How is an FSH Test Taken and What Does it Mean?

An FSH test is taken with a simple blood test. In this regard, it is just like many other tests that a person might have. Very often, an FSH test is taken as a part of an initial infertility testing process. In addition to an FSH test for the woman, a test of the man’s sperm will generally be taken, as will a test that will determine whether there may be a problem with the woman’s fallopian tubes. What follows an FSH test depends, in large measure, on what the results of the FSH test are exactly.

To understand how to interpret an FSH test after it is taken, and to get some idea about what follows it, it is important to first understand what the levels of FSH mean. FSH refers to Follicle Stimulating Hormone. FSH is produced by the pituitary gland. FSH helps to promote the growth of men’s’ sperm as well as women’s’ eggs. When FSH levels are high in a woman, it typically is indicative that there is a problem with the woman’s supply of eggs, known as her ovarian reserve. An FSH test will produce a measurement. If this number is 10 or below, the FSH levels are average. If FSH levels are between 10 and 25, they are borderline. FSH levels above 25 indicate a problem, and that FSH levels are elevated. It has been estimated that a woman with elevated FSH levels will, 99% of the time, be unable to conceive without some form of fertility treatments.

Fertility treatments are what typically follows an FSH test after it is taken. In most cases, when FSH indicates a problem with your ovarian reserve, the fertility treatment will typically have to be rather aggressive. Very often, you will not be able to conceive a child with your own eggs. You may need In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with donor eggs if you have elevated levels of FSH. In some cases, other tests may be given to rule out a different cause for the elevated levels of FSH, but the most common reason in poor ovarian reserve.

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This entry was posted under Fertility Issues.