Essential Fertility Tests Before IVF: The Full Checklist
Jumping straight into an IVF cycle without a full workup first is a bit like starting a road trip without checking the fuel gauge, you might get lucky, but you're far more likely to hit a delay you could have planned around. Here's the testing checklist that actually matters before your first cycle.
For Her:
Before starting IVF, women typically undergo a series of fertility tests to provide a complete picture of their reproductive health. An AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) blood test helps assess ovarian reserve by estimating the number of eggs remaining, while an antral follicle count (AFC) ultrasound evaluates the number of visible follicles in the ovaries during the current cycle. A Day 2–3 hormone panel, including FSH, LH, and estradiol, helps assess ovarian function and identify any hormonal imbalances. Tests for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin are also important, as abnormalities in these hormones can interfere with ovulation. To evaluate the reproductive anatomy, an HSG (Hysterosalpingogram) or sonohysterogram is performed to check whether the fallopian tubes are open and the uterine cavity has a normal shape. If these imaging tests reveal abnormalities such as a polyp, fibroid, or scar tissue, a hysteroscopy may be recommended for a more detailed examination and, if necessary, treatment before IVF begins.
For Him:
Male fertility evaluation begins with a semen analysis, which assesses three key parameters: sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape). This test serves as the foundation of every male fertility assessment and helps identify potential issues affecting conception. If the semen analysis reveals any abnormalities, a hormonal evaluation may be recommended. Tests measuring testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) help determine whether the underlying cause is hormonal, structural, or related to another medical condition, allowing fertility specialists to recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
For Both:
Before beginning an IVF cycle, both partners are typically advised to undergo certain routine tests to ensure a safe and well-planned treatment process. Infectious disease screening, including tests for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and other standard infections, is a mandatory part of pre-IVF evaluation to protect both the patients and the developing embryo. In some cases, genetic carrier screening may also be recommended, particularly if there is a family history of inherited disorders or if either partner belongs to an ethnic group with a higher risk of specific genetic conditions. These tests help fertility specialists identify potential risks early and create a personalized treatment plan for the best possible outcome.
Why the Sequence Matters?
Getting the full picture before stimulation starts means fewer surprises mid-cycle, a blocked tube, an unexpectedly low AMH, or an abnormal semen analysis is far easier to plan around before day one than to discover halfway through.
Every IVF plan at Yellow Fertility starts with this full evaluation, not a shortcut version of it because the plan we build for you should be based on your actual reports, not assumptions. Our ISO-certified labs run this entire panel under one roof, so you're not chasing results across multiple clinics before your first consultation is even complete.
Before your first IVF cycle, get the full picture, not just a partial one. Book a fertility evaluation with our specialists and walk into your first cycle already informed.