There’s no master Fertility Test that rules them all that can provide you with a clear answer to how your overall fertility is doing. Too bad, right? Plus, fertility is a multipart and multi system game: sperm + egg + uterus + overall health + genetics + environmental and social factors + healthcare. That said, we do have many tests and checks to help illuminate what you might need to bring a baby home soon or even sooner.
I put this list together in case it helps where you are on your journey. It might just add to your overwhelm, so if that’s the case, scroll on past this or book a call with me to provide context and coach you through your specific decisions.
One the reasons I created this is list is because if you’re diagnosed with unexplained infertility or have unexplained repeat pregnancy loss or baby loss or unexplained IVF fails, or don’t know if there’s another test to try, it can be excruciatingly frustrating to not have the answers and this list might help.
Some of these tests are appropriate to do before you start trying to conceive, some are appropriate to check if you’re struggling to get pregnant, some are appropriate to check if you’re struggling to stay pregnant or have experienced baby loss, and some are appropriate only if you have symptoms.
Similarly, this is a quantitative list, it’s not a qualitative discussion and doesn’t include your personal story and history or input from a specialized fertility doctor. That’s key, by bringing in so much more than a bunch of boxes to tick.
Regardless, you deserve to know the list is available at any time.
This isn’t a complete list and just because it’s on this list does not mean it’s research-backed or evidence based. It also includes symptoms and lifestyles and not necessarily a ‘test’ but, it’s a data point to look into or a breadcrumb to pick up.
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) – usually done between CD5 and CD12 checking for open Fallopian tubes and anatomical issues like uterine septum
- Sonohysterogram (SHG) – usually done between CD5 and CD12, checking for polyps and fibroids for example
- Saline infusion sonogram (SIS) – usually done between CD5 and CD12
- Hysterscopy – diagnostic, but can be for treatment
- Transvaginal pelvic ultrasound
- Antral follicle count (# of follicles)
- Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)
- Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) on CD3
- Karotyping
- Genetic testing (e.g. balanced translocation)
- Anti-sperm antibody test
- TSH
- Thyroid hormone test
- Medical history
- Any history of trauma to the groin
- History of mumps
- History of sexually transmitted diseases
- Estrodial
- Testosterone
- Prolactin
- Vitamin D
- Androgen
- Ferritin
- Hemaglobin
- Vitamin B12
- Clomiphene citrate tests
- Gonadotropin response
- Microbiome – vaginal and uterine
- Postcoital test
- Urine sample (e.g. check PID)
- Cervical and/or vaginal swab
- Chromosome testing and later, PGT-A screening
- Semen Analysis
- Testocular biopsy
- Immunology testing
- Egg retrieval
- Laparoscopic surgery
- MRI
- Rhumatoid factor
- Thrombosis
- Receptivax
- Emma and Alice
- ERA
- 17-Hydroxt Progesterone
- Blood pressure
- Endometrial biopsy
- Endometritis
- Fragile X testing
- Matrix
- Ultipro
- Blood type
- Lupus anticoagulant antibodies (e.g. testing for antiphospholipid syndrome)
- Anticardiolipin antibodies
- ANA
- Heavy metals
- MTHFR
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Gonorrhea
- Varicella
- Chlamidia
- Rheumatoid factor
- Leutenizing hormone LH around day 14
- Fasting glucose
- Cigarette smoking use
- Marijuana use, including vaping
- Period length, flow and cramping pain
- Body fat -because too low may prevents ovulation
- Stress level – extreme levels may prevent ovulation
- Exercise – excessive may prevent ovulation
- Rubella
- Measles vaccine titers
- Hepatitis B and C
- Scrotal ultrasound
- DNA fragmentation
- Protein C and S
- Thyroglobulin
- Nuclear Ab Titre
- 25-Hydroxyvitamin D
- Other sexually transmitted infections tests
- AI algorithms
- White Blood Cell Count
- Red Blood Count
- Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- C Reactive Protein
- Other blood analysis
You’re so much more than the sum of some fertility tests. You’re a living breathing person who deserves to have the baby in your arms that you yearn for.
Book a free 30 minute session with me if you to connect with another living, breathing human who understands and has answers for you.
