Fertility tests for women help identify the cause(s) of infertility, allowing for appropriate treatment and giving the couple the best chance of conceiving. These tests often include:

• A discussion of medical history, particularly to assess ovulation and menstrual cycle issues.
• Blood tests to evaluate hormone levels and ovarian reserve (the number of potential eggs remaining in a woman’s ovaries).
• Pelvic examination.
• Minimally invasive procedures such as ultrasound scans (sonography) and surgery to investigate any structural causes of infertility.

Fertility testing & diagnosis for women at a glance

• If a woman has been unable to conceive after more than one year of trying, or if she has a known fertility issue, she should consider undergoing fertility testing.
• Since age can impact a woman’s fertility, those aged 35 or over should consider fertility testing if they have been trying to conceive for six months without success.
• Fertility testing to determine the cause of infertility in women may include a review of medical history, blood tests, and minimally invasive procedures.
• When no specific cause is identified, the condition is termed “unexplained infertility,” which affects approximately 15 to 30 per cent of infertile couples, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Who should consider fertility assessments?

In addition to women who have been unable to conceive after one year (or six months if aged over 35), those with the following conditions should also consider fertility testing:

• Diagnosed reproductive system issues affecting the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or uterus.
• Menstruation that is heavy, irregular (cycles longer than 35 days), or absent.
• Recurrent miscarriages.
• A history of pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic pain, or endometriosis.
• A partner with suspected or diagnosed male infertility.