Clomiphene Challenge Test – an Infertility Test for Women

My fertility doctor has asked me to do a clomiphene challenge test, which is an infertility test for women that assesses her ovarian “reserve” and ovarian functioning. Here are the basics of a clomiphene challenge test, which is a relatively simple test for infertility.

“There’s no point in wasting money on in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination if you can’t get pregnant,” says my fertility doctor. “This infertility test will tell us what your follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels are, which will tell us if you can conceive a baby.”

In two years of infertility treatments, this is the first time a doctor has suggested this test for infertility (we’re trying a new fertility clinic). Here’s what the clomiphene challenge test is all about. If you’re trying to get pregnant and haven’t heard of this particular fertility test, click Clomiphene – A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References for more info.

Clomiphene Challenge Test – an Infertility Test for Women

Two blood tests, a prescription for clomiphene citrate (Serophene is the brand name of the medication my doctor prescribed), and five days of medication are what this infertility test for women involves…

Blood tests are done before and after taking clomiphene for five days. This medication stimulates the ovaries to produce extra estrogen; the results of the blood tests provide information about egg quality and quantity. This info – egg quality and quantity – indicated whether I can actually get pregnant. It provides more information on when (and if) I’m ovulating. Basically, the clomiphene challenge tests gives info about ovarian functioning.

As with many infertility tests for women, the clomiphene challenge test revolves around menstruation. Thankfully, my periods are regular! If you’re dealing with irregular periods, read 6 Things That Cause Irregular Periods.

On cycle day three of my period, I have my blood tested for follicle stimulating hormone levels and estradiol.

Then, I start the clomiphene tablets on cycle day five, and take two a day for five days. Serphone regulates hormonal secretion, increases estrogen, and triggers a series of events that end in ovulation. Basically, clomiphene increases estrogen production.

On cycle day ten of my period, I go for a second blood test, to test my FSH levels. If my FSH is above 12, then my ovulation cycle is abnormal and I won’t be able to get pregnant. The fertility doctor said an FSH level of below 10 is ideal.

And that’s it for this test for infertility! I’m surprised I haven’t been asked to do this test before – we’ve been to other different fertility clinics, and neither mentioned the clomiphene challenge test.

The first fertility clinic did six cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI), and I didn’t get pregnant. The second fertility clinic wanted to do in vitro fertilization and take out my fibroid with surgery (the fibroid doesn’t hurt, and I didn’t even know I had it). Neither mentioned my follicle stimulating hormone or FSH levels….and I’m can’t wait to find out if I went through all that IUI for nothing!

If you have any questions or thoughts on this clomiphene challenge test, I welcome your comments below…