Day 3 Inhibin B Test

If you have already had a Day 3 FSH test or an Estradiol test, you may still be interested in finding out more about your underlying fertility problems. The Day 3 Inhibin B test can help to determine the quality and quantity of your ovarian reserve. Ovarian reserve often plays a dominant role in determining whether a not a couple will conceive. So if you are having difficulties conceiving, consult with your health care provider about the Day 3 Inhibin B test.

What is Inhibin B?
Inhibin B is a protein hormone produced by your ovaries. It works to inhibit FSH, which is responsible for helping your follicles to develop. Levels of Inhibin B decrease with age.

Inhibin B is actually secreted directly by small, developing follicles in your ovaries. During the follicular phase of ovulation, small follicles eventually develop into mature eggs, ready for fertilization. Inhibin B has a sister hormone called Inhibin A, which is also produced by the ovaries.

What is the Day 3 Inhibin B Test?
The Day 3 Inhibin B test is a simple blood test that measures the amount of Inhibin B in your blood. It is performed on Day 3 of your menstrual cycle.

The Day 3 Inhibin B Test is used in order predict ovarian reserve, including egg quality and eqq quantity. Because Inhibin B is produced directly by ovarian follicles, the amount of Inhibin B in your blood directly correlates to the number of eggs that you have in your ovaries. Inhibin B can also predict the ability of your ovaries to produce more follicles. This suggests that the hormone can predict the success of certain ovulation-inducing drugs, like Clomid.

Inhibin B and Infertility
Inhibin B does seem to be directly related to fertility. Low levels of Inhibin B are associated with:

• impaired ovulation
• decreased success with IVF
• lower pregnancy rates
• increased risk of miscarriage

Who Can Benefit from the Day 3 Inhibin B Test?
Unfortunately, the Day 3 Inhibin B is not widely available. It is difficult to perform and therefore is not found in all fertility clinics. However, a number of women can benefit from the Day 3 Inhibin Test, including:

• women who have shown a poor response to fertility drugs
• women with a positive CCCT
• women with unexplained infertility
• women over the age of 35

The Day 3 Inhibin B Test Procedure
The Day 3 Inhibin B test is quite straightforward. A simple blood sample is taken from your arm on Day 3 of you menstrual cycle. This sample is then sent to your fertility clinic's laboratory to be examined. Results typically take a week or so.

The Results
Your reproductive endocrinologist will discuss the results of your Day 3 Inhibin B test with you and your partner. Typically, a normal result is anything above 45 pg/mL. An abnormal result is anything below 45 pg/mL.

After the Day 3 Inhibin B Test
Once you receive your results, you and your reproductive endocrinologist can begin to discuss your fertility treatment options. Women with a low Day 3 Inhibin B are associated with having much lower pregnancy rates and are at increased risk for miscarriage. However, this does not mean that you will not become pregnant if you do have low Inhibin B levels. Treatment generally includes prednisone and dexamethasone, in order to induce ovulation. If you still have difficulties ovulating, you may consider egg donation.

We are unable to provide answers to medically related questions or other medical advice via e-mail. Our physicians look forward to addressing your medical needs in person. To schedule an appointment or for more information about this practice as well as the programs and treatments they offer, please complete the form below. Be sure to include a valid telephone number and e-mail address so that one of our patient services coordinators may contact you directly.

Full Name:  State:  --- Select --- Outside US AE AK AL AR AZ CA CO CT DC DE FL GA HI IA ID IL IN KS KY LA MA MD ME MI MN MO MS MT NC ND NE NH NJ NM NV NY OH OK OR OU PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VA VT WA WI WV WY Your city:  Closest major city:  --- Select --- Atlanta Boston Chicago Dallas Denver Houston London Los Angeles Miami Minneapolis New York Philadelphia Phoenix San Diego San Francisco Seattle St Louis Sydney Washington DC Email:  Phone:  Program:  --- Select --- General information IUI - Artificial Insemination IVF - In Vitro Fertilization Fertility Drugs Tubal Reversal Vasectomy Reversal Mind/Body Programs Egg/Sperm Donation Alternative Treatments Other Comments: