Fertility Tests

For men and women alike, age, medical conditions, weight and environmental factors can all be barriers to falling pregnant, but you can trust our experienced staff to give you answers if you feel conception is taking too long.

They can carry out a range of tests and the results form the basis of your treatment plan, which focuses on giving you the best chance of falling pregnant.

At First Step Fertility, pathology (blood) tests are bulk-billed where possible.

The Initial Work-Up

Preliminary tests for couples seeking fertility advice may include:

Women

Blood tests to identify ovulation issues. These checks look at your levels of oestrogen, Luteinising Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which are all crucial elements of menstruation and, ultimately, your chances of falling pregnant.
A blood test to measure Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) levels, which reflect the number of small follicles in a woman’s ovaries. These follicles enable reproduction by ensuring monthly ovulation (release of eggs). Low levels of AMH in the blood, in conjunction with a number of other tests, indicate poor ovarian reserve and in many cases are therefore useful as a marker of fertility.
Pelvic ultrasound or X-ray to check your fallopian tubes and uterus. This can also check for blockages and ovarian cysts, and find out whether there are any physical changes, such as fibroids or polyps, that may affect your menstrual cycle.

Men

Semen analysis: This tests for the volume of semen; sperm concentration (number); sperm motility (the ability to swim); sperm morphology (shape); white blood cells and sperm antibodies.
Ultrasound: This is useful for diagnosing testicular cancer, prostate issues and other structural abnormalities.
Genetic and hormonal tests: We look at levels of such hormones as PRL (prolactin) testosterone.
Testicular biopsy: An important way of investigating a lack of sperm (known as azoospermia), this is where we inspect the sperm-making tissue.

After a diagnosis, we’ll advise you and your partner of the best treatment path forward.

To get the ball rolling, all you need is a referral from your GP to see a First Step Fertility specialist. A current referral is required to claim the cost of specialist treatment back through Medicare.

At First Step Fertility, we ease the financial burden of IVF through bulk billing for the majority of our services.

For more information about fertility tests, please call 1800 111 373 or email info@firststepfertility.com.au