Fertility blood test guide

There are a huge range of at-home fertility tests to support couples in their fertility journey - from investigating fertility problems to monitoring pregnancy progress, and much more. But with so many options, how do you know which is best? This fertility blood test guide is for you.

We’ll cover:

• What are fertility blood tests?
• Who might benefit from fertility blood testing?
• Fertility blood tests for women
• Fertility blood tests for men
• When is the best time to take your fertility test?
• Understanding your results

How does a fertility blood test work?
 

Fertility blood tests measure hormones that play a role in reproduction. These hormones help to regulate everything from ovulation and your menstrual cycle to egg development and sperm production.

You may already use cycle-tracking apps or ovulation kits. Blood testing is another tool that offers an objective view than symptom tracking alone. Fertility blood tests provide clear hormone levels that can be compared against clinical reference ranges. This makes it easier to understand whether your hormones are working within expected limits.

Who might benefit from fertility testing?
 

Fertility blood testing is useful for people struggling to conceive, but it’s also helpful for other reasons.

You may consider fertility blood tests if you are:

• Planning a pregnancy and want baseline hormone information
• Trying to conceive and would like reassurance or clarity
• Experiencing irregular, absent, or unpredictable periods
• Preparing for fertility treatment or IVF
• Exploring possible hormonal conditions such as PCOS or thyroid imbalance
• Including male hormone health in fertility planning

Testing earlier can help answer questions sooner and may reduce uncertainty later.

Fertility blood tests for women
 

Female fertility blood tests focus on hormones involved in ovulation, ovarian reserve, and cycle regulation. Different tests are designed to answer different questions.

Best blood test for future planning

If you are thinking about future fertility rather than immediate conception, an Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test is can be a helpful place to start. Tests like our Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Blood Test reflects ovarian reserve and can be taken at any point in the menstrual cycle.

Many people choose this test when planning ahead, considering egg freezing, or simply wanting insight into their reproductive timeline.

You might also want to try a test such as our Day 3 Fertility Blood Test, which measure oestradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinising hormone (LH). These hormones are usually a good starting point to get as a baseline to ensure hormones are balanced and alongside AMH that can give a picture about ovarian reserve.

Best for irregular or absent periods

Irregular, missed, or unpredictable periods, are often associated with a condition called polyendocrine metabolic syndrome (PMOS, formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS). If this is something you’re experiencing, you might want to try a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Blood Test blood test.

Our Advanced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Blood Test looks at all of the markers in the PCOS test plus your thyroid function, AMH and prolactin, both of which can affect cycle regularity. This broader approach can help identify hormonal patterns that may not be visible through ovulation-focused testing alone.

Best for understanding ovulation and cycle balance

If your main goal is to understand whether ovulation is occurring as expected, an Ovulation Progesterone Blood Test gives an indication as to whether you’ve ovulated. This test should be taken on day 21 of your menstrual cycle.

It's often used as a first step when trying to conceive or when cycles feel unpredictable.

Best for a comprehensive fertility check

Want the whole fertility picture, not just a few puzzle pieces? This Female Fertility IQ Blood Test is your deep dive into everything fertility. Get insights into fertility hormones, thyroid health, and the vitamins and minerals that support hormone balance, ovulation, and egg quality. Having all this information side by side can feel reassuring and helps take some of the mystery out of what your body is doing behind the scenes.

Fertility blood tests for men
 

Male fertility plays an important role in conception, and hormone health is a key part of that picture. Male fertility blood tests focus on hormones involved in sperm production and overall reproductive function.

Best for quick testosterone checks

If a man’s testosterone levels drop below the normal range, it can impact fertility, causing decreased sperm production, reduced sex drive, and erectile dysfunction.

Our Testosterone Blood Test is a simple, at-home, finger-prick blood test measures your testosterone levels. Our doctors' comments will give you information on what the next steps are if your levels are low. 

Best for erectile dysfunction concerns

Have difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection? Or suffer from low libido (sex drive) and think your hormones could be to blame? Our Erectile Dysfunction Blood Test is a discreet finger-prick blood test that examines the leading physical causes of erectile dysfunction, including raised cholesterol, diabetes, and low testosterone.

Best for a comprehensive fertility check

There’s more to fertility than just testosterone, and our Male Fertility IQ Blood Test goes beyond the basics to give you the bigger picture. Check your key reproductive hormones, thyroid function, and essential vitamins and minerals that run your hormone balance and sexual health. If you’ve had symptoms such as low libido or changes in energy, this test could give you answers.

When is the best time to take your fertility test?
 

Timing matters for some fertility hormones but not all.

Hormones such as FSH, LH, and oestradiol are usually measured on day 3 of the menstrual cycle. Day 1 is counted as the first day of full menstrual bleeding.

Other markers, including AMH and thyroid hormones, can generally be tested at any time in the cycle.

Morning testing is often recommended for certain hormones, and some tests may require fasting. Clear instructions are always provided with your test kit.

Hormonal contraception, fertility medication, or hormone replacement therapy can affect results, so this should be considered when planning your test.

Understanding your results
 

All fertility blood tests from Medichecks include a personalised medical report written by a qualified clinician. Results are explained in clear language and compared against reference ranges.

It is important to remember that hormone levels are always interpreted in context. Factors such as age, cycle timing, symptoms, and medical history all play a role.

An unexpected result does not automatically mean there is a fertility problem. It simply highlights an area that may benefit from monitoring, lifestyle changes, or discussion with a healthcare professional.

Many people find that having clear information makes next steps feel more manageable and less overwhelming.