Women’s fertility profile

Why would I take this test?

If you are planning or trying to conceive, the women’s fertility blood test is the recommended start point for any fertility treatment. Most women see a natural decline in fertility from their mid 30s. If you are younger or having frequent, unprotected sex for about a year and failing to conceive, there may be other medical reasons.

This profile covers some of the main areas of fertility diagnosis it includes:

• The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test which helps assess your fertility. AMH is produced by follicles (containing eggs) growing in the ovary. Levels of AMH shows the likely number of eggs present in the ovary. The higher the better.

• Oestradiol is one of the key female hormones. The levels during the onset of puberty and its decline around the menopause help show how well the ovaries are working.

• Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a reproductive hormone; its presence helps the growth of eggs during the menstrual cycle. It also pushes production of some sex hormones.

• This fertility test covers several indicators of sexual health to help give you and your consultant a starting point for any potential fertility treatment.

A fasting sample is needed, please book an appointment early in the morning (9am).

How a test is done?

Our phlebotomist will tie a rubber band to your upper arm to make the veins more visible. They will swab to clean the arm, then a sterile needle attached to a tube is gently inserted into the vein and the blood is drawn into a vial (or vials if more than one test has been requested). Only one needle is used regardless of the number of tests or vials requested. The needle is removed, a plaster applied, and it’s done. You might get a small bruise around the needle mark.

Please wear loose clothing (for easy access to your arm) and let us know a preferred arm.

You can continue to take regular medication but check with your doctor whether any of your medications may affect test results.

It's easier to draw blood when:

• you are hydrated – please drink some water, especially in hot weather and for morning blood draws

• you are warm – please keep warm before the test

Fasting is required

A fasting test means:

• nothing to eat or drink, other than water, for 8 hours before the test, unless advised otherwise by your clinician.

• no alcohol for 24 hours before the test, unless advised otherwise by your clinician.

• you can continue to take regular medication but check with your doctor whether any of your medications may affect test results

Can I have someone with me?

Of course, if that makes you more comfortable, you may have a friend or relative accompany you during a blood test.

When will I get my results?

Results returned in 48 hours

What can this test detect?

• Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)

• Oestradiol

• Follicular stimulating hormone (FSH)

• Luteinizing hormone (LH)

• Prolactin

• Hep B surface antigen

• Hep C antibodies

• HIV 1&2 antibodies, p24 antigen

• Syphilis IgG/IgM

• Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

How do I get my results?

The certified laboratory report is emailed to us, and we can either:

• email directly to you

• email directly to you and/or to your GP. We will need your written consent to share any test results, but we will discuss this with you when you book your appointment

• give it to you in person at the clinic

We highly recommend you consult with your clinician to explain test results. They can also take into account your medical history and advise you on next steps.

Further information:

NHS Infertility
NHS Getting started IVF
NHS Infertility diagnosis