Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide and can be emotionally and physically challenging. Getting the right diagnosis is the first critical step toward successful treatment. At reputable fertility clinics like Womb IVF & Fertility Centre, based in Kandivali East, Mumbai, the first step in any fertility journey involves thorough evaluation and diagnostic testing of both partners to understand the underlying causes of infertility.
In this blog, we break down the key diagnostic tests used for both men and women, why they matter, and how they guide fertility treatment options including IVF and ICSI.
Why Infertility Testing Matters
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse (or six months if the woman is over 35). Diagnosis helps reveal whether the issue lies with ovulation, sperm quality, reproductive anatomy or hormonal imbalance in either partner. At Womb IVF, specialists use a combination of clinical evaluation and advanced investigations to pinpoint causes and recommend targeted interventions.
Fertility Tests for Women
Women’s fertility involves coordinated hormonal activity and the ability of eggs to travel through fallopian tubes and implant in a healthy uterus. Here are the most important tests used to evaluate female fertility:
1. Ovulation Testing
Doctors check whether ovulation is occurring regularly. This can be done with blood tests to measure progesterone, urinary ovulation kits, or tracking hormonal changes across the cycle. Ovulation problems are one of the most common reasons women do not conceive.
2. Hormone Profile Tests
Blood tests measure hormones like:
- FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
- LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
- Estradiol
- Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) – gives an estimate of ovarian reserve.
Abnormal levels can indicate issues with ovulation, early menopause, thyroid problems or pituitary dysfunction.
3. Ovarian Reserve Testing
AMH and FSH tests provide insight into the number and quality of remaining eggs — crucial for planning fertility treatments like IVF, especially in women over 35.
4. Imaging Scans
- Transvaginal Ultrasound: Visualises ovaries, follicles, uterus and endometrial lining.
- Sonohysterography: Uses saline to better view the uterine cavity.
These help detect structural issues like fibroids, ovarian cysts or uterine anomalies that may impact fertility.
5. Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
An X-ray with dye to see whether the fallopian tubes are open. Blocked tubes prevent sperm and egg from meeting.
6. Hysteroscopy & Laparoscopy
In select cases, a camera-assisted procedure may be done to directly inspect and correct abnormalities in the uterus (hysteroscopy) or pelvis (laparoscopy), such as endometriosis or scar tissue.
7. Genetic & Infectious Screening
If indicated, women may be tested for genetic predispositions or sexually transmitted infections that can affect pregnancy.
🧪 Infertility Tests for Men
Male fertility depends largely on sperm production, morphology (shape), motility (movement) and the hormonal environment that supports sperm health. These are the key diagnostic tests:
1. Semen Analysis
This is the cornerstone of male fertility testing. A semen sample is evaluated for:
- Sperm count
- Motility
- Morphology
- Volume and pH
More than one sample may be tested because sperm quality can vary.
2. Hormonal Evaluation
Blood tests check levels of hormones like testosterone, FSH, LH, and prolactin. Hormonal imbalance can impair sperm production.
3. Scrotal Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging detects structural issues like varicocele enlarged veins that can heat the testes and reduce sperm quality or other abnormalities.
4. Genetic Testing
In cases of very low sperm count or azoospermia (no sperm), genetic tests can identify chromosomal abnormalities that may affect fertility or guide treatment choices.
5. Advanced Sperm Function Tests
Tests like DNA fragmentation assays (e.g., Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay) examine sperm DNA quality. High DNA damage can impact fertilization and embryo development.
6. Testicular Biopsy
If sperm are absent in semen, a small tissue sample may be taken directly from the testicle to see if sperm production is occurring and possibly retrieve sperm for IVF-ICSI.
Integration of Results for Tailored Fertility Care
After diagnostic testing, specialists integrate results from both partners to create a personalised treatment plan. For example:
- A woman with ovulation issues might receive medication or ovulation induction.
- A man with low sperm count may be advised diet/lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, or consider ICSI during IVF.
- Couples where fallopian tubes are blocked may be recommended IVF or ICSI to bypass the blockage.
At clinics like Womb IVF, diagnostic evaluation precedes fertility treatments to ensure the most effective protocols are followed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How soon should we get tested for infertility?
If a couple has been trying to conceive for 12 months without success, testing is recommended. Women over 35 years should consider testing after 6 months of trying. Early evaluation helps detect issues sooner and improves treatment success.
2. Does the man need fertility testing too?
Yes. Male factors contribute to roughly half of all infertility cases, so evaluating both partners provides a complete picture and avoids unnecessary treatments.
3. Are fertility tests painful or risky?
Most tests such as blood tests, ultrasounds and semen analysis are minimal-risk and relatively comfortable. Procedures like hysteroscopy or laparoscopy may involve mild discomfort or anesthesia and are typically recommended when less invasive tests suggest structural problems.
Conclusion
Infertility testing for both men and women is a crucial foundation for effective fertility care. From hormone panels and imaging scans to semen analysis and genetic evaluations, each test contributes important information. A comprehensive diagnosis guides personalised treatment strategies from medication to advanced procedures like IVF and ICSI ultimately increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
If you’re exploring fertility options, starting with a detailed evaluation at a reputable clinic such as Womb IVF & Fertility Centre in Mumbai provides clarity and direction for your unique journey