Female Fertility Evaluation FAQs

Female fertility evaluation is a diagnosis of the reproductive abilities of a woman to get pregnant and give birth.

Women who have been trying to get pregnant and have been unsuccessful for a long period of time must consult a gynaecologist for a fertility evaluation. Women who are planning to get pregnant for the first time, or those who are planning for pregnancy in their later years (ages between 35 and 50) can also benefit from a fertility evaluation.

A female fertility evaluation involves a detailed discussion of your ovulation cycle or menstrual history, your lifestyle choices, diets & fitness habits, stress and anxiety issues, and your medical history. It also involves some common blood tests, ultrasound scans, pelvic examination, and other tests that may be recommended by your gynaecologist, based on the individual assessment.

Blood tests helps the doctors estimate the number of follicles in the ovaries. They also check for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) that stimulates the fertile growth of the follicles containing the eggs.

The ultrasound scan allows your doctor to look at your ovaries and uterus, and check for any abnormalities like fibroids, uterine malformations, hydro salpinges, and ovarian cysts.

A pelvic exam is a physical examination of the external and internal female pelvic organs.

The health professional inserts one or two lubricated, gloved fingers into the vagina and presses the lower abdomen to feel the size, shape and position of the uterus and ovaries.

It may be slightly uncomfortable and feel strange, but it is not painful. However, if you feel any pain during the examination, let your doctor know immediately.

It is not mandatory to shave before a pelvic exam because it won’t hinder the examination process in any ways. But if you have any skin conditions that you want your doctor to look at for an assessment, it is suggested that you shave. Pubic hair is natural, and everybody knows it, so there is no need to be embarrassed. But, keeping your vaginal area clean and hygienic is a healthy life choice.