When it comes to fertility, uncertainty can often be the hardest part.
Many couples spend months, sometimes years, wondering whether something might be affecting their chances of conceiving, without knowing where to begin. A fertility health check offers a clear starting point. It’s not a sign that something is wrong. It’s simply a way to understand where you stand, so that if support is needed, it can be found sooner rather than later.
Whether you are actively trying for a baby or planning ahead, understanding what to expect can make the process feel far less daunting. This guide walks through what a fertility health check involves, what tests are typically included, and what you can expect at each stage of the process.
A fertility health check is relevant for a wide range of people. Some come after months of trying to conceive without success. Others come proactively, wanting to understand their reproductive health before they are ready to start a family. There is no single right reason to seek one out.
Common reasons people book a fertility check include:
• Trying to conceive for 12 months or more without success (or six months if the woman is aged 35 or over)
• Irregular or absent periods
• Conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, or thyroid disorders
• Previous pregnancy loss
• Concerns about sperm health
• A desire to understand fertility before starting a family
The earlier potential issues are identified, the more options are often available.
At Child Fertility, we’ve designed our Fertility Health Check as a one-stop assessment, with many of the key investigations carried out before you meet your fertility specialist. That means your consultation is focused on what matters most: understanding your results and discussing the best next steps for you.
Your visit begins with the investigations that provide the clearest picture of your fertility health. Completing these tests before meeting your specialist means your consultation can focus on interpreting the results rather than arranging investigations.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include hormone blood tests, an ultrasound scan for the female partner and a semen analysis for the male partner. These assessments provide valuable information about ovarian reserve, ovulation, reproductive anatomy and sperm health.
Some blood tests for women need to be performed at specific stages of the menstrual cycle, particularly between days two and five. If this applies, your clinic will advise you on the best timing before your appointment.
During your assessment, the female partner will usually have a combination of blood tests and a pelvic ultrasound. Together, these give a comprehensive picture of ovarian health, hormonal balance, and the condition of the reproductive anatomy.
Blood tests are used to assess the hormones involved in ovulation and reproductive function. These typically include:
A transvaginal ultrasound scan is used to examine the uterus and ovaries. It allows the specialist to assess the antral follicle count (another measure of ovarian reserve), check for signs of conditions such as PCOS, fibroids or ovarian cysts, and evaluate the overall health of the reproductive anatomy. The procedure is straightforward and is performed by a trained specialist.
During the same visit, the male partner will usually provide a semen sample for analysis. . This test evaluates sperm count, motility (the ability of sperm to move), and morphology (the shape and structure of sperm). Together, these measurements provide a reliable indication of whether sperm health may be contributing to difficulties conceiving.
In some cases, additional hormone blood tests measuring testosterone, FSH, LH, and prolactin may also be recommended to identify any underlying hormonal factors.
Once your initial investigations are complete, you’ll meet with your fertility specialist to discuss the results in detail.
Rather than simply reviewing individual test results, your specialist will look at the complete picture, considering both partners’ fertility, your medical history and your family-building goals.
For some couples, the findings are reassuring and no further treatment is needed. For others, an underlying cause may be identified and addressed. Sometimes all the results appear normal despite difficulty conceiving, a situation known as unexplained infertility. Even then, there are evidence-based treatment options available.
Before you leave, you’ll have a clear understanding of your fertility health together with personalised recommendations for your next steps.
Most couples do not require extensive testing beyond their initial fertility assessment. However, if your results indicate that further investigation would be helpful, your specialist may recommend additional tests.
Additional tests can include:
Your specialist will only recommend investigations that are relevant to your individual situation.
Our one-stop Fertility Health Check is designed to make the process as efficient and reassuring as possible.
Wherever possible, key investigations are completed before your consultation so your specialist can explain the results during the same visit. This allows many couples to leave with a much clearer understanding of their fertility health and, where appropriate, a personalised plan for the next stage of their journey.
Some hormone blood tests for women may still need to be arranged at specific points in the menstrual cycle, particularly between days two and five. If so, your team will advise you on the best timing.
A fertility health check is not about preparing for the worst. It is about gaining clarity. Understanding your fertility health, whatever the outcome, puts you in a far stronger position to make informed decisions about your future.
At Child Fertility, our Oxford-trained team, led by renowned fertility specialist Professor Tim Child, provides thorough, compassionate fertility assessments in Saudi Arabia. If you are ready to take that first step, we are here to support you through it.
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