Published September 2023
Professor Kelton Tremellen – Repromed Medical Director SA
Fertility testing gives you a chance to understand your body better and what it needs to provide you with the best possible chance at starting a family. There is no right or wrong point in your journey to begin fertility testing. Some will choose to start fertility testing after a few months of trying to conceive, and others decide to wait a little longer.
It can be challenging and disappointing when natural conception is unsuccessful, especially when you are not sure why you are having trouble. We know that the journey towards becoming a parent can take its toll, and you need people in your corner that can give you answers. The team at Repromed can provide you with information and support throughout the process.
Understanding Your Fertility
Many factors may be contributing to your difficulty in conceiving naturally. Certain factors may make your need for fertility testing a little more urgent than others. We recommend that you consult with Repromed when you start trying for a baby if you have previously been diagnosed with or treated for the following:
Females
- Irregular or absent periods
- PCOS or endometriosis
- Tubal damage (or previous tubal ligation surgery)
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Premature menopause
- Known genetic concerns
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Fibroids
- Adenomyosis
Males
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm shape or movement
- Anti-sperm antibodies
- Ejaculatory or erectile concerns
- Absence of sperm
- Known genetic concerns
- Issues from a prior vasectomy
If you have not experienced any of the above, fertility testing can still help us pinpoint how our team can help you start your family. We understand that it can be hard to know where to start. However, we find that it helps our patients to know that officially infertility is defined as being unable to fall pregnant after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse for females who are under 35 years old and after six months for females who are over 35 years old. Deciding when to seek help can be difficult, however, we recommend that you consult with one of our fertility clinicians if you are having trouble after this window of time.
Types of Fertility Tests
Initial Tests
The first step for both females and males in fertility testing is reviewing your general health and medical history. With this information we can decide which tests or procedures are needed to best understand your fertility difficulties.
For females, this may include the following initial tests:
- Blood Tests – these can be used to measure your hormone levels and scans for other helpful information that may be causing your fertility difficulties. Multiple blood tests may be needed throughout the process of fertility testing.
- Cervical screening test
- Preconception genetic carrier screening
- Pelvic ultrasound
For males, this may include the following initial tests:
- Preconception genetic carrier screening
- Semen analysis – which checks for any abnormal aspects of the semen, such as low sperm count or poor movement or shape.
Further Tests
In some cases, further testing is required to understand the best path for your fertility treatment. For women, this may include checking your fallopian tubes. Your fertility specialist may need to perform VIA an x-ray or USS, a tubal patency test (a dye test), or a laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery to make sure the fallopian tubes aren’t blocked or damaged. For men, in the case of abnormal semen results, this may include further semen analysis.
Please see our webpage, Fertility Health Check for expanded information regarding each of the tests mentioned above. The webpage particularly elaborates on ovarian reserve (AMH) blood tests, also known as the ‘egg timer test.’
Fertility Treatment
Fertility testing can provide our team with the vital information if you chose to proceed to fertility treatment. Repromed will support you throughout the entire process, ensuring that you feel secure and informed at every junction.
Get in Touch to Learn More on Fertility Testing
If you are thinking about starting a family and want to learn more about fertility testing, please do not hesitate to book a free, no-obligation fertility chat with one of our nurses. Our friendly team can talk you through your options and discuss your concerns about falling pregnant. After the chat, you are under no obligation at all.