The fertility rate is on a downward spiral in the United States. According to the Pew Research Center, there were 58.3 births per thousand females (15-44 years) in 2019. This is lower than the 59.1 births per thousand females in 2018. This made 2019 the fifth consecutive year in which fertility rates declined. If you and your partner are struggling to have a baby, you may need to go for fertility tests. Here are some of the tests carried out at fertility centers.

Infertility Tests for Women

There is no single test that can determine the cause of infertility in women. This is why doctors at fertility centers employ a variety of tests to find out what might be causing infertility in a female patient. One of the most basic tests is a PAP smear. This test detects problems like cervical cancer or sexually transmitted diseases that might be getting in the way of pregnancy. 

Doctors also take urine samples to check for the luteinizing hormone or LH. This is one of the hormones that surges just before ovulation. Hormonal tests are also done for progesterone. This is another hormone found in high concentrations during ovulation. It's impossible to get pregnant without ovulation, so these hormonal tests are basically done to find out whether you are ovulating or not.

It can be difficult to get pregnant if your reproductive organs aren't functioning properly. Your doctor can carry out tests to check whether these organs are healthy or not. Your doctor can therefore carry out some tests that check whether these organs are healthy or not. Some of the commonly used tests include tubograms, which are X-rays of your fallopian tubes and uterus. Doctors can also use transvaginal ultrasounds, hysteroscopy, and laparoscopy to find out if there is anything preventing you from getting pregnant.

Infertility Tests for Men

The most common infertility test for men is the analysis of sperm and semen. A trained expert will evaluate your sperm count, shape, movement, and other characteristics. If the sperm and semen analysis doesn't uncover the problem, your doctor will proceed with other tests. Sometimes, you might not have any semen or sperm at all. This usually results from a blockage in your reproductive tubes.

Apart from semen and sperm analysis, a doctor can also conduct a physical exam to find out find out whether a patient is experiencing infertility. A physical exam can find problems like varicocele. These are abnormal formations of veins above the testicle. The doctor can also carry out an evaluation of the male hormones. However, hormones are not a leading cause of male infertility.

These are some of the methods of testing infertility in men and women that are done at fertility centers. It's recommended to get tested for fertility when you and your partner are getting ready to conceive to make the process as stress-free as possible.