What Happens During a Fertility Evaluation?

Trying to get pregnant can be stressful, especially when months go by without a positive test. Many couples aren’t sure when to ask for help or what testing involves.  

A fertility evaluation usually includes a review of your health history, a physical exam, blood tests, imaging tests, and a semen analysis for your partner. These steps help find what may be affecting your chances of conceiving so you can move forward with a clear plan. 

At Lawrence Family Practice Center in Lawrence, KS, our physicians guide patients through testing and treatment with care and understanding. Call today to discover more and schedule a family planning consultation. 

What does infertility mean? 

Many patients ask, “What does infertility mean?” In general, it means a couple hasn’t been able to get pregnant after one year of regular, unprotected sex. For women 35 and older, doctors usually recommend testing after six months. If you’ve been reading about how to become pregnant and still haven’t had success, testing can provide answers. 

Infertility can affect women, men, or both partners. In women, common causes include irregular ovulation, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, uterine fibroids or polyps, blocked fallopian tubes, and age-related changes. In men, low sperm count or poor sperm movement can lower a couple’s chances of conceiving. 

What happens during a fertility evaluation 

This process is designed to look at both partners and find the most likely causes. A fertility evaluation in Lawrence, KS may include:  

• Health history review: We’ll ask about your menstrual cycles, past pregnancies, medications, and lifestyle habits like smoking or alcohol use. 
• Physical exam: A general and pelvic exam can reveal signs of certain conditions. 
• Blood tests: These check hormone levels and confirm whether you’re ovulating each month. 
• Imaging tests: An ultrasound can show the uterus and ovaries, and a special x-ray can check whether the fallopian tubes are open. 
• Semen analysis: Your partner’s sample is checked for sperm count, shape, and movement. 

Most of these tests can be done over one or two menstrual cycles. Once the results are in, you’ll meet with our team to review what we found and discuss next steps for your family planning goals. 

Treatment options that may help 

There’s no single answer to how to become pregnant, so your treatment plan depends on your evaluation. If a condition like PCOS or a hormone imbalance is affecting ovulation, treating that issue may help restore regular cycles. Healthy habits can also improve your chances of conceiving, including keeping a steady weight, managing stress, avoiding tobacco, and taking prenatal vitamins. 

For some couples, intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a helpful next step. During this quick in-office procedure, washed sperm is placed directly into the uterus, closer to the egg. Sperm washing removes seminal fluid and concentrates healthy sperm, which can improve the odds of fertilization. If more advanced care like IVF is needed, our team can help you find the right specialist. Many patients in Lawrence, KS appreciate having a familiar care team support them through every stage of the process. 

Take the next step toward growing your family 

If you have questions such as, “What does infertility mean?” or “How do I know when to get tested?” our team is here for you. At Lawrence Family Practice Center, we offer compassionate support for family planning and infertility care in Lawrence, KS. Whether you’re researching how to become pregnant or have been trying for a while, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A fertility evaluation is often the first step toward understanding your options. Call today to book your appointment.