I’ve never had a gynecologist ask me if I wanted kids or anything about family planning, other than giving me birth control options.

But after I froze my eggs and later told my doctor, she commended me and said it was a really smart decision. I asked her if she could run bloodwork to check my hormone levels in the future as I get older (even though I have frozen eggs) and she said YES!

So then I started sharing this info with my friends and told them to ask for specific tests at their next well-women’s exams.

No one will care about your fertility more than you. I think it’s important to be proactive and be informed of all your options.

This blog post is all about whether your gynecologist can check fertility.

Can a gynecologist check fertility?

Yes, your gynecologist can run tests to check a woman’s fertility such as blood tests to measure hormone levels and an ultrasound to examine the ovaries and uterus.

They can also conduct a hysterosalpingogram to check for blockages in the fallopian tubes and recommend further fertility testing or treatments if needed.

Diagnosing fertility issues

A gynecologist can diagnose some fertility issues. They are trained to assess and diagnose a wide range of reproductive health issues.

However, if the issue is related to male infertility, the gynecologist may refer the couple to a reproductive endocrinologist for further evaluation and treatment options.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), gynecologists are able to diagnose and treat infertility in women, including through the use of fertility testing and treatments such as ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI).

However, they may work in collaboration with other specialists, such as reproductive endocrinologists, urologists, and genetic counselors, to provide comprehensive care for fertility issues.

Medical history and physical exam

Your OBGYN will review your medical history to understand any factors that may impact your fertility, such as previous pregnancies, menstrual cycle irregularities, or conditions like PCOS.

They will also perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam to assess the health of your reproductive organs and a breast exam to check for any abnormalities that could affect fertility.

Hormone level testing

During a fertility evaluation, an OBGYN will typically conduct hormone level tests to check the levels of estrogen, progesterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the woman’s body.

These tests can help determine if a woman is ovulating regularly and if she has an adequate supply of eggs.

Additionally, the OB-GYN may also test for luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, as an increase in LH levels indicates that ovulation is about to occur.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Levels test

The AMH hormone test is a blood test that measures the level of anti-Mullerian hormone in a woman’s body, which can help determine her ovarian reserve and potential for conception.

Your gynecologist can order the AMH hormone test to assess to be part of your bloodwork.

Urine tests

An OBGYN may conduct a urine test during your fertility exam to check for any signs of infection or hormonal imbalances that could impact fertility.

Thyroid function test

Gynecologists may also order a thyroid function test during a fertility exam to rule out any potential thyroid issues that could be impacting fertility.

Your thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating hormones and ovulation, so assessing its function can help identify any obstacles to successful conception.

Imaging tests of the reproductive organs

During a fertility exam, a gynecologist might perform a transvaginal ultrasound to get a detailed image of the uterus and ovaries.

They might also order a pelvic MRI to obtain comprehensive images of the reproductive organs to assess any structural abnormalities.

Treatment Options for female infertility

An infertility diagnosis can be so incredibly difficult to hear. But there are many options including medication, surgery, assisted reproductive technology, and lifestyle changes that can help in addressing female infertility issues.

Medication to regulate menstrual periods and ovulation

If you’re having irregular periods or trouble ovulating, your doctor might prescribe you a medication like Clomid to help regulate your menstrual cycle and improve ovulation.

It’s a super common treatment.

Surgery to unblock or repair fallopian tubes

The surgery to unblock or repair fallopian tubes is called tubal surgery.

It’s done to remove blockages or repair damage to the fallopian tubes to help the egg travel from the ovaries to the uterus.

The surgery typically takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete.

When should you pursue fertility testing?

Women should pursue fertility testing if they have been trying to conceive for over a year without success or if they are generally curious about their fertility status, according to the Mayo Clinic.

It’s also important to consider testing if you have irregular menstrual cycles or have a history of reproductive health issues. The decision to pursue fertility testing should also be made if they are over the age of 35, as fertility declines with age.

“The Fertility Podcast” features an episode titled “When should you seek fertility testing?” which discusses the importance of knowing when to pursue fertility testing and the potential benefits of doing so.

An OB/GYN vs reproductive endocrinologist

An OB/GYN is a doctor who specializes in women’s reproductive health and general gynecological care, while a reproductive endocrinologist is a fertility specialist who focuses specifically on helping patients with reproductive issues.

When it comes to testing for female fertility, an OBGYN can perform basic assessments and initial screenings, while a reproductive endocrinologist has specialized training and expertise in conducting in-depth fertility tests and treatments to diagnose and address potential fertility challenges.

@extendfertility See an OB/GYN or go to a fertility clinic? How many did you get right? #fertility #tryingtoconceive #eggfreezing #ivfjourney ♬ Just A Girl – No Doubt

Additionally, a reproductive endocrinologist can offer more advanced options, such as assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, which may not be accessible through a regular OBGYN.

I think it’s important to know what your gynecologist can and cannot do if you are interested in fertility testing.

I hope this post was helpful to you! Feel free to read my posts on egg freezing.