The short explanation
A fertility work-up usually starts with a detailed history and examination. Common first tests for the woman are blood tests to check ovulation and hormones, often including thyroid function and prolactin, a test of ovarian reserve such as AMH, and a pelvic ultrasound to look at the womb and ovaries. The husband usually has a semen analysis at the same stage. If these are normal or point to a specific question, the next step is often checking whether the tubes are open, with an HSG, a saline ultrasound or sometimes laparoscopy.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- Some tests are timed to the cycle, for example hormone tests early in the cycle or a test in the second half to check ovulation. Ask the clinic which day to come.
- Other tests may include rubella immunity, blood group, haemoglobin, blood sugar and screening for infections.
- Which tests you need depends on your age, how long you have been trying and your symptoms. Not every test is needed for everyone.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This answer cannot tell which tests you need or what your results mean. Your doctor will plan and explain them.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- Which tests do I need first, and on which days of my cycle?
- Will my husband's semen test be done at the same time?
- When would a tube test be needed?
- What will each result change in our plan?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Book an appointment soon
- See a doctor within a few days if you develop fever or pelvic pain after a tube test.
Raise it at a routine appointment
- Book a routine visit to plan the tests, ideally with your husband.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
- Infertility NHS
- Infertility MedlinePlus (NIH)
- Infertility World Health Organization
Who wrote and reviewed this
Every AskHer answer names its author. A clinically reviewed answer also names the clinician who signed it off — if no clinician is named below, it has not been clinically reviewed.
- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
- Written with AI assistance — not yet reviewed by a person
- Last reviewed
- Not yet reviewed by a person
- Version
- 1
Correction history
Substantive changes are listed, not quietly edited away.
No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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