Did you know that about 1/3 of infertility cases are attributed to the woman? During your fertility assessment, the Anova team will use the most cutting-edge technologies to identify if there are any underlying issues to consider when making a treatment plan.

When to see a doctor

Infertility is a medical condition defined by failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after a certain period of time of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, often also taking your age into account.

• 35 years old or younger and you are trying to get pregnant for 12 months or more.
• 35-40 years old and you are trying to get pregnant for six months or more
• 40 years old or older  and considering starting a family

There are other common symptoms of infertility such as:

• irregular or no periods
• painful or heavy periods
• symptoms of hormone fluctuations
• pain during sex. 

These symptoms are sometimes related to other underlying conditions. If you have concerns it’s important to consult with your doctor.

Is it time for you to seek fertility help? Check out this fertility assessment tool *

Getting started

The initial female fertility assessment includes a detailed medical history, a general physical exam, specific tests, including:

Ovulation testing:

Your Anova specialist will order a series of blood tests to check your hormone levels at different points along your menstrual cycle. These tests will allow us to assess how and when you ovulate, as well as analyse your hormonal imbalances. We will be checking the levels of the hormones associated with ovulation, such as:

• Luteinizing hormone (LH): stimulates the release of the egg from the follicles (ovulation)
• Progesterone: stabilizes the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg and supports early pregnancy.

Your doctor may also run tests to check the levels of other hormones that may provide insight on the number of eggs available in ovaries, also known as ovarian reserve, such us AMH, Estrogen, and FSH.

Your hormone levels along with ultrasound scan of your ovaries and uterus will allow us to identify your ovulation pattern and detect your “fertile window”, the exact time with the highest chance to conceive. 

Curious about your ‘fertile window’? Check our fertilization calculator * 

Ultrasound:  During a fertility assessment, a transvaginal ultrasound may be used to check the uterus and ovaries for abnormalities such as fibroids or ovarian cysts. Ultrasound is also used for cycle monitoring to assess the thickness of the uterine wall throughout your menstrual cycle.

Sonohysterography (Uterine cavity check): This test allows us to detect intrauterine problems such as endometrial polyps and fibroids. We use a special solution within the uterus, along with transvaginal ultrasound.

Hysterosalpingography: This is an X-ray based procedure used to view the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes. It allows the physician to detect if the fallopian tubes are blocked and if the uterus is of normal size and shape.

Hysteroscopy: Using an endoscope that is passed through the cervix, we are able to inspect the uterine cavity. This minimal invasive surgery procedure allows for the diagnosis and correction of any abnormality detected.

Genetic testing: Is a useful analysis to determine whether a genetic mutation may be contributing towards fertility issues. Genetic testing can also be used to understand whether there is a genetic mutation that may be passed on to future children.

What are the treatment options?

At Anova, we take pride in creating a personalized treatment protocol based on your medical history, diagnostic test results, age, personal preferences, and family building goals.

Infertility is a complex condition, and we will use one or multiple different treatment methods, such as:

• Cycle monitoring and timed intercourse – is a first line, low intervention treatment option that will allow you to identify your ‘fertile window’ and increase your chances to conceive by having sexual intercourse during that time.
• Ovulation induction – is a procedure that uses medication to increase the number of eggs ovulated per cycle, which may improve the chances of pregnancy
• IUI – is the process of placing sperm in a woman’s uterus. This procedure place the sperm closer to the fallopian tube to increase the chances of fertilization by bypassing the vagina and cervix, which both have harsh environments for sperm.
• IVF – is the process of fertilization that occurs in a lab, where embryologists carefully select and combine the egg and sperm.
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) –A form of IVF where the sperm is injected directly into an egg to fertilize it in an IVF procedure

As part of a fertility assessment, the team of fertility specialists at Anova will conduct comprehensive diagnostics testing and tailor a course of treatment that is right for you. Some of these tests are covered by OHIP, so if you have concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us.

*Please note that the tools provided above do not represent or replace medical advice, and represent an example calculation based on averages. During a fertility assessment at Anova we will be able to use diagnostic testing to develop a complete picture of your fertility.