if you've been trying to conceive for a while, you may be wondering what fertility testing actually involves, and when it's worth asking for. here's a general overview to help you feel a little more prepared, though your gp remains the best source of advice for your individual situation.
when testing is typically recommended
general nhs guidance suggests seeking advice from your gp if you haven't conceived after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse. this is usually recommended sooner, often after six months, if you're over 36, or if there's a known reason for concern, such as irregular cycles, a history of pelvic infection or surgery, or a known reproductive health condition affecting either partner. there's no need to wait if something feels wrong to you sooner than this, it's always reasonable to raise concerns with your gp.
initial steps with your gp
your gp will typically start with a conversation about your medical history, cycle regularity, and lifestyle factors for both partners, alongside some initial checks. from there, they may arrange blood tests or refer you on to specialist services.
common tests for women
- hormone blood tests, often including follicle stimulating hormone (fsh), luteinising hormone (lh), and progesterone, to assess ovulation and ovarian function.
- anti müllerian hormone (amh) testing, which gives an indication of ovarian reserve, meaning the approximate number of remaining eggs, though it does not measure egg quality or predict fertility with certainty.
- pelvic ultrasound, to examine the ovaries, uterus and antral follicle count.
- hysterosalpingogram (hsg) or similar procedures, to check whether the fallopian tubes are open.
- screening for conditions such as pcos, endometriosis or thyroid dysfunction, where relevant to symptoms.
common tests for men
- semen analysis, assessing sperm count, movement (motility) and shape (morphology).
- hormone blood tests, where indicated.
- further specialist assessment, if initial results suggest this would be helpful.
it's worth remembering that fertility testing generally involves both partners, since male factors contribute to a significant proportion of cases.
what test results can and can't tell you
fertility tests can offer useful information about specific aspects of reproductive health, but no single test, or combination of tests, can predict with certainty whether or when someone will conceive. results are best interpreted by a healthcare professional within the context of your full history, rather than viewed in isolation.
preparing for testing
in the lead up to testing, continuing with general good habits, such as eating a balanced diet, taking recommended supplements like folic acid and vitamin d, moderating alcohol, and not smoking, is a sensible, supportive step. it's worth being clear, though, that these habits support general health rather than directly changing test results.
an emotionally significant process
fertility testing can bring up a wide range of emotions, from anxiety while waiting for results to relief, confusion or grief depending on what's found. this is a genuinely difficult process for many people, and it's completely reasonable to seek emotional support alongside medical care, whether that's through your gp, a counsellor, or fertility support organisations.
taking the next step
if you've been trying to conceive for some time, particularly with difficulty, please speak with your gp or a fertility specialist about testing options suited to your situation. getting clear, personalised information is often the most helpful thing you can do, and it's a sign of taking care of yourself, not something to put off out of worry about what you might find.