Infertility Workup

Q: What is the basic infertility workup?

A: There are usually four tests necessary as a basic infertility evaluation. These include:

1. An assessment of ovulation (usually by menstrual history, basal body temperatures, and ovulation kits)
2. Semen analysis
3. Checking the uterus and fallopian tubes with a hysterosalpingogram
4. A postcoital test
5. Some blood tests (eg progesterone, thyroid, LH/FSH, estrogen), cycle day 3 tests

The results of these tests will find over 80% of the problems associated with infertility. If you have kept information on your menstrual cycles and ovulation in most cases it should not take longer than 4-6 weeks to get these tests done.