freezing for future use. There are three main kinds of PGT: PGT-A, which evaluates embryos for chromosomal abnormalities; PGT-M, which tests for specific inherited genetic conditions; and PGT-SR, which looks for structural chromosomal rearrangements.
PCRM has years of experience with PGT and will help you find the right approach for your reproductive needs. To learn more about genetic testing and determine whether it may be right for your fertility journey, explore our Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) page.
Your Fertility Evaluation: What to Expect
Your first fertility evaluation will allow you to get to know your doctor, explore your options, and get familiar with the first steps of your unique journey. During your first appointment at PCRM, your doctor will ask you about your goals and address any questions or concerns you may have. Our team is committed to creating a supportive environment for all patients, with personalized, one-on-one care every step of the way.
During your fertility evaluation, you can generally expect:
- A comprehensive review of the information you provided in your intake forms, including your (and your partner’s, if applicable) medical history, as well as your and your partner’s family medical history, pregnancy history, and any prior fertility care
- A conversation about your reproductive and family-building goals, whether you’re actively trying to conceive or are interested in egg, embryo, or sperm freezing for the future
- Ample time to ask any questions you may have and go over next steps
Before your first appointment, we’ll ask you to complete the following:
- Comprehensive intake forms detailing relevant medical records, family medical history, pregnancy history, and any prior fertility test results or fertility care
- An electronic release form, which allows us to access relevant notes and records from your other providers
- Any initial labwork we have ordered in advance
Coming prepared will help speed up the process and ensure doctors have all the information they need to start creating a personalized treatment. For your first appointment, it’s recommended to bring:
- Provincial health care card and extended health insurance coverage information
- Military health care card or refugee health insurance paperwork, if applicable
- Photo ID
PCRM is committed to providing personalized, collaborative care. Gathering as much information as possible from you (and your partner, if applicable) will help ensure your treatment is tailored to your exact needs.