TL;DR: Fertility testing for women typically includes bloodwork to check hormone levels, an ultrasound to assess the ovaries and uterus, and sometimes additional imaging. You don’t need to wait years before asking for help — most OB/GYNs recommend starting a conversation after 12 months of trying (or 6 months if you’re over 35). If you’re in the Coral Springs, Tamarac, or Parkland area, the team at Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology is here to guide you every step of the way. Book an appointment with Lona Sasser OB/GYN on Zocdoc.
A Practical Guide to Fertility Testing for Women — from Bloodwork to Next Steps
There’s a lot of information out there about fertility — and a lot of it can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re in the middle of trying to conceive. One of the most common questions women ask is: “Where do I even start?” The answer, more often than not, is fertility testing. And yes — your OB/GYN can absolutely check your fertility, often right in the office.
Fertility testing isn’t just for women who’ve been struggling for years. It’s also a smart step for anyone who wants to understand their reproductive health, plan for the future, or simply get a clearer picture of where things stand. Think of it as one part of your overall health story — one that your OB/GYN can help you read.
At Lona Sasser Obstetrics and Gynecology, your health is our top priority. We offer an array of gynecological services for patients of all ages in Coral Springs, FL. To make an appointment, you can easily book online or give us a call at (954) 340-1050.
What Is Fertility Testing for Women?
Fertility testing is a series of evaluations that help determine whether your reproductive system is functioning as expected. These tests look at everything from your hormone levels to the health of your uterus and ovaries. The goal isn’t to diagnose a problem right away — it’s to gather information so you and your doctor can make informed decisions together.
These tests are typically ordered by your OB/GYN or a reproductive endocrinologist, and many of them can be done right in your doctor’s office or at a nearby lab. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a thorough evaluation looks at the full picture of reproductive health — not just one factor in isolation.
Common Types of Fertility Tests
Every woman’s fertility evaluation looks a little different depending on her age, health history, and goals. That said, there are a few tests that tend to come up most often.
Hormone Blood Tests
Bloodwork is usually one of the first steps. Your doctor may check:
- FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) — helps assess ovarian reserve and egg quality
- LH (luteinizing hormone) — plays a key role in triggering ovulation
- Estradiol — a form of estrogen that reflects ovarian function
- AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) — one of the most reliable indicators of how many eggs you have remaining
- Prolactin — elevated levels can interfere with ovulation
- Thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4) — thyroid issues are a surprisingly common, and very treatable, cause of fertility challenges
Ovarian Reserve Testing
The term “ovarian reserve” refers to the quantity and quality of your eggs. As women age, both naturally decline — but the rate varies from person to person. AMH levels and an antral follicle count (AFC), done via transvaginal ultrasound, give your doctor a clearer picture of where things stand.
This is especially valuable if you’re not ready to have children yet but want to understand your timeline. Knowing your ovarian reserve early gives you options — and may inform decisions about finding your fertile window down the road.
Pelvic Ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound gives your doctor a detailed look at your uterus and ovaries. It can help identify fibroids, cysts, or polyps, or signs of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis — all of which can affect fertility. It’s quick, generally painless, and provides a lot of useful information.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
An HSG is an X-ray procedure that evaluates whether your fallopian tubes are open and whether the inside of your uterus looks normal. It’s often recommended if you’ve been trying to conceive for a while or if there’s a concern about blockages. It’s done in a radiology setting and takes about 30 minutes.
When Should You Start Fertility Testing?
This is one of the most common questions — and one of the most important.
General guidelines suggest:
- Under 35: Talk to your doctor after 12 months of trying to conceive without success
- 35 or older: Start the conversation after 6 months
- Any age: If you have irregular periods, a known condition like PCOS or endometriosis, a history of miscarriage, or you simply want to understand your fertility health, you don’t need to wait
It’s also perfectly okay to come in proactively — before you’re even trying. Getting a baseline picture of your fertility health in your 20s or early 30s is something more and more women are choosing to do. If that resonates with you, preconception counseling is a great place to start.
What Factors Can Affect Female Fertility?
Fertility is influenced by a range of factors, some within your control and some not. Understanding them can help you make sense of your results and your options.
- Age — egg quantity and quality naturally decline over time, with a more significant shift after 35
- Hormonal imbalances — including thyroid disorders, elevated prolactin, or irregular estrogen and progesterone levels
- PCOS — one of the most common causes of ovulatory dysfunction, but also one of the most manageable
- Endometriosis — tissue that grows outside the uterus can interfere with egg release and implantation
- Uterine issues — fibroids, polyps, or structural abnormalities in the uterine cavity
- Fallopian tube blockages — often caused by prior infections or pelvic inflammatory disease
- Lifestyle factors — smoking, significant weight changes, excessive exercise, and high stress can all play a role
A fertility evaluation can help identify which, if any, of these factors may be at play for you. RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association is also a helpful resource if you’re looking to learn more or connect with support.
What Happens After You Get Your Results?
Getting your results is just the beginning of the conversation, not the end of it. Depending on what your tests show, your OB/GYN might:
- Reassure you that everything looks normal and offer guidance on optimizing your chances of conceiving naturally
- Recommend lifestyle changes or medication to address a hormonal imbalance
- Refer you to a reproductive endocrinologist for more specialized care if needed
- Discuss treatment options like ovulation induction, IUI, or IVF, depending on the findings
Whatever the outcome, having information puts you in the driver’s seat. And if something does need to be addressed, catching it early almost always means more options.
We’re Here for You at Every Step
At Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology, your health is our top priority. We offer an array of gynecological services for patients of all ages in Coral Springs, FL — from your first fertility questions through every stage of life. Our team — Dr. Lona Sasser, Dr. Mary Squire-De Leon, and Dr. Cherelle Leslie — is committed to supporting you with compassionate, personalized care.
We proudly serve women in Coral Springs, Tamarac, Parkland, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, North Lauderdale, and Boca Raton.
Book your appointment online through Zocdoc or call us at 954-340-1050. We’re ready when you are.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fertility Testing for Women
Does fertility testing hurt?
Most tests are straightforward and well-tolerated. Bloodwork is routine. A pelvic ultrasound is generally painless, similar to a regular exam. An HSG can cause temporary cramping — similar to period cramps — but it’s brief. Your doctor will walk you through what to expect before any procedure.
Can I get fertility testing if I’m not trying to get pregnant right now?
Yes. Many women choose to get tested proactively to understand their fertility window, especially if they’re considering delaying pregnancy. A preconception counseling visit is a great way to start that conversation with your doctor.
How long does it take to get fertility test results?
Bloodwork results typically come back within a few days. Imaging results are often available right away or within 24–48 hours. Your doctor will review everything with you and explain what the numbers mean in context.
Does insurance cover fertility testing?
Coverage varies by plan. Many insurance providers cover diagnostic testing when there is a documented medical reason, such as irregular cycles or a known condition. It’s worth calling your insurance company before your appointment. Our front desk can also help you understand your options.
At what age should I start thinking about fertility testing?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re in your late 20s or early 30s and fertility is something you think about, it’s never too early to ask your OB/GYN to run a baseline panel. If you’re 35 or older and actively trying to conceive, don’t wait — make that appointment now.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko