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Together we're better - Finding a Resolution for Infertility Support Community

Could I Have Issues Besides High FSH?

A group of women with DOR who had been trying to conceive for a long time (some were still trying, some were pursuing other options such as donor eggs and some were pregnant) were polled and asked the following question: Please list the things that you found out after wasting time and money that could have made a difference had you known them earlier. The items below reflect the items that the women listed. The motivation for the question is that too often RE’s reach a diagnosis of DOR based on a measurement of high FSH and they automatically dismiss the possibility that there may be other factors also influencing fertility. If you have been trying to conceive for a long time and/or have had recurrent miscarriages, then make sure that all these areas have been tested:

  • Male Factors. A full semen analysis is necessary including testing for antisperm antibodies and SCSA (tests for DNA fragmentation).
  • Polyps and Fibroids. Uterine polyps and fibroids, even if they’re small, can influence the menstrual cycle and can interfere with implantation. They can typically be seen via ultrasound and can be removed through a relatively simple surgical procedure.
  • Thyroid Issues. Thyroid issues can impact fertility and need to be ruled out as a contributing factor. A thorough thyroid test needs to include TSH, free T3/T4 and anti-thyroid antibodies.
  • Ureaplasma. Ureaplasma is an infection for which you should be tested. “Ureaplasma may cause the formation of sperm antibodies and an inflammation of the uterine lining, either of which may interfere with implantation of the embryo” (Source)
  • Factor V Leiden. Testing for Factor V Leiden is also important. “Factor V Leiden is the most common hereditary blood coagualtion disorder in the United States and can lead to stillbirth or unexplained recurrent miscarriage” (Source)
  • Hysterosalpingogram (HSG). An HSG is a test to determine whether the fallopian tubes are open. (More info)
  • Recurrent miscarriage testing panel. There are many more tests that are recommended in the case of recurrent miscarriage in addition to those listed above. Refer to this website for a list of the recommended tests. Also, check out Dr. Alan Beer’s book, listed on the Welcome Page.