What are fertility tests?
If you have been trying to conceive for over a year but have been unsuccessful, it is recommended to have some tests to determine your fertility. These tests can then indicate whether assisted conception measures will help to achieve pregnancy. Fertility tests are carried out on both women and men.
What do fertility tests consist of?
Fertility tests will usually begin by confirming the following:
- How long you have been trying to conceive for
- Whether or not you have had previous pregnancies, miscarriages or abortions
- How often you have been having unprotected sex
- How long since you stopped contraception
- Your medical history (for women, a history of their menstruation)
- What medications you take
- Your lifestyle
You will also have a thorough physical examination to rule out infections, fibroids or endometriosis. A physical examination of men will rule out any testicle lumps or other physical abnormalities.
Women will undergo the following tests:
- Chlamydia test – this STI can affect fertility and may not show symptoms.
- Blood tests – to assess hormone levels.
- Ultrasound scan – to assess the reproductive system and to check for any abnormalities.
- X-ray – to assess the uterus and fallopian tubes using a contrast fluid to check for any blockages.
Men will have the following tests:
- Chlamydia test – can affect male fertility.
- Semen analysis – to assess sperm count and if they move properly.
Why are fertility tests needed?
Fertility tests are needed to determine why a couple who have tried for at least year to conceive have been unsuccessful.
Preparation for fertility tests:
Depending on the fertility test being carried out, the preparation varies. In each case, the specialist will indicate what care should be taken.
Meaning of abnormal results:
Abnormal results may indicate the following:
- Low sperm count
- Sperm that do not move properly
- Blockage of the fallopian tube
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- PCOS ( polycystic ovary syndrome)
- Epididymal blockage (blocked tube in the testicles)
A fertility specialist or obstetrician-gynaecologist works to treat fertility issues.
11-13-2012 11-02-2023Fertility test
Dr Irfana Koita - Fertility specialist
Created on: 11-13-2012
Updated on: 11-02-2023
Edited by: Aoife Maguire
What are fertility tests?
If you have been trying to conceive for over a year but have been unsuccessful, it is recommended to have some tests to determine your fertility. These tests can then indicate whether assisted conception measures will help to achieve pregnancy. Fertility tests are carried out on both women and men.
What do fertility tests consist of?
Fertility tests will usually begin by confirming the following:
- How long you have been trying to conceive for
- Whether or not you have had previous pregnancies, miscarriages or abortions
- How often you have been having unprotected sex
- How long since you stopped contraception
- Your medical history (for women, a history of their menstruation)
- What medications you take
- Your lifestyle
You will also have a thorough physical examination to rule out infections, fibroids or endometriosis. A physical examination of men will rule out any testicle lumps or other physical abnormalities.
Women will undergo the following tests:
- Chlamydia test – this STI can affect fertility and may not show symptoms.
- Blood tests – to assess hormone levels.
- Ultrasound scan – to assess the reproductive system and to check for any abnormalities.
- X-ray – to assess the uterus and fallopian tubes using a contrast fluid to check for any blockages.
Men will have the following tests:
- Chlamydia test – can affect male fertility.
- Semen analysis – to assess sperm count and if they move properly.
Why are fertility tests needed?
Fertility tests are needed to determine why a couple who have tried for at least year to conceive have been unsuccessful.
Preparation for fertility tests:
Depending on the fertility test being carried out, the preparation varies. In each case, the specialist will indicate what care should be taken.
Meaning of abnormal results:
Abnormal results may indicate the following:
- Low sperm count
- Sperm that do not move properly
- Blockage of the fallopian tube
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- PCOS ( polycystic ovary syndrome)
- Epididymal blockage (blocked tube in the testicles)
A fertility specialist or obstetrician-gynaecologist works to treat fertility issues.
Management of fertility in a one-stop assessment clinic
By Mr David Ogutu
2024-11-21
Fertility expert Mr David Ogutu explains how he helps couples investigate their fertility problems at his specialised clinic, the Herts and Essex Fertility Centre. See more
Do you know how many eggs you have? All you need to know about ovarian reserve and fertility
By Mr David Ogutu
2024-11-21
Female fertility does not last forever, and many women are fully aware of their biological clocks in terms of their fertility. With reproduction becoming more common in later years of adulthood for many women, assessing fertility can be helpful for women and couples. Mr David Ogutu, a top fertility specialist tells us everything we need to know about ovarian reserve and fertility. See more
Infertility in men and women: Key insight from an expert
By Mr Laxmikant Chaudhari
2024-11-20
For couples hoping to conceive, experiencing fertility problems can be very distressing. Fortunately, by following expert guidance on key lifestyle changes, most couples are able to conceive naturally or can benefit from specialist treatment to help them on their journey to starting a family. To hear more about this, we invited consultant gynaecologist Mr Laxmikant Chaudhari to share his expert insight on the most common fertility problems and how they are treated. See more
What is sperm DNA damage and how can it affect male fertility?
By Mr David Ogutu
2024-11-20
Trying for a baby can be a stressful process for couples, and it is important to find the reasons behind infertility problems. Here, leading obstetrician and gynaecologist, Mr David Ogutu, explains sperm DNA damage, and how it can be treated in a fertility clinic like his. See more
Experts in Fertility test
-
Dr Benjamin Abramov
Fertility specialistExpert in:
- Assisted reproductive technology
- Fertility test
- Egg freezing
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
- Egg donation
-
Mr Michael Ellard
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Fertility test
- Egg donation
- Menopause
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Miscarriage
-
Mr Denis Tsepov
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Endometriosis
- Robotic surgery
- Myomectomy
- Hysterectomy
- Menopause
- Fertility test
-
Mr Neale Watson
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Gynaecological cancer
- Assisted reproductive technology
- Fertility test
- Fertility treatments
- Menstrual disorders
- Infertility
-
Mr Mohan Kumar
Obstetrics & gynaecologyExpert in:
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic pain
- Heavy periods
- Ovarian cyst
- Fibroids
- Fertility test
- See all
The Harley Street Clinic - part of HCA Healthcare
The Harley Street Clinic - part of HCA Healthcare
35 Weymouth Street, London. W1G 8BJ
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
Spire Little Aston Hospital
Spire Little Aston Hospital
Little Aston Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3UP
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
The Princess Grace Hospital - part of HCA Healthcare
The Princess Grace Hospital - part of HCA Healthcare
The Princess Grace Hospital, 42-52 Nottingham Pl, W1U 5NY
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
-
The Harley Street Clinic - part of HCA Healthcare
35 Weymouth Street, London. W1G 8BJ, Central LondonExpert in:
- Cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Cardiology
- Intensive care
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Women’s health
-
Spire Little Aston Hospital
Little Aston Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3UP, Sutton ColdfieldExpert in:
- Bariatric Surgery
- General Surgery
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Robotic Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Ophthalmology
-
The Princess Grace Hospital - part of HCA Healthcare
The Princess Grace Hospital, 42-52 Nottingham Pl, W1U 5NY, Central LondonExpert in:
- Cancer
- General Surgery
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Robotic Surgery
- Intensive care
- Sports Medicine
- See all
- Most viewed diseases, medical tests, and treatments
- PGT-A
- PGT-M
- Ovulatory disorders
- Fertility preservation
- Tubal factor infertility
- Female infertility
- Surrogacy
- Menopause support
- Hormone therapy
- Pelvic ultrasound