Understanding your fertility is an important step on the journey to parenthood. At Apricity, the world’s first virtual fertility clinic, we aim to make this process as smooth and informative as possible. With advanced technology and personalised care, we provide clinical-grade tests that you can complete in the comfort of your own home. Our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way, helping you understand the intricacies of female fertility tests and what they mean for you.

What are female fertility tests?

Female fertility tests aim to evaluate various aspects of your reproductive health and to determine your fertility status. These tests assess hormone levels, ovarian reserve, structural abnormalities of your uterus and fallopian tubes, and ovulation patterns. Understanding how these tests work can provide reassurance and clarity, helping you make informed decisions about your fertility journey.

No single “fertility test” exists - each test may answer specific questions and the combination of tests can help to understand your overall fertility. 

How are female fertility tests done?

Blood tests

Blood tests are a common method for assessing fertility. They measure hormone levels that play key roles in the reproductive process. These include:

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): helps the eggs to mature before ovulation. The lower your egg quantity, the more FSH there is to compensate for having less eggs to mature.

• Luteinizing hormone (LH): triggers ovulation and is crucial for egg release.

• Oestradiol (E2): indicates how well your ovaries and menstrual cycle are working. When your ovaries stop working, your levels of E2 drop significantly, which is why it can also signpost menopause and POI.

• Progesterone: when done a week before your period can confirm ovulation.

• Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH): reflects the number of eggs left in the ovaries.

• Thyroid hormones: thyroid dysfunction can affect menstrual cycles and fertility, as well as impact your overall health including your weight, fatigue levels, mood, periods and ovulation.

These tests are typically performed on specific days of your menstrual cycle to provide the most accurate information.

Ultrasound scans

Ultrasound scans visualise the reproductive organs. They help in assessing:

• Antral follicle count (AFC): measures the number of small follicles in the ovaries, indicating ovarian reserve.

• Uterine structure: identifies abnormalities like fibroids, polyps, or structural issues.

• Ovarian size and shape: evaluates the health of the ovaries and exclude cysts.

Our at-home service arranges for these scans to be conducted either at home or close to home, ensuring minimal disruption to your routine.

Ovulation testing

Ovulation tests detect the surge in LH that precedes ovulation. These tests can be done at home using LH stick urine tests, very similarly to a pregnancy test, and are crucial for timing insemination treatment.

How do I know if I'm fertile?

Understanding your fertility involves regular monitoring and testing to fully understand your menstrual cycle. There is no way to know whether you’re fertile or not before actually trying to get pregnant, however having these following tests done will give a good indication of your likely fertility:

• Regular menstrual cycles: a regular cycle (21-35 days) typically indicates normal ovulation.

• Normal hormone levels: hormone tests falling within the normal range suggest that your ovaries are healthy.

• Positive ovulation tests: indicating regular ovulation.

• Healthy ovarian reserve: reflected by normal AMH and AFC results.

How do doctors check if a woman is fertile?

Doctors use a comprehensive approach to check a woman's fertility, combining the following:

• Medical history: previous pregnancies, menstrual cycle regularity, and overall health is the best indication of your fertility

• Laboratory tests: blood tests to check hormone levels and ovulation.

• Imaging studies: ultrasounds to assess ovarian reserve and uterus health.

• Specialised tests: procedures like HyCoSy to check for blockages in the fallopian tubes.

Our approach at Apricity

At Apricity, we prioritise your comfort and convenience. Our at-home services and the Apricity mobile app ensure you have access to your treatment plan, a dedicated fertility advisor, and 24/7 support. With success rates above the national average, our advanced algorithms and personalised care are designed to give you the best chance of success.

For more detailed information on how to test infertility in women, you can read our comprehensive guide here. Additionally, learn more about the significance of AMH in fertility testing here. Explore our range of fertility tests and diagnostic options for women to take the next step on your fertility journey.

Conclusion

Understanding how female fertility tests work can provide peace of mind and guide your next steps. Whether you're just starting to explore your fertility or seeking advanced treatments like IVF, Apricity's expert team is here to support you with cutting-edge technology and compassionate care. Trust us to be your partner in this journey, providing clarity, comfort, and confidence every step of the way.