Fertility testing

This page is reference information compiled from the cited sources. It is not medical advice. For any decision about health, diagnosis or care, consult a qualified professional.

What it is

Fertility testing is the process by which fertility is assessed, both generally and also to find the "fertile window" in the menstrual cycle. For women, it includes methods of predicting the timing of ovulation, which can help determine the days of the menstrual cycle most likely to result in conception. Various diagnostic tests are available to establish reasons for infertility in women of fertile age. These tests evaluate anatomical causes and involve a variety of hormones tested at different times in the menstrual cycle. The process also includes specific assessments like estimating ovarian reserve to determine the likelihood of pregnancy by In vitro fertilization (IVF).

Key facts

General health affects fertility, and STI testing is an important related field. Healthy women are fertile from puberty until menopause, although fertility is typically much reduced towards the extremes of this period. The onset of puberty is typically identified by menarche and the presence of secondary sexual characteristics. The end of fertility typically comes somewhat before menopause, as fertility declines. Ovulation can be predicted through methods like observing egg-white cervical mucus, using urinary ovulation prediction kits that detect hormone surges, or using electronic fertility monitors that analyze various bodily changes. Daily ultrasounds can predict ovulation with a 24-hour overlap to actual ovulation. Serum progesterone level measurement during the mid-luteal phase is only somewhat helpful for predicting ovulation in women experiencing infertility. The cervix becomes soft, high, open and wet during the fertile window. Basal body temperature increases at ovulation, enabling identification of the fertile window. In regular menstrual cycles, the fertile window occurs on days 8–19 if the cycle is 26–32 days long. Diagnostic testing for infertility uses procedures like imaging with contrast agents or inserting a scope to visualize structures. Hormone tests like Anti-Müllerian hormone testing and cycle-day-three follicle-stimulating hormone testing help estimate ovarian reserve and likelihood of IVF success. The clomifene citrate challenge test involves blood samples on days three and ten of the cycle. Antral follicle count via ultrasound can determine ovarian reserve. Hysterosalpingography is an invasive x-ray technique used to evaluate the uterus and fallopian tubes.

When to seek professional help

Professional help is involved when diagnostic testing for infertility is conducted to establish reasons for infertility. This includes the use of clinical instruments and diagnostic procedures performed by physicians, such as imaging tests or the insertion of a scope through the cervix. Professional care is indicated for performing specific tests like serum progesterone level measurement during the mid-luteal phase in women experiencing infertility. Tests such as Anti-Müllerian hormone testing, cycle-day-three FSH testing, and the clomiphene citrate challenge test are conducted by physicians to estimate ovarian reserve and determine likelihood of IVF pregnancy. A physician may use a transvaginal ultrasound to count antral follicles. The hysterosalpingography procedure is performed in an outpatient setting like a hospital or clinic by medical professionals. The source also notes that an updated review found further study on risk and benefits is needed on timed intercourse via the use of urine ovulation tests.

Source: Fertility testing (CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikipedia)), retrieved 2026-10-06.