The Fertility Testing Process 

At First Fertility clinics, every journey toward building a family begins with care and understanding. If questions about fertility testing have been weighing on your mind, know that you’re not alone.  

Our board-certified reproductive endocrinologists and fertility specialists guide you with both expertise and compassion, helping you understand your body, explore your options, and create a plan that we believe will feel personal, empowering, and full of possibility. 

Behind every test is a purpose: to give you clarity, direction, and confidence in your next steps.  

What Happens at a Fertility Testing Appointment? 

At your first visit to one of our centers, a board-certified fertility specialist will: 

• Discuss your health history and family-building goals 

• Review any prior records or test results 

• Outline a personalized testing plan designed for your needs 

You can bring notes about your menstrual cycle if you have one, health history, or any questions you’ve been meaning to ask. These details often help your care team uncover meaningful insights that’ll help you meet your goals. 

Each recommendation—every test, consultation, and next step—is based on medicine, science and compassionate understanding.  

What Tests Are Done for Female Fertility? 

If you’re a woman or an individual assigned female at birth (AFAB) and you and your care team determine that fertility testing is the right path forward, the process typically starts with a caring conversation and a few key evaluations. Common tests may include: 

• Bloodwork to measure hormone levels like estradiol and FSH, which give insight into ovarian function. 

• Pelvic ultrasound to visualize the uterus and ovaries. 

• Hysterosalpingography (HSG), a gentle imaging test to detect any blockages or irregularities in the uterus or fallopian tubes. 

Each test helps your care team see a clearer picture of your reproductive health. For many, this first step brings comfort—the shift from guessing to understanding. 

What Tests Are Done for Male-Factor Fertility? 

Fertility testing for men or individuals with testes plays an equally important role in the process. A semen analysis is usually the first step. It measures: 

• Sperm count (the number of sperm in the sample) 

• Motility (how well sperm move) 

• Morphology (the shape and structure of sperm) 

Depending on results, additional testing may include hormone evaluation or genetic carrier screening to explore underlying factors. 

All testing takes place in an advanced, confidential laboratory environment designed for accuracy and comfort. The goal isn’t judgment—it’s information. With clear answers, you and your specialist can move forward together. 

What Happens After Fertility Testing? 

Once your results are ready, your fertility specialist will sit down with you to go over everything in detail. Together, you’ll design a plan tailored to your goals and your health. This might include: 

• Ovulation support via controlled ovarian stimulation (COH) 

• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) 

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI) 

• In vitro fertilization (IVF) 

• Fertility preservation for the future 

• Discussions of using donor eggs, donor sperm, or surrogacy 

Every recommendation is personalized and made with your comfort and future in mind. 

Is Fertility Testing Painful? 

Most fertility tests are quick, gentle, and well-tolerated. Bloodwork and ultrasounds are simple and take just a few minutes. 

If a test involves imaging, like an HSG, your care team will guide you through each step and explain how to stay comfortable. The goal is to make the process as stress-free as possible. 

When Should I Get Fertility Testing? 

You may want to consider fertility testing if: 

• You’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months 

• You’re 35-40 and have been trying to conceive for six months 

• You’re over 40 and have been trying to conceive for three months 

• You have irregular cycles or a known reproductive condition 

• You’ve experienced recurrent pregnancy loss 

• You’re planning ahead for future family building 

Fertility testing isn’t only for people who are ready to build a family right now—it’s also a proactive step for anyone who wants to understand their reproductive health better. 

Take the First Step with First Fertility 

Fertility testing is more than a scientific and medical process—it’s the beginning of a more informed, hopeful journey. At First Fertility, we pair advanced diagnostics with state-of-the-art scientific methods and heartfelt care to help you understand your body, your options, and your next steps. 

You’re never alone in this. Each visit is handled with patience, professionalism, and respect for your story. Reach out to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward understanding your fertility with confidence and compassion.