Fertility testing

Various methods of predicting the timing of ovulation exist, some of which may be performed at home or in a clinical setting. Knowing the timing of ovulation can help a woman to determine the days of the menstrual cycle that are most likely to result in conception.

Cervical mucus

The cervix is a structure between the vaginal canal and the uterus. The cervical cells secrete mucus that changes its consistency over different parts of the menstrual cycle. During the fertile window, the mucus increases in quantity and becomes clear and stretchy and is known as "egg-white cervical mucus." This mucus allows sperm to survive in and travel through it. In contrast, when outside of the fertile window, the mucus does not stretch, is sticky, and is not clear.

The stretch test can be performed prior to and immediately after urination. Mucus can be sampled with by either wiping with toilet paper or inserting a clean finger into the vagina. The mucus quality can then be observed by stretching the mucus between the finger and thumb as shown in the image.[2]

Urinary ovulation prediction kits are typically found over-the-counter and there are many brands to choose from. This test measures the amount of luteinizing hormone, a hormone that increases just before ovulation, that is in the urine. Before ovulation, the luteinizing hormone levels dramatically increase; this is known as the "LH surge". This test can recognize the LH surge about 1-1.5 days prior to ovulation. Additionally, some ovulation prediction kits detect estrone-3-glucuronide. This is a breakdown product of estrogen and will have increased levels in the urine around the time of ovulation. This test is able to detect luteinizing hormone and estrone-3-glucuronide 90% of the time.

This test can be used in multiple ways. A few drops of urine can be added to the test device tip. Alternatively, the test device tip can be held in the urine stream. Finally, the test device tip can be dipped into a cup of urine. The test will indicate positive or negative results in about five minutes.[3]

Fertility/contraception monitor

A fertility monitor is an electronic device which may use various methods to assist the user with fertility awareness. A fertility monitor may analyze changes in hormone levels in urine, basal body temperature, electrical resistance of saliva and vaginal fluids, or a combination of these methods. These devices may assist in pregnancy achievement. However, at the moment there is insufficient evidence available to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of fertility monitoring on live births or pregnancies.[4]

Daily ultrasounds are used to follow the development of follicles which can help predict ovulation. The ultrasounds can predict ovulation with a 24-hour overlap to actual ovulation.[5]

Serum progesterone level is measured during the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. In women who are experiencing infertility, this test is only somewhat helpful for predicting ovulation.[6]

The cervix becomes soft, high, open and wet during the fertile window.

Basal body temperature changes during the menstrual cycle. Higher levels of progesterone released during the menstrual cycle causes an abrupt increase in basal body temperature by 0.5 °C to 1 °C at the time of ovulation.[7] This enables identification of the fertile window through the use of commercial thermometers. This test can also indicate if there are issues with ovulation.[8]

In women who have regular menstrual cycles, the fertile window occurs at approximately the same time every month. If the first day of menses is considered day 1, then ovulation occurs around day 14. In regular cycles that are 26–32 days long, the fertile window occurs on days 8–19.[9]

Women who are of fertile age may be infertile for a number of reasons. Various diagnostic tests are available to establish reasons. Several diagnostic procedures and clinical instruments are used for to evaluate anatomical causes of infertility. Some use a combination of imaging such as an X-ray or ultrasound with a contrast agent to visualize anatomic structures within the uterus and fallopian tubes. An electronic, flexible scope with a camera can also be inserted through the cervix to display live images. A variety of hormones can be tested at different times in the menstrual cycle to determine the likelihood of different responses to stimulation for In vitro fertilization (IVF).

Pregnancy rates in ovulation induction when using antiestrogens, as functions of the size of the leading follicle as measured by transvaginal ultrasonography at days 11 - 13 (bottom scale), as well as the thickness of the endometrial lining (4 different curves).[10]

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by granulosa cells in preantral and small antral follicles of the ovaries.[11] Testing for plasma levels of AMH allows physicians to estimate ovarian reserve. Estimations of ovarian reserve help to determine the likelihood of pregnancy by In vitro fertilization (IVF). AMH testing is considered to be one of the most accurate estimates of ovarian reserve, can be used for assessment at any point in the menstrual cycle, and is non-invasive.[12]

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a peptide hormone which causes the primordial follicles in the ovaries to develop and to produce estrogen.[13] FSH levels are elevated early in the cycle of women who have lower ovarian reserve, because their follicles do not produce enough estrogen to inhibit FSH production,[14] therefore high levels early on in a woman's menstrual cycle can indicate lower ovarian reserve and lower likelihood of retrieving eggs for IVF. To test for ovarian reserve in women with infertility, FSH levels are measured from blood samples taken on day three of the menstrual cycle and compared to standards to determine the likelihood of pregnancy after IVF treatment.

The clomifene citrate challenge test is similar to cycle-day-three FSH testing. To perform this test blood samples are taken on day three of the menstrual cycle to obtain FSH and estradiol levels, then 100 mg of clomiphene citrate are given orally once a day on days 5 through 9 of the menstrual cycle, and finally on day 10 of the menstrual cycle a second blood sample is taken to measure FSH levels. CCCT is not better at predicting ovarian response in IVF patients than baseline FSH on day 3.[15]

Antral follicles are cells early in the process of developing from an oogonium into a mature oocyte. A physician may use a transvaginal ultrasound to visualize and count the number of antral follicles in each of a woman's ovaries in order to determine her ovarian reserve; however AFC is not predictive of embryo quality.[12] A higher number of antral follicles indicates a higher likelihood of pregnancy by IVF.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an invasive x-ray imaging technique used to evaluate the shape and size of the uterus and openness of the fallopian tubes. It is a diagnostic test used in the investigation of infertility from genetic or infectious causes such as uterine fibroids, uterine polyps, uterine anomalies, scarring or tumors.[16]

A HSG is performed after menses and before ovulation during the first half of a menstrual cycle. It is not performed if the patient is pregnant, has a pelvic infection, or heavy bleeding at the time of the test.[17]

The procedure usually takes 30 minutes and often takes place in an outpatient setting such as a hospital or clinic. The patient is draped and positioned on her back as if for a pelvic exam with feet elevated. A speculum is used to visualize the cervix. The cervix is cleaned with an antiseptic and injected with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort and pain. A small catheter is used to fill the uterus with an iodinated contrast dye. X-ray images are taken as the contrast dye makes its way through the uterus and fallopian tubes. After images have been captured, the catheter is removed and contrast dye may either spill outside of the vagina or become absorbed.[16][17]

Risks associated with HSG are rare and include exposure to radiation, infection, allergic reactions to the contrast dye or antiseptic. It is normal for patients to experience mild to moderate abdominal cramping, pain and vaginal spotting for a few days after the procedure.[16]

A vaginal ultrasound is used in Hystero contrast sonography (HyCoSy).

Hystero contrast sonography (HyCoSy) is a transvaginal ultrasound imaging technique used to evaluate the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. It is a screening test used to determine the need for a diagnostic laparoscopy.[18]

A HyCoSy is typically performed after menses and before ovulation during the first half of a menstrual cycle. Unlike a HSG, a HyCoSy can be used to investigate causes of heavy bleeding.[19]

The procedure usually takes 15–20 minutes and often takes place in an outpatient setting such as a hospital or clinic. The patient is draped and positioned on her back as if for a pelvic exam with feet elevate. A speculum is used to visualize the cervix. The cervix is cleaned with an antiseptic such as iodine and injected with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort and pain. A small catheter is used to fill the uterus and fallopian tubes with a contrast agent consisting of a galactose solution called Echovist to enhance visibility. A transvaginal ultrasound is inserted into the vagina and manually positioned to visualize the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Once images have been captured, the ultrasound probe and catheter are removed. The contrast agent used during the study may either spill outside of the vagina or become absorbed.[18]

HyCoSy does not carry the same risks as X-ray hysterosalpingography because it does not use radiation or iodinated contrast dye.

Saline infusion sonohysterography is identical in procedure to hystero contrast sonography (HyCoSy) but uses saline instead of a contrast agent.[18]

A laparoscope is a minimally-invasive surgical technique used in infertility diagnosis.

An alternative to saline and Echovist, the galactose solution used to enhance visualization of anatomic features via ultrasound in HyCoSy, was needed because of limitations and high costs.[18] A sterile gel foam designed for gynecological use paved the entry for a new technique called hystero foam sonography (HyFoSy). The gel offers more stability than saline and patients may experience less discomfort and fluid leakage.[18]

Ultrasound scans of the ovaries (optimally by transvaginal ultrasonography) may be conducted to establish the development of ovarian follicles. This can be useful particularly in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Three-dimension sonography is a 3D ultrasound technique that uses a series of 2D images to render 3D images of the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Hysteroscopy is used to visualize the inside of the uterus using a thin, lighted, flexible camera that is inserted vaginally and through the cervix. The camera projects live images on an external screen. It is used to evaluate intrauterine causes of infertility.

Laparoscopy is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure in which a camera is inserted into the abdominal cavity via a small (0.5 - 1.5 cm) incision. It is often used to diagnose endometriosis. Chromopertubation is a combined laparoscopic procedure commonly referred to as a "laparoscopy and dye" test. It uses the injection of a blue dye solution (methylene blue or indigo carmine) into the uterus to help determine the openness of the fallopian tubes. Though considered to be a "gold standard" for diagnosing disorders of fallopian tube patency, it is an invasive procedure requiring general anesthesia.[20]