What Fertility Tests Should You Take Before IVF, and Why They Matter

Blog post written in collaboration with UR Vistahermosa.

Starting IVF is a big, hopeful step. Before treatment begins, your medical team will ask you to complete a series of tests. They aren’t there to slow you down, they’re there to make sure your treatment is built around you. At UR Vistahermosa, every case is unique, and these tests are how we design a plan that gives you the very best chance of success.

Tests for the woman

• Ovarian reserve (AMH and antral follicle count) A blood test for AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone), together with an ultrasound to count your antral follicles, tells us how your ovaries are likely to respond to stimulation. This helps us choose the right medication and dose from day one, rather than by trial and error.
• Hormone panel (FSH, LH, oestradiol, TSH, prolactin) These hormones give us a clear picture of how your cycle is working. Thyroid and prolactin levels in particular can quietly affect fertility and early pregnancy, so it’s important to check and correct them before we begin.
• Pelvic ultrasound A scan of the uterus and ovaries lets us look for anything, such as fibroids, polyps or cysts, that could affect implantation, so it can be addressed in advance.
• Uterine and tubal assessment Depending on your history, we may recommend a closer look at the uterine cavity to make sure the environment is as welcoming as possible for an embryo.

Tests for the man

• Semen analysis This assesses sperm count, movement and shape. It’s a quick, essential test that guides whether standard IVF or a technique like ICSI will give the best results,  and around half of fertility challenges involve a male factor, so it’s never a step to skip.

Tests for both partners

• Infectious disease screening Screening for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis is a legal and safety requirement before treatment. It protects you, your future baby, and everyone involved in the process.
• Genetic screening Carrier and karyotype testing can identify inherited conditions that might be passed on. Knowing in advance means we can offer options, such as genetic testing of embryos, to protect the health of your family.

Why it all matters

These tests do three important things: they personalise your treatment, they help us anticipate rather than react, and they make the whole journey safer. Every result is a piece of the puzzle that lets our multidisciplinary team (gynaecologists, embryologists, geneticists and more) build a plan around your specific needs.

IVF is a marathon, not a sprint. Good preparation is what gets you to the finish line.

Thinking about starting your journey? Our international team is here to guide you every step of the way, in your own language. Book your free first consultation with UR Vistahermosa here.