What should be the initial evaluation for a 25 year-old woman with infertility issues after trying to conceive for one year?

The initial evaluation for a 25-year-old woman experiencing infertility after one year of trying to conceive typically involves assessing her ovulatory function as a primary step. Basal body temperature measurements are a method used to track ovulation by monitoring the slight rise in body temperature that occurs after ovulation. This method can help identify if the woman is ovulating regularly.

Tracking basal body temperature provides valuable insights into the menstrual cycle and can confirm whether ovulation is occurring, guiding further steps in evaluation if needed. If ovulation is confirmed, further tests may be directed towards other potential causes of infertility.

While the other options listed are also important diagnostic considerations in infertility evaluations, they are not usually the first step. An endometrial biopsy is more invasive and is typically reserved for cases where uterine pathology is suspected. A hysterosalpingogram assesses the patency of the fallopian tubes and the shape of the uterine cavity, but it is usually performed after initial assessments of ovulation. Serum progesterone levels can be helpful in confirming ovulation but are not as straightforward or easy to interpret for initial evaluation compared to monitoring basal body temperatures.

Thus, starting with basal body temperature measurements is a practical and effective approach for evaluating ovulation in a young woman with