Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.
ASK
Fertility has become a very hot topic these days with the surge in both assisted reproductive technology (ART) and adoptions.
ART typically consists of medications, intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) with the sole purpose of becoming pregnant.
In general, experts tell women under 35 years old to try regularly to get pregnant at ovulation for 12 months before considering additional work-up. Women between 35 and 40 years old should try for six months.
Whether you are in your first month or your first year without success, here are five tests to talk about with your doctor.
1. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Follicle stimulating hormone is the means of communication between the pituitary in your brain and your ovary. As the name implies, it causes the ovary to recruit and stimulate follicles leading to a main follicle that releases an egg at ovulation.
The higher the FSH, the lower the potential for follicle growth and stimulation because of low ovarian reserve (decreased ability of the ovary to produce eggs) leading to infertility.
Typically done on day 3, 4 or 5 of the menstrual cycle (meaning the first few days of your period) an ideal number is 10 mIU/ml or less. Double digits are more concerning, as far as chances go. Interestingly, blood type O is found in research to have a diminished ovarian reserve, whereas type AB has the best protection.
2. Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)
Besides the FSH, the anti-mullerian hormone is also important as it too is a marker of ovarian reserve quantity and quality. Low levels mean low follicle count. High levels could mean polycystic ovarian syndrome. This test is also drawn early in the menstrual cycle, typically on day 3 or 4.
3. Progesterone
Progesterone is critical for prepping the uterus for implantation and maintaining the pregnancy the first several weeks until the placenta takes over. On a typical 28-30 day cycle, progesterone should be drawn on day 19, 20 or 21 and should be 7ng/ml or higher.
Add a Comment2 Comments
Your article is very helpfull. This make How Easy Is It To Get Pregnant come true. Thanks before.
August 2, 2012 - 9:56amThis Comment
First of all thank you for this site! The tip about Progesterone is going to help a couple get pregnant fast. I know this because these are the same tips i followed after i found some information online that practically saved my life from http://getpregnantfastreviews.com
After being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome and one year on contraceptive pills we started our clomid treatments from April 2011. I ovulated all the the times and everything was fine but it just never happened...we tried taking breaks in between but nothing ...finally this month I decided that I wasn't taking unpregnancy as an option!! after reading about the specific nutritional and lifestyle changes i need to make from the information i found online i'm proud to say that i'm finally pregnant now i'm my 3rd trimester!! feel so lucky and blessed but nervous as well...it just seems unreal after so much of struggle....so many sleepless nights of my husband and I feeling complete despair. I am keeping my fingers crossed ..Baby dust to all of you !!
Tips--
Limit your tea/ coffee intake to once a day.
July 23, 2012 - 9:39amNo aerated drinks and diet coke is a big NO.
Avoid hot showers!
Read everything you can on getpregnantfastreviews.com