I think one (of many things) people who have not experienced infertility underestimate is the number of invasive tests that goes along with the process. By the time we tried IUI I was so used to being poked and prodded that it barely phased me – the technical side of it anyway. You gradually find yourself going through the motions of tests – your bruised arms from bloodwork become the norm, beating the rush at the clinic becomes your new alarm clock, and as you prop up on the exam table yet again, you small talk with your specialist as if you were having coffee together.
You will soon run the gamut of reciting your medical history and going through a number of tests. Your doctor will at first be a stranger, but soon enough, you’ll be seeing this gal/guy more than your closest friends.
Bloodwork and monitoring is typically done to check for ovulation, ovarian function and reserve, and hormone levels. Common tests you’ll hear referenced are:
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- Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Estradiol
- Progesterone
- Prolactin
- Free T3
- Total Testosterone
- Free Testosterone
- DHEAS
- Androstenedione
You may also be undergo a number of tests that take a look at your physical reproductive system:
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- Transvaginal ultrasound
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
- Laparoscopy
- Endometrial biopsy
The Mayo Clinic gives a good overview of the tests both you and your partner may undergo.