Fertility testing

Abstract

Hormone testing is helpful in the investigation of infertility, but excessive testing is rarely valuable. The history of infertility and examination of both partners usually enables a simple approach to testing. Tests of ovulation rely on measuring serum progesterone seven days before an expected period. Measurement of serum testosterone is sufficient to exclude ovarian or adrenal tumours as a cause of hyperandrogenism, while prolactin and thyroid stimulating hormone may be valuable in women with irregular periods. Semen analysis is essential in the infertile male.