A fertility test is a method used to evaluate male or female fertility. It is usually recommended to help identify problems that can make it harder to get pregnant.
These problems may include polycystic ovary syndrome, hormonal changes, ejaculation problems, or endometriosis. Fertility testing can help guide the next steps in diagnosis and treatment.
Fertility can be evaluated in both men and women using either at-home tests or medical exams ordered by a doctor. These assessments may include blood tests, genetic testing, ultrasounds, semen analysis, or procedures such as hysteroscopy.
Main types
Fertility can be assessed using a range of tests, either done at home or recommended by a doctor, for both men and women.
1. Male fertility tests
The main male fertility tests include:
- Genetic testing: recommended when sperm concentration is very low. It is done with a blood sample to check for changes in the Y chromosome.
- Blood tests: used to evaluate testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.
- Semen analysis: according to the American Urological Association and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, semen analysis is part of the initial evaluation for male infertility and can assess several semen and sperm-related factors.
- Ultrasound: evaluates whether there are infections, tumors, or cysts in the prostate, scrotum, seminal vesicles, or ejaculatory ducts.
In addition, male fertility testing can also be done at home using self-tests. These tests can help screen sperm count, sperm concentration, semen volume, or motility, depending on the test, but they do not replace a complete semen analysis ordered by a doctor.
2. Female fertility tests
The main female fertility tests include:
- Ovulation test: can be done at home and measures luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in the urine to indicate when pregnancy is most likely to occur.
- Blood test: evaluates hormone levels, such as progesterone, FSH, luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, and TSH.
- Ultrasound: transvaginal ultrasound checks for conditions affecting the uterus or ovaries.
- Hysteroscopy: allows the doctor to check inside the uterus for changes, such as polyps, fibroids, or bleeding.
- Laparoscopy: involves inserting a thin device through small incisions below the belly button to identify possible problems, such as endometriosis, blockages, or changes in the ovaries and uterus.
In addition, the doctor may also recommend hysterosalpingography, a test done by inserting a catheter into the cervix to evaluate changes such as fibroids, adhesions, or malformations.
How to reduce the risk of infertility
Infertility caused by diseases or genetic changes cannot be prevented. However, when it is related to lifestyle habits, some measures can help reduce the risk of infertility, such as:
- Preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Avoiding illicit drug use
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a healthy, varied diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
In addition, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake can help reduce the risk of infertility. According to the World Health Organization, STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea are major causes of pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility in women.