What tests are needed if not conceiving?

Both partners should be tested at the same time. This is worth insisting on — assessment of the male partner is still frequently delayed or skipped, despite male factor being involved in a large share of cases and the test being the simplest one available. For the male partner: a semen analysis, assessing volume, concentration, total count, motility and morphology. It is inexpensive, non-invasive and quick. Because results vary considerably between samples, an abnormal result should be repeated before conclusions are drawn. For the female partner: blood tests on day 2 or 3 of the cycle for FSH and LH, plus AMH, prolactin and thyroid function. A pelvic ultrasound with antral follicle count assesses ovarian reserve and looks for fibroids, polyps or endometriomas. A test of tubal patency — usually an HSG — is done where there is reason to suspect tubal damage, such as previous pelvic infection, surgery or endometriosis. What AMH does and does not tell you: it estimates how many eggs remain, not their quality, and it does not predict your chance of conceiving naturally. A low AMH in a woman with regular cycles is not a reason to panic, though it is relevant if IVF is being considered. Which tests you need depends on your history, so let a specialist direct the sequence rather than requesting a broad panel upfront.