Fertility Tests

If you've been trying for a baby for 12 months or more, or 6 months if you are a woman over 35 or you have reason to believe you or your partner may have fertility problems, your doctor may advise you undergo fertility tests to investigate any underlying fertility issues. Fertility problems can be caused by many factors, including infections, surgery, and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroiditis, and endometriosis. In 5% of cases, no cause is found for a couple's difficulty conceiving, and infertility is described as 'unexplained.'

Sperm test

You and your partner will both have to see the doctor, as 30% of fertility issues are because the male partner has a low sperm count, or impaired motility (the sperm doesn't move fast enough to reach the egg). Your doctor will arrange for a sperm test, which will be analysed at a hospital.

Ovulation test

Your doctor can arrange a test to check you are ovulating. If your hormone levels are imbalanced, they can stop you ovulating. A simple blood test can check whether you are ovulating or not. Not having periods or having very irregular or light periods is also a sign that you might not be ovulating normally.

STD screening

Some STD's, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which is common cause of infertility in women. STD's which are left untreated can also affect male fertility, as they decrease the number of healthy a sperm a man produces and affect sperm motility (how well they swim). Simple urine tests and a swab from either the neck of the cervix or the urethra can check for STD's.

Ultrasound scan

A scan can check the health of your ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus. In 30% of women who experience fertility problems, it is because their fallopian tubes and blocked or scarred. Conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and fibroids can also affect fertility, and these can be diagnosed with an ultrasound scan. This procedure takes place in a hospital, and involves a small probe being placed inside the vagina.

X-ray of the fallopian tubes

This is another test which can see if your fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged. It involves dye being injected into your cervix and then having an x-ray. Doctors can then see if your fallopian tubes are damaged by seeing how the dye travels down them.