Introduction

If you’re not quite ready for children but wondering about your future fertility, you’re not alone. One of the most common conversations I have in my Melbourne fertility clinic is with people in their late 20s and 30s who simply want to “check in” on their reproductive health.

It’s important to be realistic: there is no single, definitive test that proves you are fertile. The only true test of fertility is a successful pregnancy.

Instead, the tests I offer—AMH, antral follicle count, semen analysis and hormonal assays—are helpful snapshots of reproductive health that give us information about egg quantity, sperm function and cycle health. They can’t guarantee future conception, but they do help us plan and make informed choices.

Because fertility depends on two people, investigations are most useful when they consider both egg and sperm factors together. For most people this means a simple set of tests for both partners (or for a single person if they are planning solo parenthood) so I can get a balanced picture and give practical advice about timing, preservation options, or next steps.

💡 Note: This blog is general educational information only and does not constitute personalised medical advice. Please consult with a fertility specialist to discuss your individual situation.

 

Why consider fertility testing if you’re not trying yet?

Fertility testing is often thought of as something you do only when conception isn’t happening — but it can also be a proactive, empowering step. The purpose of early testing is simple: to give you clear, practical information so you can make decisions that fit your life, values and timing.

Testing can help answer questions like:

• Do I have time to delay starting a family without increasing future risk?
• Would egg freezing be a sensible option for me?
• Is there an identifiable health issue now that could affect fertility later for me or a partner?

Two important framing points I share with patients up front: first, there is no single definitive test that proves fertility — the only absolute test is a successful pregnancy. Second, fertility is a couple’s issue in most cases: assessing both egg and sperm together produces the most useful, balanced picture.

💡 Above all: this process is about informed choice. Your reproductive timeline should reflect your priorities — not pressure from others or fear-based decisions. At the same time, there is a biological reality: fertility generally declines with age, so if you are ready to start, it’s wise not to delay unnecessarily.

 

What fertility testing involves

A typical fertility check-up aims to give a balanced snapshot across both partners (or for single people planning solo parenthood). Common components include:

 

1. AMH blood test (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)

AMH provides an estimate of ovarian reserve — essentially an indicator of egg quantity, not egg quality.

• Higher AMH generally suggests more eggs remaining.
• Lower AMH may indicate reduced reserve and might prompt earlier planning.

💡 Remember: AMH is one data point within the full clinical picture, and it indicates egg quantity, not egg quality.  Fertility is dependent on egg and sperm quality.

 

2. Pelvic ultrasound

A transvaginal ultrasound evaluates antral follicle count (AFC), ovarian anatomy and the uterus. It can also detect fibroids, polyps or ovarian cysts that could affect future fertility.

 

3. Semen analysis (sperm test)

Sperm health matters. A semen analysis measures count, motility and morphology — crucial for advising whether natural conception is likely or if assisted reproduction is advisable.

 

4. Other hormone tests

Common blood tests include FSH, LH, oestradiol, progesterone, thyroid function (TSH) and prolactin — these help assess cycle function and endocrine health.  These are commonly done if your cycles are not predictable or regular.

 

5. Medical and family history review

I discuss menstrual patterns, surgeries or infections, medications, and any family history of early menopause or genetic conditions — context that helps interpret the tests.

 

Who should consider early fertility testing?

Testing may be useful for many people but can be particularly informative for those who are:

• Aged 28–38 and unsure about the timing of children
• Considering egg freezing or fertility preservation
• Experiencing irregular cycles, heavy pain or diagnosed conditions (PCOS, endometriosis)
• From families with early menopause or known genetic concerns
• Planning solo parenthood or same-sex parenthood and want to plan practically

 

💡 You don’t need a partner to start — I can arrange testing and counselling for individuals. If you do have a partner and you’re planning your fertility together, it’s usually best to attend as a couple so you both receive the same information and tests at the same time.

 

What test results can (and cannot) tell you

Fertility testing reduces uncertainty — it does not provide guarantees. Typical outcomes and possible next steps include:

 

• Reassuring results: likely no immediate action; follow-up testing in 12–24 months may be recommended if you remain undecided.

 

• Lower ovarian reserve: discussion of earlier family plans, closer monitoring, or fertility preservation (egg freezing).

 

• Abnormal sperm analysis: male-factor assessment, lifestyle measures, or assisted reproduction options.

 

• Treatable findings:g., polyps, fibroids or endometriosis — correcting these can often improve fertility chances.

 

💡 The pragmatic aim is to match your reproductive goals with a realistic timeline and a clear set of options.

 

Lifestyle factors that support fertility

While tests give clinical information, everyday choices matter too. Simple, sustainable steps often help:

 

• Age: plan with biology in mind — consider acting sooner if you’re over 35.
• Smoking: quitting improves outcomes for both partners.
• Weight: maintain a healthy BMI — both low and high BMI can affect ovulation and sperm.
• Alcohol & caffeine: moderation is sensible.
• Exercise & sleep: regular moderate activity and good sleep support hormonal balance.
• Stress: chronic stress can affect cycles — consider counselling, mindfulness or therapy.

 

Lifestyle changes complement medical strategies; they aren’t a substitute for testing when indicated.

 

Practical advice I give to my patients

 

• Your life, your decision. Testing is information to help you choose what suits your life, not to dictate it.
• Don’t have a baby before you’re ready. Parenthood is a major commitment — emotional readiness matters.
• But if you are ready, don’t delay unnecessarily. Fertility declines with age; later attempts are often harder and may require intervention.
• Plan for the age of your last child, not just your first. Thinking about the age you wish to be at your last child (and spacing between children) gives a clearer and more realistic timeline for decisions like testing or preservation.

 

Final thoughts — testing as empowerment

Fertility testing does not predict certainties — it empowers informed decision-making.

When combined with a thoughtful discussion about values, timeline and options, testing helps you choose the right path for your life.

 

📍Dr Alice Huang – Fertility Specialist Melbourne
Book a consultation today and let’s take the first step together.

Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not replace medical advice. Please consult with your treating specialist for individualised guidance.