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Fertility Testing: The Tests for Both Partners & What to Expect
Fertility testing helps find out why pregnancy isn't happening, and because fertility involves both partners, testing always looks at both of you.
Quick Facts
When pregnancy isn't happening, fertility testing helps find out why — and that information is the key to the right treatment. Because fertility involves both partners, testing always looks at both of you, not just the woman.
The good news is that the initial tests are mostly simple: blood tests to check ovulation and hormones, a semen analysis for the male partner, and a scan or special X-ray (HSG/HyCoSy) to check the womb and fallopian tubes. More detailed tests, like a laparoscopy, are only used if needed. Many couples find that testing brings relief — even a clear cause is a step toward a plan.
This guide explains each test, what it checks, what to expect, and when to start testing. Knowing what's coming makes the process far less daunting. For what the results may mean, see Female Fertility and Male Fertility.
Arrive prepared
Bring your cycle data from the ParentVibes Tracker and store every result in Medical Records so nothing gets lost between appointments.
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Things worth knowing
Testing covers both partners
Male factor is common, so a semen analysis is part of every couple's workup.
First tests are mostly simple
Blood tests for ovulation and hormones, plus a semen analysis, lead the way.
A scan checks the womb and ovaries
A pelvic ultrasound looks at the ovaries, follicle count, fibroids and womb lining.
HSG or HyCoSy checks the tubes
A dye X-ray or ultrasound shows whether the fallopian tubes are open.
Timing depends on your age
Test after 12 months trying under 35, 6 months at 35+, or promptly at 40+.
Keeping records avoids repeat tests
One organised timeline of results can be shared across clinics.
Everything You Need to Know (The Core Tests)
A first-line fertility workup typically includes:
| Test | Who | What it checks |
|---|---|---|
| Progesterone blood test (~7 days before period) | Female | Confirms whether you're ovulating |
| Hormone blood tests | Female | Thyroid, prolactin, and ovarian-reserve markers (e.g. AMH, FSH) |
| Semen analysis | Male | Sperm count, motility and shape — the key male test |
| Pelvic/transvaginal ultrasound | Female | Ovaries, follicle count, fibroids, womb lining |
| Tubal check — HSG or HyCoSy | Female | Whether the fallopian tubes are open (dye/fluid X-ray or ultrasound) |
| Laparoscopy (if needed) | Female | Direct look for endometriosis, adhesions, blockages |
| Infection screening / general health | Both | As clinically indicated |
Both partners, always
A semen analysis is part of every couple's workup — male factor is common, so testing the man early avoids delays.
Organise everything
ParentVibes Medical Records keeps results in one timeline you can share across clinics.
Signs That Prompt Testing
You don't need symptoms to be tested, but these are common prompts:
Common prompts for testing
- Not conceiving within the recommended timeframe (see below)
- Irregular or absent periods (possible ovulation issue)
- Very painful periods or pain during sex (possible endometriosis)
- History of pelvic infection/STI, surgery, or undescended testes
- Male-factor concerns (previous low sperm tests, testicular issues)
- Known conditions like PCOS or thyroid problems
Track while you read
Tick the symptoms that apply to you. This is a self-check, not a diagnosis — saved on this device only.
What the Tests Are Looking For
Testing maps to the common causes of difficulty conceiving:
- Ovulation problems
- Found via progesterone and hormone tests (e.g. PCOS, thyroid, prolactin).
- Tubal factors
- Found via HSG/HyCoSy or laparoscopy.
- Uterine factors
- Fibroids, polyps, shape — via ultrasound/hysteroscopy.
- Male factor
- Via semen analysis (and further male tests if abnormal).
- Reduced ovarian reserve
- Via AMH/FSH and antral follicle count.
- Unexplained
- When tests are normal but conception hasn't happened.
When to Start Testing & The Pathway
When to seek testing:
When to seek testing
- After 12 months of regular unprotected sex (woman under 35)
- After 6 months if the woman is 35+
- Promptly/immediately if the woman is 40+, or there are known issues (very irregular periods, prior pelvic infection/surgery, known male factor, previous cancer treatment)
The usual pathway
- GP / first visit — history and basic checks for both partners
- Initial tests — ovulation/hormone bloods, semen analysis, ultrasound
- Tubal check — HSG/HyCoSy if indicated
- Specialist referral — for further tests (e.g. laparoscopy) and to plan treatment
Keep results in ParentVibes Medical Records and bring tracker data to each visit.
After the Results
Testing leads to a plan; results guide the next step:
- Ovulation problem (e.g. PCOS)
- Lifestyle + fertility medications (ovulation induction).
- Mild male factor / unexplained
- Lifestyle; IUI in some cases.
- Blocked tubes / endometriosis / complex
- IVF or surgery.
- Significant male factor
- ICSI with IVF — see Male Fertility.
- All normal (unexplained)
- A specialist discusses options, which may include IUI/IVF.
From results to a plan
The ParentVibes IVF Dashboard and Ask a Doctor help you move from results to a plan.
Open IVF Dashboard →Any treatment or medicine is specialist-led — testing informs the plan, but your fertility doctor tailors and monitors it.
Preparing for & Coping With Testing
Make testing smoother and less stressful:
Smoother testing
- Track your cycle so timing-dependent tests (like the progesterone test) are accurate
- Prepare questions and bring a partner where possible — many tests involve both
- Follow prep instructions (e.g. for semen analysis: abstinence period as advised; for some scans: timing in the cycle)
- Look after your wellbeing — testing can be anxious; lean on support
- Keep records organised to avoid repeating tests
Testing self-care checklist
- Cycle tracked for accurate timing
- Prep instructions followed
- Questions written down
- Results stored safely
- Emotional support in place
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor (with your partner) to start testing if:
- You've tried for 12 months (under 35), 6 months (35+), or want prompt review at 40+
- You have irregular/absent periods, painful periods, or known conditions (PCOS, thyroid, endometriosis)
- There's a history of pelvic infection, surgery, undescended testes, or cancer treatment
- You've had recurrent miscarriage
- You simply want a fertility check or reassurance
Use Ask a Doctor on ParentVibes, or book a fertility review via Doctor Visits & Appointments.
Ask a Doctor →Continue learning
Frequently Asked Questions
What tests are done for fertility?
Usually ovulation/hormone blood tests, a semen analysis, a pelvic ultrasound, and a tubal check (HSG/HyCoSy) — with a laparoscopy only if needed.
When should we get tested?
After 12 months of trying (under 35), 6 months (35+), or promptly if 40+ or there are known issues.
Does the man get tested too?
Yes, always — a semen analysis is a core part of the workup, because male factor is common.
What is an HSG?
An X-ray of the womb and tubes after a dye is injected, to check the fallopian tubes are open and look for fibroids/polyps/scarring. (HyCoSy is an ultrasound version.)
What is AMH?
A blood test giving an indication of ovarian reserve (egg quantity); used to help plan treatment.
Are the tests painful?
Most are simple (blood tests, ultrasound). HSG/HyCoSy can cause brief cramping; laparoscopy is done under anaesthetic. Your clinic will explain each.
What if all tests are normal?
That's "unexplained infertility" — still often treatable; a specialist discusses options like IUI or IVF.
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Medical review
- Last reviewed
- June 2026
- Medical reviewer
- Dr. Vinika G.
- Next review due
- June 2027
- Status
- Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinika G.
References
This article is for general information and education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Fertility testing and interpretation should be carried out by qualified clinicians, and tests apply to both partners. Consult a doctor or fertility specialist for assessment. In a medical emergency, contact your doctor or local emergency services immediately. Content reviewed against guidance from the NHS and ACOG.
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Medical disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, missed periods, or unusual symptoms, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.