FSH tests are very commonly conducted when trying to conceive. In fact, FSH tests for a woman are one of three tests that are usually part of an initial infertility assessment. The other two tests are a sperm test, as well as a test to see if the woman’s fallopian tubes are blocked. If a man’s sperm count is low, his FSH levels may be tested, as well. However, FSH tests are not only conducted when trying to conceive. There are a variety of other situations in which FSH tests might be conducted.

FSH tests are sometimes conducted in order to investigate irregularities is a woman’s menstrual cycle. FSH tests may also be conducted as a part of the process of diagnosing disorders of the pituitary gland, as FSH is produced in the pituitary gland. In other cases, FSH tests may be conducted when a disorder of either the testes (in men) or the ovaries (in women) is suspected. In children, FSH tests may be conducted when a health care provider needs to diagnose either early or delayed onset of puberty. Entering into puberty prematurely may have a variety of underlying causes that will need to be identified and then treated.

There are any number of factors that may affect FSH tests, and not all of them have anything to do directly with trying to conceive, although they certainly could affect a couple’s chance of trying to conceive. Ovarian failure, for example, will impact a couple when trying to conceive, but a health care provider may not be testing for ovarian failure for purpose of conception, but for some other medical purpose.

FSH tests are also conducted when a confirmation is needed that a woman has entered menopause. When a woman enters menopause, her FSH levels will increase. For men, FSH tests may be conducted when there has been some sort of trauma or injury to the testicular area. This can include anything from physical trauma to radiation to a viral infection such as the mumps.

FSH test results can be affected by a variety of medications, such as cimetidine, oral contraceptives, digitalis, hormone treatments, clomiphene, levodopa, and phenothiazines.

Posted in Trying to Get Pregnant

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