4 Most Valuable Tests to Know Your Fertility Profile

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.