Tests & Investigations · 2 min
Fertility investigations
Top things to know
Common blood tests check hormones, thyroid, and blood sugar, often timed to specific days of your cycle.
An ultrasound scan checks the ovaries and womb; a dye test checks whether the tubes are open.
Male factor plays a part in 40 to 50% of fertility difficulties, so checking both partners matters.
You do not need to wait to be offered these tests; you can ask your doctor about them.
Which blood tests are usually ordered for fertility investigations?
Blood tests commonly ordered in primary care for menstrual and reproductive health include:
• Hormones: , , oestradiol, often timed to specific days of your cycle (so it may require a second appointment or a coordinated plan) • , to check whether you are ovulating, taken at a specific point in your cycle • Thyroid function, thyroid problems can directly affect periods and fertility • Prolactin, relevant if periods are absent or infrequent • (, DHEAS), if PMOS is suspected • Blood sugar and lipids, relevant in PMOS, particularly for South Asian women
What other fertility investigations might you be offered?
An ultrasound scan can check the ovaries and womb for structural abnormalities, polycystic-appearing ovaries, , and other findings.
A () — an X-ray dye test of the tubes — or similar test can check whether the fallopian tubes are open. This is an important part of fertility investigation that is sometimes overlooked.
Your doctor can also arrange a for your partner. Male factor contributes to 40 to 50% of fertility difficulties, so both partners should be investigated.
40–50%
Male factor contributes to 40 to 50% of fertility difficulties, so both partners should be investigated.
NICE guideline NG257, 2024
Can you ask your GP to run these fertility tests yourself?
You do not need to wait to be offered these tests. You can ask your doctor about them. If your doctor is unsure about what to arrange, they can refer you to a specialist who will coordinate the appropriate investigations.
If needed, your doctor can refer you to a fertility specialist. You can ask your doctor whether a referral would be appropriate.
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Reviewed by clinicians
Authored and reviewed by clinicians from the founding team. Information only, not personalised medical advice.
From the team behind Her Holistic Health, founded by Dr Divpreet Sacha, NHS-trained GP.