Infertility Testing for Women

Infertility testing is the first step for women who are finding it difficult to get pregnant. We recommend that women under age 35 who have not conceived after a year of unprotected sex, or women 35 and older who have not conceived after six months of unprotected sex consider infertility testing.

During the testing process, we focus on getting an in-depth look at your overall health. Our specialists identify lifestyle factors that could be affecting your fertility, and we also do a variety of tests to assess your physical and reproductive health. At Penn Fertility Care - Lancaster General Health, a supportive, experienced fertility care team walks you through each step of testing and treatment.

Female Infertility Testing: Why Choose Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health?

Our state-of-the-art fertility center in Lancaster County offers:

• Experienced fertility specialists: Our care team has extensive experience evaluating and diagnosing infertility. We ensure you receive the right tests for your unique needs and situation, which minimizes the need for repeat testing and additional appointments.
• In-house diagnostic tests: We offer most blood tests and imaging exams, such as ovarian reserve tests and saline-infusion sonohysterography, right in our clinic. Tests are quick and convenient and you get your results promptly.
• Minimally invasive procedures: Our fellowship-trained reproductive endocrinologist performs advanced diagnostic procedures for infertility, such as laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. You don't need to go anywhere else if you require more specialized testing.

What to Expect From Your Infertility Work-Up

We ask you about your medical, reproductive and sexual history. Next, we perform blood and imaging tests. Whenever possible, we try to do all your fertility tests in a single visit and deliver your results by the next business day.

Tests may include:

• Pelvic ultrasound: Also called an abdominal ultrasound, pelvic ultrasound is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to create images of your vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. The test allows us to see the size and position of these organs, as well as problems such as inflammation or abnormal growths that could be affecting fertility.
• Saline-infusion sonohysterogram: During a saline-infusion sonohysterogram  (SIS), we fill your uterine cavity with fluid and perform a transvaginal ultrasound. The fluid helps us see your uterus and ovaries in more detail than on a pelvic ultrasound. An SIS checks the inside layer of your uterus for scar tissue, fibroids, cysts or other problems. We can also do a tubal patency test during this exam to check for problems with your fallopian tubes.
• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): HSG uses X-rays and contrast dye to examine the inside contour of your uterus and make sure your fallopian tubes are open. You may need this test (done at our radiology department) if your SIS and tubal patency test results are abnormal. An HSG is also appropriate for women with a history of ectopic pregnancy or pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Ovarian reserve tests: Ovarian reserve tests use blood tests and a transvaginal ultrasound to assess the number and quality of eggs in your ovaries. A low ovarian reserve is a common cause of infertility. We examine your levels of anti-mullerian and follicle-stimulating hormones, as well as the number of ovarian follicles (also referred to as your antral follicle count).
• Other blood tests for female infertility: We measure the levels of other hormones in your blood, such as thyroid-stimulating hormone, prolactin and sometimes progesterone. Abnormal levels of these hormones could indicate health problems that affect fertility.