Fertility Blood Test Birmingham
What are the Fertility blood tests
Fertility blood tests help identify hormonal or underlying medical issues that can affect the ability to conceive. They assess key hormones involved in ovulation, egg reserve, thyroid function, and overall reproductive health. For women, tests often include FSH, LH, oestradiol, progesterone, AMH, prolactin, and thyroid hormones. In men, testing may focus on testosterone and other hormones influencing sperm production. Early testing provides valuable insights, helping tailor treatment plans and improve the chances of successful conception.
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Why getting tested matters
Fertility problems are often silent and may not show obvious symptoms. Testing helps identify correctable causes, such as thyroid disease, high prolactin, PCOS or low progesterone, before significant time is lost. It also provides a baseline that can guide treatment decisions, support timely referral to specialist care and help plan the most effective route to conception, whether naturally or with assisted fertility options. Early testing can save time, reduce stress and improve the chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy.
What tests
Fertility blood tests are used to evaluate hormone balance, ovarian reserve and ovulation in women, and hormone status and sperm function in men. They are often the first step in investigating difficulty conceiving.
In women, the main panel is performed between Day 2 and Day 5 of the menstrual cycle. This typically includes FSH, LH and oestradiol to assess ovarian function, AMH to estimate egg reserve (which can be done on any day of the cycle), prolactin to detect hormone elevations that may suppress ovulation, and TSH to check for thyroid dysfunction that can interfere with fertility.
A mid-luteal progesterone test is usually taken around 7 days before the next expected period (commonly referred to as the Day 21 test in a 28-day cycle). This is used to confirm whether ovulation has taken place. A level above roughly 30 nmol/L suggests that ovulation is likely.
If polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is suspected, additional androgen testing such as testosterone, SHBG and DHEAS may be requested. Other relevant tests can include rubella immunity, vitamin D, glucose or HbA1c, and — in cases of recurrent miscarriage — thrombophilia and autoimmune screening.
In men, blood tests typically include FSH and LH to assess pituitary control of sperm production, testosterone to identify low levels that may affect fertility or libido, prolactin to rule out hormonal imbalance, and TSH to screen for thyroid problems. Although not a blood test, a semen analysis remains essential because it directly evaluates sperm count, motility and morphology.
Why early testing matters
Earlier identification of correctable causes
Conditions like thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance or high prolactin can be treated and may restore fertility without more invasive steps.
✔ Better timing of intervention in age-related decline
Ovarian reserve and egg quality decline with age. Early knowledge allows planning rather than “discovering too late”.
✔ Avoiding wasted months of trying with low chance
If ovulation is not happening or sperm count is low, trying naturally without knowing simply loses time.
✔ Faster access to specialist referral
Investigations often have waiting lists. Starting early shortens the total journey to treatment if needed.
✔ Emotional and financial benefit
Knowing the baseline reduces anxiety, prevents repeated trial-and-error cycles, and informs decisions before spending on IVF or other treatments.
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