For the woman, the fust step in testing is to determine if she is ovulating each month. Checks of ovulation can also be done in the physician's office with simple blood tests for hormone levels or ultrasound tests of the ovaries. If the woman is ovulating, further testing will need to be done. The tube is inserted into the abdomen through a one-inch incision below the navel, usually while the woman is under general anesthesia. An examination of a small shred of uterine lining to see if the monthly changes in the lining are normal.
Some tests require participation of both partners.
Samples of cervical mucus taken after intercourse can show whether sperm and mucus have properly interacted. Also, a variety of tests can show if the man or woman is forming antibodies that are attacking the sperm. Depending on what the tests turn up, different treatments are recommended. Eighty to 90 percentof infertility cases are treated with drugs or surgery. The benefits of each drug and the side effects, which can be minor or serious but rare, should be discussed with the doctor.