When and why should I consider fertility testing?

Fertility testing is not just for couples who are struggling to conceive. It’s a proactive way to understand your reproductive potential – whether you’re planning to have children soon, thinking about freezing your eggs or sperm, or simply curious about your fertility health.

Modern fertility tests can assess things like:

• Ovarian reserve
• Ovulation patterns
• Sperm count and quality
• Uterine or tubal health
• Hormonal imbalances

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 1 in 6 Australian couples experience infertility at some point – yet many don’t seek help early enough (AIHW, 2023).

1. If You’ve Been Trying to Conceive Without Success

• Women under 35: after 12 months of trying
• Women 35 and older: after 6 months
• Over 40: testing may begin immediately

This is based on guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and supported by Australian fertility clinics (ACOG).

2. If You’re Planning Ahead

You don’t have to be trying to conceive right now to benefit from fertility testing. Many women and men in their late 20s to early 30s choose to assess their fertility to inform future decisions about:

• Egg or sperm freezing
• Delaying parenthood
• Reproductive planning with a partner

3. If You Have a Known Risk Factor

You should consider earlier testing if you:

• Have irregular or absent periods
• Painful periods
• Have a history of PCOS, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease
• Are undergoing cancer treatment
• Have a family history of early menopause or infertility
• Have experienced multiple miscarriages
• Have had surgery on reproductive organs
• Have concerns about sperm health or erectile dysfunction

Even lifestyle factors – like smoking, high stress, poor sleep, and being significantly under- or overweight – can affect fertility and are worth discussing with your doctor (Better Health Channel, VIC Gov).

Fertility testing is tailored to your unique circumstances, but may include:

For Women:

• Pre-pregnancy screening tests
• AMH blood test to estimate egg reserve
• Transvaginal ultrasound to assess ovaries and uterus
• Hormone testing (FSH, LH, oestrogen, progesterone)
• Ovulation tracking
• Tubal patency tests, if indicated

For Men:

• Semen analysis to evaluate sperm count, motility, morphology and antibodies
• Hormone levels (testosterone, FSH, LH), if indicated
• Scrotal ultrasound in certain cases

The goal is to identify any barriers to conception early and outline the best path forward – whether that’s natural conception, fertility preservation, or assisted reproductive technologies like IVF or IUI.

Early testing can:

• Identify potential issues before you start trying
• Offer reassurance when everything looks normal
• Open up fertility preservation options (like egg freezing) while you’re still at peak reproductive age
• Avoid unnecessary delays if assistance is needed later

According to VARTA (Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority), age is the single biggest factor affecting fertility in both women and men—making early insight especially important (VARTA).

Fertility testing is about empowerment – giving you the knowledge to make confident choices about your reproductive health. Whether you’re ready to start trying or just want clarity for the future, testing is a simple, valuable step.

If you’re considering fertility testing or have questions about your options, book a consultation.