Any couple trying to conceive may undergo a fertility test. However, it is highly recommended for couples who:

• Have been actively trying for more than a year (having unprotected sexual intercourse 2-3x a week)
• Couples who are > 35yo who are trying to conceive
• Anybody with a history of gynaecological issues for females, or testicular trauma/infections/surgery for males

2) What Does Fertility Testing Consist Of?

• Your fertility test will usually begin with a doctor’s consult with a detailed history taking as well as physical examination
• Subsequently, the basic fertility test for females will consist of blood tests as well as scans while the basic fertility test for males usually consist of a semen analysis

3) When Are Fertility Tests Usually Done?

• Blood tests such as the Anti-mullerian hormone or preconception screen can be done at any time of the menstrual cycle (see: an abnormal menstrual problem)
• Mid-luteal progesterone is usually done 7 days before the next menstrual cycle

4) I Have Already Given Birth Before, Do I Still Need To Undergo Fertility Testing If I Am Trying Again?

• For couples who have previously successfully conceived but are having trouble trying for another child, you may be going through secondary subfertility (See: Male Infertility)
• Secondary subfertility can occur in a couple due to several reasons including age or the onset of new diseases that may affect fertility

5) What Should We Do If We Are Planning To Try For A Baby?

• Lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in successfully trying for a healthy pregnancy. Bad habits such as smoking and excessive drinking can affect the reproductive health of both male and females
• It is also important to maintain a healthy BMI of 24 or less. Obesity or being overweight will affect your fertility as well as cause more complications during pregnancy.
• You should also start eating folic acid daily 3 months before you start trying to conceive

6) Can Irregular Menses Be Normal?

Sometimes, some irregularities in the menstrual cycle may be considered physiological (or normal) especially if a girl has just entered menarche, or if a woman is approaching menopause.

However, this can only be diagnosed after further investigations are done to rule out other abnormal causes.

7) I Am Trying For A Baby For The First Time, What Are The Chances Of Success?

• Approximately 80% of couples who try to conceive successfully do so if the female partner is < 40 years old and if they have regular unprotected sexual intercourse of 2-3 times per week.
• Of those who do not conceive in the first year, another half (total 90%) will successfully conceive in the second year of trying.

8) What Are The Common Causes of Subfertility in Females and Males?

• Common reasons that can affect a woman’s chance of conceiving include problems such as age, ovulation disorders, pelvic inflammatory disease, blocked tubes or endometriosis
• Common reasons that can affect a male’s chance of conceiving include abnormal sperm problems due to lifestyle factors such as smoking, previous testicular infection, previous surgery or injury
• Some of the long-term medical implication of untreated STD, such as Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia, may cause infertlity for both male and female. (see: Rapid STD Screening – Next Day Results)