Discover the potential causes of infertility in women, understand how a female fertility test works, and learn what other aspects you should consider.

Key Facts

  • The causes of infertility in women can range from ovulation disorders to fallopian tube blockages or uterine abnormalities.
  • A deficiency in iron and vitamin D can cause fertility problems.
  • Hormone analysis can identify hormonal disorders like PCOS or hypothyroidism.
  • Infections like rubella or chlamydia can impact fertility.
  • A fertility test can be conducted on women of all ages, irrespective of their intention to have children.

If you've been trying to conceive for more than a year with regular unprotected sexual intercourse without success, it might be worthwhile to get tested for infertility.

A fertility test for women can offer insights into why you haven't been able to conceive. If you're not currently trying to get pregnant, a fertility test can provide information about your fertility and future pregnancy chances.

No matter your current situation, a fertility test can provide a comprehensive overview of your fertility, and if needed, explain why you haven't been able to conceive or if there might be any obstacles to a natural pregnancy.

In this article, you'll learn about potential causes of infertility, what tests are included in a fertility test, and what additional tests you can have done.

Since male fertility also plays a significant role in conception, we recommend reading the article on Fertility tests for men.

What Is A Fertility Test For Women?

A fertility test for women typically includes a detailed medical history and a gynaecological examination. This exam assesses the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. A blood test is also conducted to check hormone levels (such as LH, FSH, progesterone, estradiol, androgens, prolactin, TSH etc.), iron stores, vitamin D levels, immune status, and inflammation levels.

What Fertility Tests Are Available For Women?

A comprehensive infertility test for women comprises a medical history review, a gynaecological examination, a blood test, a hormone analysis, and expert medical advice from fertility specialists.

Medical History Review

The doctor will discuss your medical history, including your menstrual cycles, previous pregnancies, surgeries, and current health concerns. They will also ask about your lifestyle and any medications you are currently taking.

Gynaecological Examination

An transvaginal ultrasound scan can provide information about your endometrial lining, follicular development, and the condition of your ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. Structural abnormalities, such as cysts or fibroids, can also be diagnosed.

Blood Test

A blood test typically includes a basic blood analysis to determine vital blood metabolism values. These values can provide indications of potential health issues.

The basic blood analysis consists of a small blood count, which includes the following values:

  • Leukocytes (white blood cells): An elevated leukocyte level in the blood may signify inflammation, infection, or other health issues. A low level can indicate a weakened immune system.
  • Erythrocytes (red blood cells): Erythrocytes transport oxygen throughout the body. The erythrocyte value provides information about the quantity of red blood cells in the blood. Deviations from a normal erythrocyte value may point to anaemia or other blood disorders.
  • Platelets: Platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting. A low count can lead to an increased bleeding tendency, while a high count can result in a higher risk of thrombosis.

Vital values for blood metabolism include:

  • Triglycerides: Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. An elevated triglyceride level can signify a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, which may be caused by an unhealthy diet, severe obesity, or other factors.
  • Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that circulates in the blood. It comprises "good" HDL cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol levels can increase the risk of arteriosclerosis and heart disease, while high HDL cholesterol levels can offer protective effects.

Ferritin Test (Iron Stores)

The ferritin test checks the body's iron stores through a blood sample. It's a crucial part of female fertility assessment. A study discovered that women who took iron supplements experienced significantly less infertility due to ovulation disorders compared to those who didn't.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D testing is also significant, as a deficiency in this vitamin can lower fertility. According to one study, women who took vitamin D supplements had higher pregnancy rates.

Hormone Testing

Hormone analysis can identify hormonal imbalances that may impact fertility. This test measures the levels of crucial reproductive hormones such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), oestrogen (oestradiol), progesterone, and prolactin in the blood. An elevated or low thyroid hormone (TSH) level can also hinder pregnancy.

Fertility tests are conducted on different days of the female cycle because hormones fluctuate and may have varying concentrations depending on the cycle day. You can find a detailed overview of hormones and their effects on fertility here.

Infection Screening

Infection screening involves tests for HIV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, varicella, rubella, chlamydia, and cytomegalovirus.

Not only does testing for infections protect the woman, but it is also a crucial preventive measure to minimise complications during pregnancy and risks to the newborn. For instance, rubella during pregnancy can result in severe birth defects.

Moreover, infections like chlamydia can cause fallopian tube blockage and irreversible damage to the fallopian tubes.

Evaluating Results and Planning Further Treatment

If your test results indicate impaired fertility, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you and schedule another fertility test at the appropriate time. It's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle regardless of the results.

If there is no significant improvement after treatment, your gynaecologist will provide advice on potential fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there fertility tests for home use?

Yes, fertility tests for women are available at pharmacies and drugstores. These are typically ovulation tests that help determine the fertile days and ovulation period. Some hormone tests can also be performed at home, with the test sent to a laboratory for analysis. While these can offer initial insights into fertility, they are not as comprehensive as the services provided by fertility centres.

Can I have a fertility test while on the pill?

If you are on birth control s like the pill, contraceptive implants, hormonal patches, or the hormonal coil, the results of your fertility test may be influenced by the artificially supplied hormones. However, this only affects sex hormones; the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) can be tested regardless of the use of hormonal contraceptives.

What tests should my partner undergo?

Your partner should undergo a semen analysis. This test provides information about sperm quality, sperm count, sperm concentration, and sperm motility. For more details on interpreting a spermiogram and understanding individual sperm parameters, you can find more information here.

What additional tests can I undergo?

Your doctor may recommend the following tests to more accurately determine potential causes:

  • Fallopian tube patency test: This test or hysterosalpingosonography uses a contrast agent injected into the uterus via the cervix. It helps analyse the shape and condition of the uterus and fallopian tubes, diagnosing conditions such as blocked fallopian tubes or uterine fibroids.
  • Hysteroscopy: A hysteroscopy can uncover irregularities such as fibroids, cysts, or polyps in the uterine cavity that may affect the success of a pregnancy.
  • Laparoscopy: This procedure is an examination of the abdominal cavity that can reveal conditions such as endometriosis or scarring.
  • Genetic diagnostics: If necessary, genetic tests like a chromosome analysis can be performed to rule out genetic causes of infertility.
  • Ovarian reserve test: In addition to a blood sample to determine the AMH value, your ovarian reserve can also be assessed through a detailed examination of the follicles.

Takeaway

The inability to conceive can be attributed to various factors. The primary cause is often ovulation disorders, which result in irregular or absent ovulation. Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, due to conditions like endometriosis, chlamydia, or previous ectopic pregnancies, can also hinder pregnancy.

If no pregnancy occurs within a year after discontinuing contraception, a fertility test for both partners can help identify the factors impeding conception. A fertility test for women typically involves a comprehensive diagnosis based on medical history, gynaecological examination, blood test, and hormone test.

It's beneficial to undergo fertility tests and have your hormones checked before planning for a child to detect or rule out potential conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, or cysts. An infection check-up and necessary vaccinations like rubella are also advisable to prevent severe illnesses or complications in the child.

Whether you're planning for a child now or in the future, our fertility experts are here to assist you with your family planning. They are available to answer any questions you might have about fertility tests.

Book your free initial consultation here without obligation and receive detailed advice from our fertility team.