Understand what may be making pregnancy harder.
A fertility evaluation is not a single test. It is a coordinated look at ovulation, ovarian reserve, the uterus and fallopian tubes, sperm health, age, prior pregnancies, and the timing of conception attempts.
Personalized Care
Every cycle is managed directly by Dr. Sharara with dedicated one-on-one monitoring.
Schedule Visit (703) 437-7722A complete fertility evaluation looks at both partners.
Fertility involves multiple interconnected biological systems. Rather than performing isolated tests in isolation, Dr. Fady Sharara evaluates both partners simultaneously to discover the root cause of difficulty conceiving and build an efficient, evidence-based treatment plan.
An initial consultation includes a comprehensive review of your medical and reproductive history, prior operative reports, menstrual cycle regularity, duration of conception attempts, and lifestyle factors.
The 5 Key Steps of a Complete Fertility Evaluation
A standard fertility workup at our Reston, Virginia clinic typically encompasses five essential diagnostic investigations:
Medical & Fertility History
Comprehensive review of menstrual cycle patterns, prior pregnancies, surgery records, thyroid/endocrine health, and timing of intercourse.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
High-resolution pelvic ultrasound to evaluate uterine structure, ovarian anatomy, fibroids, endometrial lining, and Antral Follicle Count (AFC).
Ovarian Reserve & Hormones
Day 2–5 blood testing measuring AMH, FSH, Estradiol, TSH, Prolactin, and CCCT challenge testing to accurately assess egg supply.
Uterine & Tubal Imaging
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and saline infusion sonohysterogram (SHG) to confirm fallopian tube patency and detect polyps or scarring.
Comprehensive Semen Analysis
Strict Kruger morphology, sperm count, motility, vitality, and advanced sperm DNA fragmentation testing.
Age matters, but it is not the whole story.
Female age is one of the strongest predictors of egg quantity and egg chromosomal health. Patients age 35 and older who have been trying for six months or longer benefit significantly from seeking an evaluation promptly rather than waiting a full year.
Testing does not “grade†your fertility. It gives Dr. Sharara clear information about time-sensitive factors and which treatment pathways—from ovulation induction with timed intercourse to IUI or IVF—deserve priority.
PCOS treatment is matched to the reason conception is not happening.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can disrupt normal ovulatory cycles. Diagnostic testing confirms whether ovulation is occurring irregularly or absent altogether (anovulation), and evaluates metabolic markers including insulin resistance.
Because PCOS affects fertility in diverse ways, treatment is customized—combining low-glycemic dietary protocols (The Infertility Diet™), ovulation medications (Letrozole / Clomid), or assisted reproduction when indicated.
A miscarriage history changes the questions we ask.
When pregnancy loss happens repeatedly, diagnostic evaluation expands to evaluate parental chromosomes (karyotyping), thrombophilia/clotting factors, uterine cavity anomalies, autoimmune markers, and embryonic genetic integrity with PGT-A screening.
Our goal is to identify actionable, treatable factors while providing compassionate, science-backed guidance for future pregnancies.
Testing Questions & FAQs
Common questions answered directly by our Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine clinical team.
Do both partners need to attend the initial consultation?
Yes, Dr. Sharara strongly encourages both partners to attend when care involves a couple. This allows a simultaneous review of both medical histories and coordinated diagnostic planning without delays.
Does a normal semen analysis rule out male-factor infertility?
Not always. While a standard semen analysis is essential, it evaluates basic parameters (count, motility, morphology). VCRM offers advanced sperm DNA fragmentation testing to assess genetic integrity when unexplained infertility is present.
Does a low AMH level mean pregnancy is impossible?
No. AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) measures ovarian reserve and helps predict response to fertility stimulation medications—it does not predict egg quality or whether an individual can achieve pregnancy in a given cycle.
Ready to get answers about your fertility?
Diagnostic testing is the first step toward clear answers and a customized family-building plan. Schedule a consultation directly with Dr. Sharara in Reston, VA.