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Essential Fertility Tests Before IVF

An overview of the most important fertility checks needed before starting IVF.

Preparing for IVF: Fertility Tests Explained

At Team Dream IVF Cyprus, we understand how important it is to start your IVF journey feeling informed and confident. Fertility tests are often the first step—giving clinics the information they need to recommend the most suitable treatment approach for you.

Each clinic may have slightly different requirements when it comes to testing, depending on their protocols and how they personalise treatment. To make sure you’re getting the right tests for the clinic you plan to work with, we recommend getting in touch with us first. We’ll point you in the right direction and help you avoid unnecessary or duplicate testing.

After your test results are reviewed, the fertility doctors can guide you on the best next steps and give you a realistic understanding of your chances. This is where things often start to feel clearer, and you’ll be in a better position to decide what’s right for you.

Tests for the female partner

Hormone Tests – Understanding Your Ovarian Health

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

Tested on day 3 of your cycle
Indicates your egg reserve. Lower levels (under 10 mIU/mL) are generally considered a positive sign.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Tested on day 3 of your cycle
Works alongside FSH and is important for ovulation. Abnormal levels may suggest PCOS or hormonal imbalance.

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)

Can be done at any time in your cycle
A key marker of ovarian reserve. Lower levels may mean a lower egg count; higher levels can be linked with PCOS.

Estradiol (Estrogen)

Day 3 of your cycle
Helps assess ovarian function. Ideal levels are between 20–75 pg/mL.

Prolactin

Tested on day 3 of your cycle
High levels can interfere with ovulation and may need treatment.

Progesterone

Usually tested 7 days after ovulation (Day 21 in a 28-day cycle)
Confirms whether ovulation has occurred and if the uterus is ready for implantation.

Testosterone (Total)

Any time in your cycle
Important for follicle development. Too high or low can affect cycle regularity and egg health.

DHEA-S

Any time in your cycle
Supports hormone production and egg quality. Clinics often aim for levels around 180 mcg/dL.

Vitamin D

Any time in your cycle
Plays a role in immune health, hormone function, and implantation. Ideally 40 ng/mL or higher.

Vitamin B12

Any time in your cycle
Optimal levels are above 350 pg/mL. Important for egg health and reducing risk of miscarriage.

Folic Acid

Any time in your cycle
Essential for fetal development and reducing neural tube defects.

Thyroid Health – Small Gland, Big Impact

TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)

Optimal range is 0.5–2.5 mIU/mL. Levels outside this range may need treatment before IVF.

Free T4 & Free T3

These are the active thyroid hormones needed to support fertility and early pregnancy.

Reverse T3

When this is too high in relation to Free T3, it could point to thyroid issues that may impact fertility.

Immune Testing – Spotting Hidden Issues

Thyroid Antibodies (TPO & Thyroglobulin)

May indicate thyroid autoimmunity, which can interfere with pregnancy.

Antiphospholipid Antibodies

High levels may be linked to recurrent miscarriage.

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies)

Can indicate an immune response that might affect implantation.

Tissue Transglutaminase (Celiac Disease Test)

Screens for gluten intolerance, which may contribute to fertility difficulties.

Anti-Ovarian & Anti-Sperm Antibodies

Sometimes helpful in cases of unexplained infertility

Please note: Some clinics may request additional metabolic or general health tests depending on your individual medical history. These will be advised by the doctor based on your circumstances. For an accurate and personalised list of required tests, we recommend contacting us first.

Imaging & Special Examinations
(for women aged 45+)

The following are usually required for patients aged 45 and over:

HSG (Hysterosalpingography)

Evaluates the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.Evaluates the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.

Breast Ultrasound

Screens for abnormalities before pregnancy.

Cardiologist Consultation (including ECG and echocardiogram)

Confirms there are no cardiac contraindications to pregnancy.

Physician (Internal Medicine) Consultation

Confirms there are no general medical contraindications to pregnancy.

TESTS FOR THE MALE PARTNER

Fertility is a shared journey, and male testing plays a key role. A semen analysis is typically the first and most informative test.
It examines the health and quality of the sperm and helps clinics decide if any additional tests are needed.

  • Sperm Count – Normal: Over 15 million sperm per mL
  • Motility – Normal: At least 40% of sperm should be moving
  • Morphology – Normal: At least 4% of sperm should have a normal shape (WHO criteria)
  • Volume – Normal: 1.5–6.0 mL per ejaculate
  • pH – Normal range: 7.2–8.0


If any abnormalities are detected, additional tests such as hormone panels, DNA fragmentation tests, or scrotal ultrasounds may be recommended.

Why Fertility Tests Matter

These tests help clinics make informed decisions about your IVF protocol—tailoring treatment to give you the best possible outcome. From tracking ovulation to identifying hormonal or immune imbalances, this testing phase lays the groundwork for a smoother, more successful journey.

Not sure which tests you need? Reach out to us first. We’ll help you understand what’s required based on the clinic you’re working with—saving you time, money, and stress.

Getting Tested in the UK

If you’re based in the UK, we’ve put together a list of clinics where you can carry out your fertility tests locally. These suggestions are based on availability and patient feedback—but you’re welcome to choose whichever provider works best for you.

Here are some UK-based clinics you can consider for your testing:

London Area

Birmingham

Further North

Scotland

Republic Of Ireland

Other Locations

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