Growing your family is a special time filled with much excitement and uncertainty. While some unknowns are thrilling (like the baby’s gender and your delivery date), others may generate doubt and raise more questions than answers. One of the best ways to ease these anxieties is to have fertility testing done.
Keep reading to learn more about a fertility test, how it’s done, and what amazing insight it can offer.
Reasons to Take a Fertility Test
Despite popular belief, fertility testing isn’t just for couples struggling to conceive. These comprehensive tests are a viable option for anyone looking to start a family, regardless of age, location, or current circumstances. It’s estimated that 1 in 7 couples experience infertility issues, which is why getting a fertility test is becoming increasingly popular for couples from all walks of life.
Fertility tests offer valuable insight and may identify fertility issues early on, saving you the stress and heartache of the unknown. Many couples report feeling less pressure to conceive once they discover they are both healthy and able to conceive naturally. If a fertility test shows otherwise, knowing early on can increase your chances of getting pregnant. According to the NHS, the sooner infertility is diagnosed, the more effective the treatment can be. 
How Does an At-Home Fertility Test Work?
Not everyone is comfortable visiting a fertility clinic. This is one reason at-home fertility tests are a safe and discreet way to get the important answers you need from the comfort of your home. These convenient tests give you solid insight into your current fertility level so you can make sound decisions moving forward.
Most fertility tests screen for the following hormones: luteinising hormone (LH), estrogen, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH helps determine your most fertile days and identifies important hormonal changes associated with ovulation so you can plan ahead. LH test results are proven to increase a couple’s chances of conception.
FSH testing works differently from LH tests and assesses the female’s ovarian reserve. A high FSH rating indicates you have low ovarian reserve, while a low rating means you have a high reserve. In addition to this specific information, a fertility test gives you a snapshot of your overall reproductive health, including estrogen levels and pituitary hormone function. It’s important to remember that these results should be reviewed by a medical professional who can provide a more comprehensive picture of your current fertility and help you plan for the future.
The Benefits of a Comprehensive Clinical Fertility Test
For those who want more in-depth fertility testing than an at-home kit can offer, a clinical test is the next step. These clinical exams involve blood testing and ultrasounds, but may require more invasive testing, depending on your health and any underlying issues.
Fertility blood tests generally check for hormones like the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), another indicator of ovarian reserve. Clinical ultrasounds screen for common disorders that may affect fertility, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or fibroids. Uncovering these conditions early in the fertility process makes treatment more effective and could have a positive impact on your ability to conceive.
Male Fertility Testing
Women aren’t the only ones who can undergo fertility testing to support successful conception. According to the World Health Organisation, 50% of all fertility issues fall on the man, not the woman. Male fertility tests are different, but problems can still be identified early on, so they can be addressed or corrected. Fertility tests include checking the man’s sperm count, performing a semen analysis, and checking sperm motility and morphology.
Testosterone tests can also offer important insight throughout the fertility process. For example, low testosterone in men can negatively impact fertility and make it increasingly difficult to conceive. The sooner low testosterone is identified and treated, the better.
How Accurate Are Fertility Tests?
Different fertility tests offer different results. While an at-home fertility test can provide a good starting point for your fertility journey, it’s not as comprehensive as a clinical test. Clinical testing, overseen by a medical professional, is more precise and accurate. These tests also include ultrasounds, which no at-home test can provide.
If you want conclusive answers without second-guessing the results, skip the at-home test and opt for a more accurate alternative (clinical testing).
The Psychological Benefits of Fertility Testing
While fertility testing provides a comprehensive look at your physical health, it also offers many psychological benefits that are often overlooked. The anxiety and worry associated with infertility can directly impact your mental and emotional well-being. Based on research by the Fertility Network UK, couples who had insight into their fertility and chances of conceiving experienced less stress and more clarity. Fertility testing can give you the peace of mind you and your partner need to enjoy every step of the conception journey.
Counselling is another great tool that many couples use alongside fertility testing. Counselling provides crucial emotional support and guidance for anyone struggling or preparing to conceive. This option is especially helpful if you’re already facing doubts or fertility issues. A positive mental state can also help ease physical stress and tension.
How to Select the Perfect Fertility Test
Every couple’s pregnancy journey is unique, which is why you need to choose a fertility test based on your current situation, concerns, and potential challenges. If you prefer a private approach and are merely curious about your level of fertility, an at-home test may suffice. Purchase an at-home fertility test from a trusted source and discuss your intentions with your doctor or another medical professional. Some doctors may recommend a particular test, offer individualised advice, or make suggestions to help guide your decision.
If you have medical concerns regarding your ability to conceive, you may want or need the type of comprehensive testing offered by a clinical exam. Clinical fertility tests are also a viable option for couples struggling to conceive or those with previous medical concerns or conditions that may affect fertility.
What to Do After Taking a Fertility Test?
If you opted for an at-home fertility test, you should have a doctor review and interpret the results before making any decisions or altering your lifestyle. Medical professionals can answer any questions, further explain the results, and offer context, ensuring you fully understand and apply the test results appropriately. You can also use these insights to your everyday life by making healthy changes, ordering additional testing if needed, or considering alternative options like IVF and others.
Fertility Tests: Final Thoughts
Fertility tests can be a powerful way to breathe new hope into your conception journey. These specialised tests provide important information that may ease your worry over conceiving and help you take the necessary steps to improve your chances of conceiving. At-home fertility tests are a great place to start and gather basic information, while clinical testing provides a more comprehensive, detailed outlook. Understanding your fertility chances removes doubt and gives you and your family a viable path toward conception.
Remember, fertility tests don’t offer definitive answers but are roadmaps to help guide your journey with clarity and confidence.
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