Female fertility tests (Fertility MOT & Egg Counting)

Some women may have irregular menstrual cycles (or none at all) but this isn’t always the case. Unfortunately a lot of the time fertility problems are silent until women start trying to get pregnant. This is why it is often recommended to have fertility testing, even if you are not yet ready to start a family. This can provide a good idea of your reproductive health and give plenty of time to address any potential issues before they become a barrier to starting your family.

At-home fertility tests have become increasingly popular, offering to measure key indicators like Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), which is a good indication of ovarian reserve. Additional at-home fertility tests screen hormone levels such as testosterone to detect conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

However, these isolated measurements can paint an incomplete and potentially misleading picture of your fertility. Fertility is far more complex than any single test can capture, and these at-home results should never be viewed as definitive predictors of your ability to conceive.

We recommend in-clinic testing as it is important to also consider your medical history, family medical history, your history of trying to get pregnant, and also consider any potential hidden physiological conditions that may be hindering conception. An at-home test will not be able to provide this information or insight into the best path forward for you.

The cost of fertility tests vary not only between clinics but depending on your individual circumstances and medical history. Some individuals may only require basic tests, whereas others could need more advanced fertility tests.

The majority of female patients coming to The Fertility & Gynaecology Academy will require an ultrasound and AMH test to provide a baseline understanding of fertility.

Discover our fertility test pricing.

The short answer is yes. Let’s explain. Fertility doctors use AMH levels from a blood sample to gain insight into the number of eggs you may have left in your ovaries (your ‘ovarian reserve’). Whilst a ‘normal’ level for your age is a positive sign, it is only one part of the puzzle when it comes to conceiving naturally. 

Indeed, once released from the ovary the egg needs to find its way through the fallopian tube where it can meet the sperm. However, a large proportion of women who have not had luck getting pregnant naturally find that they have pathological issues hindering fertility. For example: ovulation issues may mean that the egg is not released from the ovaries at all so it is not able to meet the sperm; scarring or blockages in the fallopian tubes can prevent the egg from reaching the sperm; the uterine environment may be suboptimal, preventing implantation of the embryo.

Despite having optimal AMH levels, if you haven’t conceived naturally it can be beneficial to have a comprehensive range of fertility tests to rule out any pathological issues preventing conception.

Learn more about the impact AMH has on fertility.

Age is a significant factor when it comes to fertility. The British Fertility Society states that female fertility begins to decline in the early 30s and this decline becomes steeper from the age of 35, and even more so from the age of 40. This isn’t just the number of eggs, but the egg quality. Egg quality is vital for conception and a healthy baby.

If you’re under 35 and not trying to conceive right now, but may wish to in future, testing can help establish a baseline and help you uncover any potential issues early on. 

If you are under 35 and currently trying to conceive, the general advice is to opt for testing after 12 months of trying.

If you’re over age 35 and considering pregnancy testing is recommended.

If you’re over age 35 and have already started trying to conceive, the recommendation is to try for at least six months before undergoing fertility testing.

However, if you have any concerns, you should seek the advice of a fertility consultant sooner.

You may find it helpful to read this article on when you should test your fertility.

Infertility in women can be caused by a wide variety of problems, but some of the most commonly experienced include:

• Ovulation problems (caused by health conditions like PCOS, thyroid issues, premature ovarian failure)
• Scarring (from surgery or infections like STIs and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID))
• Fibroids (non-cancerous growths)
• Medications (certain medications have a direct impact on fertility)
• Suboptimal uterine environment

Ultimately, the only way to be certain is to seek the advice from a fertility doctor who can assess your medical history, lifestyle, and fertility journey so far, then combine this with fertility test results to give a clear picture of what is going on in your body and the best next steps for you.

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a while it can feel challenging to know when to seek help. Here is a brief overview of when fertility testing might be beneficial:

• If you’ve previously had trouble getting pregnant
• If you have irregular periods
• If you are aged 35 or more and want to get pregnant
• If you’ve had radiotherapy 
• If you’ve had chemotherapy
• If you’re using medications that can affect fertility. For example, those used to manage autoimmune conditions and hormonal disorders
• If you’ve had an STI in the past (especially if it went untreated for some time)
• If you are obese (BMI of 30 or more). Calculate your BMI here.
• If you have a family history of fertility issues
• If you have a family history of early menopause
• If you have any diagnosed gynaecological conditions like endometriosis or PCOS

Read our proactive guide to fertility testing timing.