Can I check my fertility before we start trying?
Yes. For women that means a cycle review, a pelvic ultrasound, and blood tests such as AMH and thyroid. For men, a semen analysis. What the tests show, what they can't tell you, and when to get them.
- Fertility
- Pregnancy
- Preventive screening
Medically reviewed by Dr. William Aung, DocDocDash’s partner doctor network.
Last reviewed: October 2026.
You and your partner are thinking about starting a family, maybe this year, maybe in a few years. Before you begin, you want to know whether anything might get in the way. Friends have told stories of waiting months or years for answers, and you would rather know early. It is a sensible question, and there are straightforward tests that can help.
Quick answer: Yes, you can check your fertility before you start trying. For women, this usually means a cycle review, a pelvic ultrasound, and blood tests such as AMH, thyroid, and hormone levels. For men, a semen analysis is the key test. These checks give useful information, but they cannot promise or rule out pregnancy, so results are best read with a doctor.
What Do Fertility Tests Show for Women and Men, and When Should You Do Them?
For women:
- Cycle and ovulation. Regular cycles of about 21 to 35 days usually mean you are ovulating. A progesterone blood test about a week before your period confirms it.
- AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone). This blood test estimates your ovarian reserve, meaning egg quantity. It does not measure egg quality, and on its own it does not predict how easily you will conceive naturally.
- FSH and estradiol, usually checked early in the cycle
- Thyroid (TSH) and prolactin. Both can interfere with ovulation.
- Pelvic ultrasound. This looks for fibroids, polyps, cysts, and the shape of the womb.
- Infection screening and rubella immunity
For men:
- Semen analysis. This checks sperm count, movement, shape, and volume. It is usually done after two to seven days without ejaculation. Results can vary between samples, so an abnormal result is usually repeated.
- Further tests such as hormone levels or an examination, if the semen analysis is abnormal
Why Should Both Partners Be Checked?
The World Health Organization estimates that about 1 in 6 people worldwide experience infertility. Male factors contribute to a substantial share of couples’ difficulty, so testing only one partner can miss the cause and delay answers.
When Should We Check Fertility Instead of Waiting?
As a general guide, see a doctor if you have not conceived after 12 months of trying when the woman is under 35, or after 6 months if she is 35 or older. Women aged 40 and over are often advised to be checked promptly. Do not wait if periods are irregular or absent, or if either of you has a known risk factor, such as endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, past pelvic infection or surgery, cancer treatment, or testicular problems. You can also check earlier simply to plan ahead, for example if you are deciding when to start or considering egg freezing.
What Can’t Fertility Tests Tell You?
Be careful not to read too much into any single result. Fertility tests cannot predict whether you will get pregnant. A normal result does not guarantee pregnancy, a lower AMH does not mean you cannot conceive, and egg quality cannot be measured directly. Some couples have “unexplained” infertility even after full testing. The tests are best used to find treatable problems and to help you plan, not to deliver a verdict.
What Can We Do Before Trying to Improve the Odds?
- Start folic acid at least a month before conception, and check with your doctor about the right dose for you
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol, for both partners
- Aim for a healthy weight and regular activity
- Check that you are immune to rubella, and review your vaccinations and any regular medicines
- Have sex every two to three days through the cycle, instead of trying to time one “perfect” day
DocDocDash’s fertility health check packages for women and men let you compare what each clinic includes and plan a visit for you both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my fertility if I’m not trying yet?
Yes. A fertility check can show your cycle health, ovarian reserve, and any issues such as fibroids or thyroid problems, which helps you plan, though it cannot predict pregnancy.
How long should we try before getting tested?
Usually 12 months if the woman is under 35, and 6 months if she is 35 or older. Do not wait if periods are irregular or you have known risk factors.
Does a normal semen analysis mean there are no male fertility problems?
Not always. Results can vary from sample to sample, so doctors often repeat an abnormal test and may order further checks if the couple still struggles to conceive.
A Simple Rule to Carry Forward
Fertility is not only a woman’s question, and not only a “later” question. A few simple tests for both partners give you information while you still have time to act on it.
Ready to take the next step? DocDocDash can help you find the hospitals and clinics offering fertility health checks for women and men, compare what each package includes, and book a consultation, all in one place.
Sources: World Health Organization, “Infertility” fact sheet (2023); World Health Organization, WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen, 6th ed. (2021); Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, “Fertility evaluation of infertile women: a committee opinion,” Fertility and Sterility (2021); World Health Organization, “Guideline: Optimal serum and red blood cell folate concentrations in women of reproductive age for prevention of neural tube defects” (2015).