Female Fertility

The key factor influencing female fertility is the eggs. The egg quality and female fertility itself are at their peak around the age of 27 and begin to decline by the time a woman is in her 30s. A 40 year old woman has reduced chances of having a successful pregnancy using her own eggs, compared to approximately 30 percent at her natural peak fertility. Older eggs also face the risk of chromosomal defects that could lead to conditions such as Down's syndrome, in children.

Female fertility may also be affected by

• Inconsistent ovulation
• Fluctuating or diminished hormone levels

Female fertility is also adversely affected by a poor reproductive environment that hampers the proper fertilization of the egg as well as impairs the retention of a fertilized egg. It may also interfere with the sperm’s transport.

Like the treatment for male fertility, the initial evaluation of a woman’s fertility includes a personal and family history followed by a thorough physical examination. This is followed by a number of tests that help diagnose the problem and assist in drawing up the treatment. Some of the female fertility tests that we offer at East Bay Fertility Center include:

Blood tests: There are certain blood tests that measure the levels of various hormones and in turn help in figuring out the causes of female infertility. At East Bay Fertility Center we conduct blood tests such as luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), estradiol, and progesterone.

Changes in pituitary or thyroid function can also affect the menstrual cycle and hence ovulation. TSH and/or T4 are blood tests that measure thyroid function.

Testosterone testing:  A blood test to determine Testosterone levels is recommended if a woman has irregular periods or none at all. Testosterone levels can also rise in women because of tumors that develop in the ovaries or PCOS.

Hysterosalpinogram (HSG): In this medical procedure, radio opaque dye is injected through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes. A special X-ray machine then scans the pelvic region to diagnose fibroid tumors, scar tissue, an unusually shaped uterus or blockages in the fallopian tubes.

Hysteroscopy: If the result of the HSG suggests the presence of a uterine problem, a hysteroscopy may be conducted to examine the inside of the uterus. The procedure involves using a hysteroscope - a thin telescope passed through the cervix into the uterus.

Laparoscopy: To inspect the outside of the uterus, the ovaries and fallopian tubes for endometriosis, pelvic adhesions or other problems, a laparoscopy may be conducted under general anesthesia.

Endometrial biopsy is another line of testing which involves the removal of a sample of the endometrium (tissue lining the inside of the uterus) which is then studied under a microscope. Problems with the endometrium are called luteal phase defect. This test checks to see if the endometrium can support implantation and growth of a fertilized egg. This is a test that must be done about three days before the start of the period.