The truth about the effectiveness of fertility testing

A recent article in Glamour has left some women with questions about the effectiveness of fertility testing. To clear up the uncertainty, Austin fertility specialist Kaylen Silverberg MD breaks down the facts.

The effectiveness of fertility testing

With more women delaying motherhood to pursue their careers, education and other goals, fertility testing is growing in popularity. While the Glamour article raises interesting questions, it mistakenly calls into question the effectiveness of fertility testing in general.

According to Dr. Silverberg, “In my opinion, the story misses the mark by simplifying many of the issues involved in the fertility discussion. We have all become conditioned to believe that answers to almost any question are just a Google search away. However, medicine and human biology are not that simple, and there is often no one-size-fits-all answer.”

Our Austin fertility specialist explains that there is no such thing as a fertility test, just as there’s no such thing as a cancer test. “Tests used by fertility specialists evaluate complicated physiological processes that vary from person to person, and even from cycle to cycle. An abnormal test result may indicate reduced fertility, but there are no absolutes. Even so, most of these tests provide patients with useful information to help them make informed decisions about their fertility.”

The exception, not the rule

After spending more than two decades in practice, our Austin fertility specialist has treated some patients with low anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels or low sperm counts who conceive without assistance, but such successes are very rare. In most cases, abnormal test results suggest that patients need fertility treatment to have a baby.

Our Austin fertility center uses only scientifically proven tests and treatment protocols – many of which they played a significant role in developing themselves. “Reproductive medicine, just like other medical specialties, is very dependent on the patient, the laboratory and many other factors. However, current fertility tests are the product of over four decades of research and provide the best available information about a patient’s reproductive potential,” Dr. Silverberg explains.

If you have questions about the effectiveness of fertility testing and treatment at Texas Fertility Center, please contact us.