Private MD News

Couples struggling to conceive should consider FSH testing

Category: Infertitlity Hormone Testing

For women with impaired fertility, there are many treatments that may improve their chances of conceiving. However, experts say that individuals often delay FHS testing and other diagnostic procedures, which may diminish the effectiveness of treatments.

"Detecting DOR is not difficult," said Dr. Norbert Gleicher, the medical director and chief scientist at the Center for Human Reproduction, which specializes in fertility treatments. "Ovarian reserve can be easily measured by simple blood tests, like follicle-stimulating hormone and anti-Müllerian hormone."

Despite the relative ease with which these kinds of tests can detect fertility problems and suggest treatments, Dr. Gleicher said that many people do not pursue them in a timely manner. Instead they go for months and sometimes even years without successfully conceiving. This delay can diminish the effectiveness of fertility treatments.

This is why it is important for individuals who are having trouble conceiving to consider FSH testing. When a fertility problem is apparent it may be much easier for doctors to recommend an appropriate treatment. Given the fact that a woman only has so many years of healthy reproductive function, timing is key.