Testing
For couples trying to conceive it is advised to run a couple of blood tests to check female hormones and semen, if a period of six to 12 months of unprotected sex passes with no pregnancy.
Sample requirement
A blood sample is required to perform the tests. It is a simple process with only a momentary slight pain from the needle stick.
Method of test used
Follicle- Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Semen analysis
Normal Result Parameters
Follicle- Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Less than 9 > Normal
From 9-11 > Fair
From 11-15 > Reduced ovarian reserve
From 15-20 > Further reduction in ovarian reserve and embryo quality
Greater than 20 > Very poor response to stimulation
Luteinizing Hormone (LH): 5-25 IU/L (before menopause)/ 14.2- to 52.3 IU/L (after menopause)
Semen analysis
Semen volume: 2–5 milliliters (mL) per ejaculation
Liquefaction time: 20-30 mins after it’s collected
Sperm count: 20 million Spermatozoa per millilitre (mL)
Sperm shape: more than 30% has normal shape
Sperm movement: After 1 hour, more than 50% of the sperm shows normal forward movement
Semen pH: 7.1-8.0 pH
No white blood cells or bacteria found.