Although they may seem intimidating, your first “Day-3” fertility test is straightforward, routine, and incredibly important!
This all-in-one initial fertility test is performed on the second, third or fourth day of your menstrual cycle and helps to answer the question of “why are you experiencing infertility?”
Via one standard blood draw at our IVF locations in Albany, Rochester, or Syracuse, these tests provide us with an incredible amount of information. Based on their results, we are able to develop a customized plan that will help you get pregnant fast.
If you are visiting our fertility experts in Albany, Rochester, or Syracuse for a second opinion and have already performed fertility testing at different fertility center, you will not necessarily be asked to repeat testing. 
DAY-3 TESTING 101
Female fertility health is intimately tied with hormonal balance. Hormones initiate egg development, signal proper ovulation time, and determine how the embryo implants in the uterus. Hormone levels, balance, and timing must be precise. For this reason, we rely primarily on different types of hormonal tests to assess female fertility. A number of different hormones factor into fertility health, but they can be checked simultaneously with a Day-3 Test.
A Day-3 Test measures:
- AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone) – an accurate predictor of the quantity of your remaining egg supply (ovarian reserve)
- FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), a hormone that signals egg release
- Estradiol, a hormone that prepares the uterus for embryo implantation
- LH (luteinizing hormone), which signals egg release from the ovaries
Additional tests:
Ultrasounds
Standard ultrasounds use sound waves to create images of your ovaries, uterus, and follicles. Your doctor can then assess the health of your organs, and determine whether additional testing, such as transvaginal ultrasounds to check for ovarian reserve and uterine lining, may be necessary. The procedure is painless and only takes a few minutes.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
An HSG is a 15 minute in-office procedure that takes place between days 5-12 of your cycle, just prior to ovulation. An HSG is a type of x-ray that allows your doctor to assess the inside of your uterus and Fallopian tubes. By injecting fluid into the uterus via a small catheter, your doctor will be able to check for fibroids, polyps, adhesions, open fallopian tubes, and uterus shape.
MALE FERTILITY TESTING
Of all infertility cases in the United States, approximately 40% are due to a male factor. With this in mind, we require the male partner (if applicable) to provide a semen sample for analysis with our IVF experts in Albany, Rochester, or Syracuse.
From a simple semen sample, our fertility experts will analyze the sperm’s potential to fertilize an egg by measuring:
- sperm count
- sperm motility (movement)
- pH (acidity)
- sperm shape
- volume
If a semen analysis is abnormal, your doctor may recommend genetic testing, or additional testing to measure hormone levels.
Through a standard blood test, your doctor will check for possible imbalance in FSH, LH, TSH, and testosterone.
YOUR FIRST STEP
Whether you would like to schedule a consultation with a fertility doctor or just need some basic advice, don’t hesitate to call or email us!
