Fertility Testing for Women
Female fertility testing focuses on evaluating ovarian reserve, hormone levels, reproductive anatomy, and overall cycle health. Depending on your history and goals, your physician may recommend:
- Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Testing: A blood test that helps estimate ovarian reserve (the remaining number of eggs). While AMH provides information about egg quantity, it does not measure egg quality or predict the ability to conceive naturally.
- Transvaginal Ultrasound: Imaging used to assess the ovaries, antral follicle count, and uterine structure.
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): An imaging test that evaluates whether the fallopian tubes are open and the uterine cavity is normal.
- Hormone Testing (FSH, LH, Estradiol, Progesterone, Thyroid): Bloodwork that evaluates ovulation patterns and hormonal balance. Hormone testing may include FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, thyroid function (typically TSH), and sometimes prolactin.
- Saline Sonogram (Sonohysterogram): A specialized ultrasound used to assess the uterine cavity for uterine abnormalities such as polyps or fibroids.
For more detailed information about female fertility testing, please visit our Female Fertility Testing page.
Fertility Testing for Men
Male fertility testing is equally important and often straightforward. Because male factors contribute to infertility in a significant percentage of cases, a semen evaluation is typically one of the first steps.
Testing may include:
- Semen Analysis: Evaluates sperm count, motility (movement), morphology (shape), and overall semen quality.
- Hormone Testing: Assesses testosterone and other hormones that influence sperm production.
- Physical Examination: Evaluates for conditions such as varicocele or structural concerns.
- Genetic Testing (when indicated): Recommended in certain cases of low sperm count or azoospermia.
For more information, please visit our Male Fertility Testing page.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing plays an important role in modern fertility care. It can help identify inherited conditions, reduce the risk of passing on certain genetic disorders, and improve embryo selection during IVF.
IVFMD offers preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), including:
- PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy): Screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities to help inform embryo selection during IVF
- PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders): Tests embryos for specific inherited genetic conditions.
- PGT-SR (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements): Screens embryos for chromosome changes, such as missing, extra, or rearranged genetic material, that may affect embryo development or pregnancy.
Genetic screening may also include carrier screening before treatment begins. To learn more, visit our Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) page.
Your Fertility Evaluation: What to Expect
Your first fertility visit is focused on understanding your unique situation and building a personalized plan. Here’s what you can expect:
- A detailed review of your medical, surgical, and reproductive history
- A discussion about how long you’ve been trying to conceive and your future goals
- Review of menstrual cycle patterns or prior testing (if applicable)
- Physical exam and/or ultrasound (when indicated)
- Semen analysis (for male partners, if needed)
- Bloodwork to evaluate hormone levels and overall reproductive health
- A clear explanation of findings and recommended next steps
To prepare for your appointment, we recommend:
- Bringing copies of any prior fertility testing or medical records
- Tracking recent menstrual cycles (if applicable)
- Listing medications, supplements, and relevant health conditions
- Preparing questions about your goals, timeline, or treatment options
Most importantly, your evaluation is collaborative. It is designed to gather information, provide clarity, and help you move forward with confidence, whether that means timed intercourse, fertility preservation, IUI, IVF, or another approach.