It can be difficult to determine whether or not you are struggling with fertility issues. Fertility tests are one way to help figure out what might be going on. However, many people have questions about how long the results take and what they can expect from the process. In this article, Fertility Plus will explore those questions and provide some answers.
The first thing to understand about fertility tests is that there are many different types. Which test you will get depends on your situation and what the doctor thinks might be causing you to have trouble getting pregnant.
So, How Long Do Results Take for Fertility Tests?
One of the first tests that might be recommended is a general semen analysis. This is a very common test for men who have been unable to get their partner pregnant, and it can take from 3-5 days. Other tests are slower, but this will depend on what you are tested for specifically. For example, some women need to get an endometrial biopsy done to see whether or not they have any uterine abnormalities. This procedure can take up to 2 weeks to complete. Other times, you may need more than one test done to know exactly what the problem is.
Some common fertility tests include hormone testing, blood work, and sperm analysis. The hormones that are typically tested include FSH and LH levels, both of which tell the doctor if your ovaries are working correctly or if they may need some help with stimulation. If a semen analysis is ordered for you, then you can generally expect results within a day or two since this is a simple process.
In most cases, your doctor will need to do more extensive testing if you are having trouble getting pregnant. For example, an HSG involves introducing dye into the fallopian tubes and then taking x-rays to see if they are open. Ideally, this test only takes a few minutes, but it can take longer depending on how quickly the radiologist can get you in for the x-ray. Other tests such as laparoscopy or hysteroscopy may also require general anesthesia and therefore take longer for results.
As with any medical test, there is always a chance that something could go wrong and cause delays in returning your results. This risk is especially high with fertility tests because they involve some delicate parts of the body, such as the fallopian tubes.
Overall, you should not have to wait more than a few days for fertility tests to be completed. They are usually very fast and effective ways for your doctor to get a good sense of what is going on with your body. If you do find that the results take longer than expected, then you may want to speak with your doctor about what might be causing these delays.
There could potentially be a reason why it is taking longer than usual for them to come back, or it might be something that requires further investigation. Either way, it’s important just to keep in mind that this can happen sometimes, so try not to worry too much if you don’t have your results right away.