If your doctor suspects that there is a reason why pregnancy has not occurred, there are a number of tests that can be done to determine your fertility and that of your partner.

Your doctor can refer you for these tests, which will usually be done in a hospital or fertility clinic.

Sperm test

In about 2 out of 5 cases, fertility problems are due to the male partner. Sometimes, a lack of sperm or sperm that do not move properly can lead to a failed pregnancy.

Your doctor can arrange a sperm test. The male partner will be asked to produce a sperm sample and take it for analysis, possibly at the local hospital or pathology lab.

Blood tests to check ovulation

The levels of hormones in a woman’s blood are closely related to ovulation, when the ovaries release an egg into the fallopian tubes. Hormonal imbalances can cause problems with ovulation, and a blood test can help determine if this is happening.

Going through the phase of no periods, or irregular periods, are also signs of ovulation problems. The most common cause of ovulation problems is polycystic ovary syndrome.

chlamydia test

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Australia. It can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility problems. Your doctor can refer you for a test for chlamydia. This could be a urine test or a swab from the urethra (the tube through which urine passes) or the cervix.

Ultrasound imaging

An ultrasound may be done to check the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. In a transvaginal ultrasound, a small ultrasound probe is placed in the vagina. This examination can help doctors check the health of the ovaries and uterus.

Certain conditions that can affect the uterus, such as endometriosis and fibroids, can prevent pregnancy from occurring. The scan can also check for blockages in the fallopian tubes (the tubes that connect the ovaries and the uterus), which may prevent eggs from traveling along the tubes and into the uterus.

X-ray of the fallopian tubes

This is called a ‘hysterosalpingogram’ (HSG). An opaque dye is injected through the cervix during the X-ray procedure. The dye will help your doctors see if there are any blockages in your fallopian tubes. The blockage can prevent eggs from passing through the tubes into the uterus, and stop pregnancy from occurring.

laparoscopy

If you have a known pelvic problem, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or endometriosis, a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) may be done. This involves making a small incision in your abdomen so that a thin tube with a camera (laparoscope) can be used to examine the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.