Hormone levels of estrogen and progesterone may be checked throughout a cycle. A postcoital test may have to be done. Vaginal secretions are examined two to three hours after intercourse to make sure that the sperm are still moving vigorously and are not being killed by the secretions. If these results are normal, an endometrial biopsy may be performed to examine the lining of the uterus. This may be followed by a hysterosalpingogram to show the shape of the womb and the condition of the fallopian tubes.
Medical investigation is necessary to discover the cause of infertility.
If there is an infection, it is promptly treated. However, repair operations on already scarred fallopian tubes are rarely successful. Hormone disorders are easier to treat. Ovulation can be stimulated with a drug called clomiphene combined with a small dose of estrogen. Care is taken to prevent multiple pregnancy.