Appointments

Infertility tests allow our physicians at Valley Fertility Center to diagnose and treat your condition. 

Some tests must be performed at specific times during your menstrual cycle. You can determine whether you would like to complete the tests in a single month or extend the testing over several months. 

We will work at a pace that is comfortable for both you and your partner.

Cycle Day 3 Blood Work: FSH and Estradiol 

  • You will be instructed to call with day 1 of your next menstrual cycle.
  • You will then be scheduled during monitoring hours for your day 2 or 3 estradiol and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) test. Together, these levels tell us how hard your body is working each month to produce an egg.
  • You must arrive on time for testing to ensure timely results.
  • Patients will be seen on a first come, first served basis during our monitoring hours.

Monitoring Hours:

  • Monday – Friday, 7 – 8:30 a.m.
  • Saturday – Sunday and holidays, 8 – 8:30 a.m.

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) 

  • This X-ray test is performed between day 6 and day 10 of your menstrual cycle. It is scheduled after menstrual bleeding has stopped, but before ovulation.
  • This test evaluates the contour of your uterus and determines whether or not your fallopian tubes are open.
  • It is performed by one of our reproductive endocrinologist physicians in conjunction with a radiologist at the Diagnostic Imaging Department, located on the second floor at The Valley Hospital.
  • You will be in the hospital approximately one hour total, with the test itself lasting approximately 15-30 minutes.
  • Your results will be discussed with you by our physician immediately following the procedure.

HSG Pain 

  • Women experience a range of reactions to the HSG test from minimal discomfort to severe cramping.
  • In general, patients can expect to have the feeling of menstrual cramps during the procedure. These tend to go away rapidly and are usually gone within 20 minutes.
  • Some patients may have cramping and/or spotting for a few hours after the procedure.
  • We recommend you take ibuprofen (between 200 to 800 mg) one hour before the procedure.
  • We recommend you eat a regular meal the morning before the procedure to reduce the chance of nausea or lightheadedness afterwards.
  • If pain persists or if you develop a fever, contact your physician.

HSG Risks

  • The main risks of the HSG are:
    • Infection
    • Allergic reaction to the dye
    • Flow of the dye into your blood vessels
  • These risks are rare; we will discuss them with you before the procedure.
  • Before your test, we will ask about any allergy to shellfish or contrast agents used in X-ray tests; a history of pelvic infection (PID, gonorrhea, chlamydia) and/or mitral valve prolapse. If so, we may prescribe you antibiotics before your procedure.

Saline Sonogram

  • Your physician may order a saline sonogram based on your history. The saline sonogram is a procedure performed in our office that evaluates your uterine cavity.
  • The saline sonogram is done between day 6 and day 10 of your menstrual cycle. 
  • A reproductive endocrinologist will pass a small catheter (attached to a syringe) through the opening of your cervix. The physician will insert saline in the uterine cavity so the contour of the uterine cavity can be evaluated.
  • Before your test, we will ask about a history of pelvic infection (PID, gonorrhea, chlamydia) and mitral valve prolapse. Based on this history, we may prescribe antibiotics before your procedure.
  • Similar to the HSG, you may experience mild cramping and spotting.
  • If pain persists or fever develops please notify the physician.

Sounding

  • A physician will perform your uterine sounding either at the time of your initial consultation or in the beginning of your cycle.
  • During the sounding, a tiny catheter is placed through the opening of your cervix to measure the depth and angle of your uterus. This measurement will be used if you have an insemination or embryo transfer as part of your treatment.
  • The sounding takes a few minutes only, about as long as a Pap smear.

Infertility Testing Follow-Up

  • Once your initial infertility testing is complete, we will schedule with you a follow-up visit with your physician.
  • At the follow-up visit, the physician will review all results. Together, you will develop an individual treatment plan.