Thinking About Fertility Testing? Here is What You Need to Know
Fertility testing is a proactive strategy that provides insights into your reproductive health. Whether you’re actively trying to start a family now or are considering having one in the future, fertility testing helps you plan for the future.
In this post, we’ll look at the basics of fertility testing for women and men, what to expect, and how to get started.
What is Fertility Testing?
Fertility testing evaluates your ability to conceive and can identify potential causes of infertility if you’re having difficulty getting pregnant.
For some couples, health and lifestyle factors can make conception more challenging. Undergoing fertility testing before trying to conceive can provide valuable insights and help you make informed family planning decisions. Fertility testing is the first step in figuring out why you may be struggling to conceive, and the evaluation covers several areas.
What to Expect During Fertility Testing
Fertility testing typically starts with a consultation with both partners. During the consultation, your doctor will discuss your personal and family health history and any lifestyle choices impacting your ability to conceive. Depending on several factors, such as age, any conditions of illnesses and health history, they’ll recommend several tests as part of an overall evaluation.
Once your healthcare provider receives the results, which can take up to a week or more, depending on the tests, they will provide an analysis and discuss possible next steps.
Types of Fertility Screening Tests
There are several different types of fertility screening tests available for women. These include ovulation evaluations, hormone tests, blood tests, and ultrasounds.
These tests provide insight into the health of your reproductive system to identify potential causes of infertility. Many fertility screenings involve blood tests to check for the presence of specific hormones.
Ovulation Evaluation
Anovulation, which is when your ovaries do not regularly release an egg during the menstrual cycle, is the reason behind ~30% of infertility diagnoses. Ovulation typically happens around the midpoint of your menstrual cycle, which is roughly 10 to 16 days before your period. Your provider may have you track ovulation at home with a calendar.
They will also evaluate ovarian reserve, which is how many eggs remain when you are TTC. This involves a blood test for Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and transvaginal ultrasound. These tests will provide an estimate of your egg count, which indicates how well you might respond to fertility treatments.
Hormone and Blood Tests for Infertility
Fertility blood tests measure hormone levels in your blood at various points in your menstrual cycle. These hormone levels provide insight into whether you are ovulating regularly and whether any hormonal imbalances could affect your ability to get pregnant.
Some common hormone tests for infertility include:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Stimulates growth of follicles and eggs in ovaries and is necessary for conception.
- Estradiol: Primary estrogen source that regulates the menstrual cycle.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH): Hormone that triggers ovulation.
- Anti-Mullarian hormone (AMH): Regulates other reproductive hormones and is necessary for growth and development in early pregnancy.
- Serum progesterone: Thickens the uterine lining to support a healthy pregnancy.
- Prolactin: Supports the production of breast milk.
- Androgen: Supports a healthy reproductive system and helps with hormone balance.
Hormonal imbalances could point to a reproductive condition like PCOS or endometriosis, two common conditions that cause infertility.
Other Tests and Screenings
If the results of fertility blood tests are not conclusive, your doctor may recommend other types of testing. This could include an ultrasound to check your endometrium lining or a sonohysterogram to view the inside of your uterus. These imaging tests can help your doctor identify abnormalities that may not have been present in a blood test.
Another fertility testing option is a post-coital test. This involves submitting a cervical mucus sample for testing two to eight hours after intercourse, which should be timed as close to ovulation as possible. This test measures how sperm interact with the cervical mucus to identify possible causes of infertility.
Fertility Tests for Men
Fertility testing for both partners is an essential part of the evaluation. You may be surprised to learn that male infertility accounts for ~20% of cases and is a contributing factor in another 20% to 40%. Fertility testing for men typically involves a physical examination, hormone testing, and a semen analysis. These tests help determine whether you are producing enough sperm to conceive.
Signs of Healthy Sperm
A semen analysis measures sperm health using three different criteria:
- Sperm count: The amount of sperm present in a milliliter of semen. A healthy sperm count is at least 1.5 million per mL.
- Sperm motility: The sperm’s ability to move efficiently through the female reproductive system.
- Sperm morphology: The percentage of sperm with a healthy size and shape.
Exploring Options: In-Clinic vs. At-Home Fertility Testing
At-home fertility testing options have become very popular in recent years due to their convenience and can be a good starting point. Tracking your menstrual cycle with an app and at-home ovulation tests can provide initial insights as you are TTC.
However, these tests will not provide a complete infertility diagnosis. Professional in-clinic testing is necessary to determine the underlying causes of infertility. With the guidance of a healthcare professional, you will receive a comprehensive evaluation for both partners. You’ll also get personalized support—the clinic team will be able to answer your questions and provide recommendations for the next steps.
When to Consider Fertility Testing
Infertility is clinically defined as the inability to become pregnant after 12 or more months of regular unprotected intercourse. However, many people wait or are hesitant to seek out fertility counseling. Ultimately, you decide when to seek help, but consider the following factors:
- If you are >35 and have been trying to conceive for at least 12 months
- If you are <35 and have been trying to conceive for at least six months
- If you have a family history of infertility or any conditions that may impact fertility, such as PCOS
Your healthcare provider is a great resource and part of your overall support system. They can help you determine if anything is wrong and guide you with actionable steps.
Find Fertility Testing & Counseling Specialists Near You
Taking a proactive approach to your reproductive health can help you make family planning decisions that align with your lifestyle and long-term goals.
At Genesis, we offer comprehensive fertility testing options in a welcoming, compassionate environment. Our knowledgeable healthcare providers are here to answer your questions and help you select the most appropriate tests for your needs. Schedule an appointment today to start your fertility testing journey.
