How do you test fertility? What you need to know

Deciding to start a family is a deeply personal journey, and sometimes, it doesn’t unfold exactly as you imagined. If your fertility plans aren’t going the way you’d hoped, exploring fertility testing can be a helpful step forward.

Fertility testing isn’t just for those experiencing challenges – it can offer valuable insight into your reproductive health and ensure you’re heading in the right direction.

In this blog post, we’ll explore when to consider fertility testing, the different types of fertility tests available for men and women, and what the results can tell you. Learn all you need to know about fertility testing with Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic.

When should I consider fertility testing?

Generally, people don’t think about testing their fertility until they face challenges trying to conceive. However, fertility testing can be helpful at any stage of your family-building journey, as understanding your reproductive health can offer clarity and guide your treatment.

You may want to consider fertility testing if:

• You’ve not been able to conceive after having unprotected sex for one year (or six months if you’re over 35) 
• You’ve experienced recurrent miscarriages 
• You’re considering starting or growing your family and want to check your reproductive health

With the support of a dedicated fertility clinic like Bourn Hall, you can gain a clearer picture of your reproductive health and make informed decisions about your fertility and possible treatments. 

Should my partner and I both test our fertility?

Yes – ideally, both you and your partner should consider fertility testing. This helps ensure all bases are covered and the right fertility treatment plan can be recommended for your unique situation. 

This applies to all couples, including male and female same-sex couples, especially if you’re planning to use you or your partner’s eggs or sperm. By understanding both of your fertility health profiles, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you’ve chosen the best path for your needs.

Types of fertility tests

When it comes to fertility testing, there are several options available, each designed to give you insight into different aspects of your reproductive health and overall wellbeing. Fertility tests are typically grouped by biological sex, with specific tests available for men and women. 

Let’s take a closer look at the different types of fertility tests you might consider. 

Fertility tests for women

Fertility tests for women focus on understanding hormone levels, ovarian reserve (the number of eggs remaining in your ovaries) and the overall health of your reproductive system. 

Fertility tests for women include: 

• Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) blood test – this blood test measures AMH levels, which can indicate your ovarian reserve. Lower AMH levels may suggest a lower ovarian reserve, and while they can give insight into why you might be experiencing fertility challenges, it’s important to remember it’s just one piece of the fertility puzzle

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test – high levels of TSH can indicate a condition called hypothyroidism, where your thyroid overproduces hormones. This can interfere with ovulation (the release of an egg), your menstrual cycle and overall fertility
  
• Transvaginal ultrasound scan – this is a type of ultrasound scan where a probe is gently inserted into the vagina to capture images of your womb and ovaries. It helps assess the thickness of your womb lining and your ovarian reserve

By examining these aspects of your fertility, your healthcare team can help identify the possible underlying causes of your fertility challenges. With this knowledge, you can approach fertility treatments feeling empowered and informed.

Fertility tests for men

For men, fertility tests often focus on assessing sperm health and involve a semen analysis. 

During this test, a sample of sperm is microscopically analysed to check for:

• Motility (how well the sperm can move)
• Form, and any abnormalities
• Sperm count (how many sperm are present in the sample)  

Knowing this information can help drive your fertility treatment plan and support your decisions. 

What can fertility testing show?

Fertility testing is a valuable tool for detecting or diagnosing a range of health conditions or fertility issues in both men and women. 

Depending on the fertility test you undergo, it may reveal: 

• Your hormone levels, including AMH and TSH for women and testosterone for men
• Issues with your reproductive system, like polycystic ovaries (where the ovaries become enlarged with fluid-filled sacs, which can affect ovulation)  
• The thickness of your uterine lining (the lining of your womb) – if the lining is too thin, it can make implantation more difficult
• Sperm health, including low sperm count or motility and any abnormalities in sperm shape
• Possible genetic conditions that could be passed down to your children

When you choose to check your fertility with Bourn Hall, you can be certain you’ll receive accurate results and committed care that helps you on your path to parenthood. 

Benefits of fertility testing

Fertility tests can offer a range of benefits for individuals, heterosexual couples and same-sex couples alike. Not only can it provide peace of mind about your reproductive health, but it can also guide you toward fertility treatments that are right for you.

Some additional benefits of fertility testing include: 

• Identifying the underlying cause of your fertility challenges
• Receiving comprehensive insight into your reproductive health 
• Supporting your fertility treatment plan 
• Allowing for early intervention for any health conditions that may be detected 

By thoroughly assessing your fertility, you can kick-start your journey armed with the knowledge on how to proceed.

Understand your fertility with Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic

Fertility testing provides you with all the information you need about your reproductive health. Whether you’re single or have a partner, fertility testing can be beneficial in understanding your fertility. 

At Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic, we offer dedicated fertility support and personalised care. Contact our team today and take the first step toward starting your fertility journey with fertility testing.