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.