Month: November 2025

When it comes to starting a family, understanding your fertility health is the most important first step. Many couples begin trying to conceive without knowing where they stand — whether their reproductive organs, hormones, or egg and sperm health are functioning optimally. Before beginning any fertility treatment, a simple fertility evaluation can reveal your true fertility potential, your chances of natural conception, and whether you might need medical help.

According to Dr. Durga Vytla, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, knowing your fertility profile early can save time, money, and emotional stress. “A few simple tests can give us a complete picture of both partners’ fertility health,” she explains. “It helps us personalize treatment and guide couples toward the best possible path to conception.”

Here are the 4 most valuable fertility tests every couple should consider before starting their pregnancy journey.

1. Transvaginal Scan – Assessing the Ovaries, Uterus & Follicles

A transvaginal ultrasound scan is one of the most essential fertility tests for women. This internal scan provides a detailed view of the uterus, ovaries, and endometrial lining — the three critical components that determine fertility health.

What It Checks:

• Ovaries: The scan helps evaluate the number of follicles (egg sacs) present, giving an estimate of ovarian reserve.

• Uterus: It checks for fibroids, polyps, or uterine abnormalities that might interfere with implantation or pregnancy.

• Follicular Development: During your menstrual cycle, it can monitor follicle growth and ovulation timing.

This test is quick, safe, and usually performed during the first few days of your cycle. It allows your fertility specialist to assess how your ovaries are functioning and whether your uterus is ready to support pregnancy.

Pro Tip: A healthy uterine lining and balanced follicle development are key indicators of good fertility potential.

2. Hormone Profile – Revealing Egg Reserve & Ovulation Health

Hormones play a major role in reproduction. Even a slight imbalance can affect ovulation, egg quality, or the menstrual cycle. A hormone profile test measures key reproductive hormones that control fertility.

Common Hormones Checked:

• AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): Indicates ovarian reserve (the number of eggs remaining). Higher AMH usually means better fertility potential.

• FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone): Help regulate ovulation.

• Estradiol (E2): Reflects ovarian function.

• TSH and Prolactin: Assess thyroid and pituitary health, as imbalances can affect menstruation and ovulation.

By analyzing these hormone levels, your fertility specialist can predict how your body responds to ovulation naturally or during assisted treatments like IVF.

Dr. Durga Vytla emphasizes, “Your hormone profile is like a window into your reproductive system — it tells us how your ovaries are functioning and helps plan the best treatment approach.”

3. HSG (Hysterosalpingography) – Checking Fallopian Tube Health

The HSG test, or Hysterosalpingography, is an X-ray procedure that checks whether the fallopian tubes are open and if the uterus has any structural abnormalities. It’s one of the most valuable fertility tests for women who have been trying to conceive naturally for several months without success.

Why It’s Important:

The fallopian tubes are where fertilization occurs — the sperm meets the egg here. If either tube is blocked or damaged, conception cannot happen naturally. The HSG test uses a contrast dye and X-rays to visualize the shape and openness of your tubes and uterus.

A normal HSG result confirms that the tubes are patent (open), allowing eggs and sperm to meet. If any blockage or irregularity is detected, your fertility specialist can guide you on the next steps, which may include laparoscopy or assisted conception methods like IVF.

Quick Insight: Many women experience improved fertility after an HSG, as the dye may clear minor blockages in the tubes.

4. Semen Analysis – Evaluating Sperm Count & Quality

Fertility health is a two-way street — about 40–50% of infertility cases involve male factors. A semen analysis is the cornerstone test to evaluate male fertility and should always be done alongside the female partner’s evaluation.

What It Measures:

• Sperm Count: Number of sperm per milliliter of semen.

• Motility: The percentage of sperm that swim properly.

• Morphology: The shape and structure of sperm.

• Volume and pH: Indicators of seminal fluid health.

Poor sperm count or motility can affect the chances of natural conception, but many issues can be improved with diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes. Identifying these problems early allows couples to take corrective steps before proceeding with advanced treatments.

Why Early Fertility Testing Matters

Fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 30 in women and 40 in men. The earlier you identify potential concerns, the better your chances of achieving pregnancy — naturally or with assistance. These four tests act as your fertility roadmap, showing where you stand and what steps are needed next.

Whether you’re actively trying to conceive or simply planning for the future, getting your fertility profile tested helps you make informed, confident decisions.

When it comes to fertility, most people think the focus lies only on women’s health. However, male fertility plays an equally vital role in achieving a healthy pregnancy. Sperm health — including count, motility (movement), shape, and DNA integrity — is strongly influenced by lifestyle and nutrition. According to Dr. Durga Vytla, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, improving sperm quality naturally is possible with the right diet and lifestyle choices.

Why Sperm Health Matters

Healthy sperm are essential for natural conception and successful IVF outcomes. Factors like poor diet, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, and exposure to environmental toxins can damage sperm DNA and reduce motility. The good news is that sperm production continuously renews every 70–90 days, which means dietary changes can make a measurable difference within a few months.

Let’s explore some of the best foods to improve sperm health naturally, as recommended by fertility experts.

1. Walnuts: The Omega-3 Powerhouse

Walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that enhance sperm motility and morphology (shape). These healthy fats help improve blood flow to the reproductive organs and reduce oxidative stress — a key factor behind sperm damage. A handful of walnuts a day can significantly improve sperm vitality and quality.

Tip: Add walnuts to your morning oatmeal, salads, or yogurt for an easy fertility-friendly boost.

2. Almonds and Pumpkin Seeds: Zinc and Vitamin E for Sperm Quality

Zinc is one of the most important minerals for male fertility. Low zinc levels are associated with reduced sperm count and poor motility. Almonds and pumpkin seeds are excellent sources of zinc, vitamin E, and magnesium — all essential nutrients for sperm health.

Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting sperm cells from DNA damage. Pumpkin seeds, in particular, contain high levels of zinc and omega-3s, making them an ideal snack for improving sperm function.

3. Tomatoes: Rich in Lycopene for Sperm Motility

Tomatoes contain lycopene, a potent antioxidant that gives them their red color. Lycopene has been shown in multiple studies to improve sperm motility and reduce abnormal sperm formation. Cooked or processed tomatoes (like tomato paste or sauce) actually contain higher lycopene levels than raw ones.

Pro tip: Combine tomatoes with a bit of olive oil to enhance lycopene absorption.

4. Green Leafy Vegetables: Folate for DNA Health

Folate (vitamin B9) plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis and sperm development. A diet rich in folate helps reduce sperm DNA fragmentation and promotes the production of healthy, motile sperm. Spinach, kale, broccoli, and lettuce are excellent sources of folate.

If you’re planning a pregnancy, both partners should ensure adequate folate intake — it’s not just beneficial for women!

5. Citrus Fruits: Vitamin C for Sperm Count

Oranges, kiwis, lemons, and grapefruits are rich in vitamin C, which helps protect sperm from oxidative stress and improves sperm count and motility. Vitamin C also enhances the effects of vitamin E, making it a powerful combination for male fertility.

Try including a glass of fresh orange juice or a kiwi with breakfast daily to strengthen your body’s antioxidant defenses.

6. Berries and Pomegranates: Antioxidant-Rich Superfoods

Berries (like blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries) and pomegranates are loaded with antioxidants such as polyphenols and anthocyanins. These compounds help fight free radical damage and support better sperm morphology and motility. They also promote healthy blood circulation, which is essential for reproductive health.

7. Whole Grains and Lean Proteins: Balanced Nutrition for Hormonal Health

Sperm production relies on a well-balanced diet that includes complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Whole grains like oats, quinoa, and brown rice provide slow-release energy and B vitamins that support hormone balance. Lean proteins — such as chicken, fish, lentils, and eggs — are rich in amino acids necessary for sperm formation.

8. Hydration and Lifestyle Matter Too

While food plays a major role, lifestyle habits are equally important. Staying well-hydrated supports semen volume and sperm motility. Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, and manage stress through yoga or meditation. Regular exercise improves testosterone levels and overall reproductive function.

Sleep is another overlooked factor — aim for 7–8 hours per night to keep your hormone levels balanced.

The Role of Fertility Specialists

If you’ve been trying to conceive for a year (or six months if you’re over 35) without success, it’s important to seek guidance from a fertility expert. At Nova IVF Fertility, Banjara Hills, Dr. Durga Vytla, one of Hyderabad’s best IVF specialists, provides personalized treatment plans for both male and female infertility. Nutritional counseling, semen analysis, and lifestyle modification are integral parts of her holistic fertility care approach.

Final Thoughts

Good sperm health doesn’t depend only on medicines — it starts with your lifestyle and diet. By incorporating fertility-boosting foods like walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, leafy greens, and citrus fruits, you can naturally enhance sperm motility, count, and DNA quality.

These small, consistent changes can make a big difference in your fertility journey and overall reproductive health.