Infertility testing

Infertility tests help find out why you cannot get pregnant. These tests include a physical exam, semen analysis, blood tests, and other procedures.

Many of these tests are done in your doctor's office or clinic. Some other procedures may be done in a hospital.

Infertility tests are done to help find out why you can't become pregnant. If you have a partner, the tests help find out if the problem is with one of you or both. Tests usually include a physical exam, semen analysis, blood tests, and special procedures.

Your doctor will first ask you questions about your medical history and do a physical exam to check your health. You may also have other tests to check for specific problems. Tests that may be done include:

• Blood or urine tests. These tests check hormones and look for sexually transmitted infections.
• Semen analysis. This test checks the number of sperm and how they move.
• Ultrasound. A pelvic ultrasound looks at the size and structure of the uterus and ovaries.
• X-ray. A special kind of X-ray looks at the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
• Hysteroscopy. This procedure looks at the lining of the uterus using a thin, lighted scope that is put through the vagina and cervix into the uterus.

If the problem is still not found, other tests and procedures may be done.