Sri Samanvi Hospital & Fertility Centre
Gandhipuram, Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh – 533103

Meet Our Fertility Specialists

Dr. Sowjanya M.
M.S. (OBGY), Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine, FMAS

Dr. B.M. Rayudu
M.D. (Radiodiagnosis)

Male and Female Fertility Evaluation

Starting a family is an important journey, but sometimes pregnancy may not happen despite regular attempts. In such situations, a fertility evaluation can help identify possible factors affecting conception.

Fertility problems can involve the female partner, male partner, both partners, or sometimes no clear cause may be identified. Therefore, evaluating both partners is an important part of a comprehensive fertility assessment. ASRM

At Sri Samanvi Hospital & Fertility Centre, Rajamahendravaram, fertility evaluation is planned according to the couple’s medical history, age, reproductive history and individual needs.

What Is a Fertility Evaluation?

A fertility evaluation is a systematic assessment performed to understand factors that may be affecting natural conception.

It may include:

Medical and reproductive history
Physical examination when required
Blood and hormone tests
Semen analysis
Ultrasound examination
Ovulation assessment
Ovarian reserve assessment
Uterus evaluation
Fallopian tube evaluation
Additional tests when clinically indicated

Not every person needs every test. The evaluation is usually customized according to the individual’s history and symptoms. ASRM

Why Should Both Partners Be Evaluated?

Fertility is a shared reproductive process. Problems affecting sperm production, sperm movement, ovulation, the reproductive organs, hormones or other factors can contribute to difficulty conceiving.

For this reason, when a couple is seeking fertility care, evaluation of both partners may be started together rather than focusing only on the woman. ASRM

This approach can help the fertility specialist understand the complete picture before suggesting treatment.

Female Fertility Evaluation

Female fertility evaluation generally focuses on ovulation, ovarian reserve, uterus and fallopian tubes, along with other medical factors that may affect conception.

1. Menstrual and Medical History

The fertility specialist may ask about:

Menstrual cycle length and regularity
Painful periods
Abnormal bleeding
Previous pregnancies
Previous miscarriages
Previous pelvic surgeries
Endometriosis
PCOS
Thyroid problems
Previous fertility treatments
Medications
Family and reproductive history

This information can provide important clues about possible fertility-related conditions.

2. Ovulation Assessment

Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovary.

If periods are irregular or there are symptoms suggesting an ovulation problem, additional assessment may be recommended.

Depending on the situation, evaluation may include:

Menstrual cycle tracking
Ovulation prediction tests
Hormonal blood tests
Ultrasound monitoring
Progesterone testing when appropriate

Women with regular menstrual cycles may not require extensive ovulation testing unless there are other clinical indications. ASRM

3. Ovarian Reserve Testing

Ovarian reserve refers primarily to the remaining number of eggs in the ovaries.

Tests that may be used include:

AMH Test

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a blood test that can help estimate ovarian reserve and may assist in planning fertility treatment.

Antral Follicle Count

An ultrasound can be used to count small follicles in the ovaries.

FSH and Estradiol

These hormone tests may be assessed during the early part of the menstrual cycle when clinically appropriate.

Importantly, ovarian reserve tests are not a standalone test of whether a woman can become pregnant naturally. They are interpreted along with age, medical history and other fertility findings. ASRM

4. Ultrasound Examination

A fertility ultrasound can help assess:

Uterus
Endometrial lining
Ovaries
Antral follicles
Fibroids
Ovarian cysts
Other pelvic findings

Ultrasound may also be used during fertility treatment to monitor follicular development.

5. Fallopian Tube Evaluation

Open and functioning fallopian tubes are important for natural conception because they provide the pathway where sperm and egg can meet.

Depending on the clinical situation, the doctor may recommend tests such as:

HSG – Hysterosalpingography

HSG is an imaging test used to evaluate the uterine cavity and determine whether the fallopian tubes are open.

Sonohysterography / Related Ultrasound-Based Testing

Certain ultrasound-based procedures can also help evaluate the uterus and, in appropriate settings, tubal patency.

The choice of test depends on medical history and the fertility specialist’s assessment. ASRM

Male Fertility Evaluation

Male fertility evaluation is an important part of infertility assessment.

The evaluation may focus on:

Sperm count
Sperm movement
Sperm shape
Sperm production
Hormonal factors
Testicular health
Previous infections or surgeries
Lifestyle and medical history

1. Semen Analysis

Semen analysis is one of the primary tests used to evaluate male fertility.

It can assess:

Sperm concentration – how many sperm are present
Sperm motility – how well sperm move
Sperm morphology – sperm shape and structure
Semen volume and other semen characteristics

Abnormal semen parameters do not automatically mean that pregnancy is impossible. Results need to be interpreted by a fertility specialist in the context of the complete clinical picture. ACOG

2. Male Hormone Evaluation

When clinically indicated, blood tests may be performed to evaluate reproductive hormones.

These may help assess conditions affecting:

Sperm production
Testosterone levels
Hormonal regulation
Sexual function

Not every man requires extensive hormone testing. It is generally based on symptoms and the initial fertility assessment.

3. Physical Examination

A physical examination may help identify conditions affecting male reproductive health.

Depending on the findings, the doctor may evaluate:

Testicular size and condition
Previous surgical history
Signs of hormonal problems
Other reproductive concerns

4. Scrotal Ultrasound

In selected cases, a scrotal ultrasound may be recommended to investigate structural problems involving the testicles or surrounding structures. ACOG

Common Factors That May Affect Fertility

Fertility can be influenced by several factors.

Female Factors

Ovulation disorders
PCOS
Endometriosis
Fibroids
Reduced ovarian reserve
Fallopian tube blockage
Uterine abnormalities
Hormonal conditions
Increasing age

Male Factors

Low sperm count
Reduced sperm motility
Abnormal sperm morphology
Problems with sperm production
Hormonal problems
Testicular conditions
Previous infections or surgeries

Other Factors

Age
Certain medical conditions
Lifestyle factors
Previous reproductive history
Genetic factors

Sometimes, even after evaluation, no single clear cause is identified. This is commonly referred to as unexplained infertility. ACOG

When Should You Consider a Fertility Evaluation?

A fertility evaluation is generally considered when pregnancy has not occurred after:

12 months of regular unprotected intercourse when the woman is under 35.

6 months when the woman is 35 or older.

For women over 40, earlier evaluation may be appropriate. Evaluation may also be recommended sooner when there are known fertility-related conditions or risk factors, such as irregular periods, suspected endometriosis, previous reproductive surgery or suspected male-factor infertility. ASRM

Is Fertility Testing Painful?

The experience depends on the test.

Blood tests generally involve a routine blood sample.
Semen analysis requires a semen sample.
Ultrasound is generally a straightforward imaging procedure.
HSG may cause temporary discomfort or cramping in some women.
More invasive procedures are recommended only when clinically appropriate.

Your fertility specialist can explain the purpose, preparation and expected experience of each test before it is performed.

How Long Does a Fertility Evaluation Take?

The duration depends on which tests are required.

Some tests can be completed during the initial visit, while others may need to be performed at specific stages of the menstrual cycle.

In many cases, a fertility evaluation can be completed over a few menstrual cycles, depending on the individual circumstances and tests required. ACOG

What Happens After the Evaluation?

Once the test results are available, the fertility specialist reviews them together rather than considering one result in isolation.

Depending on the findings, treatment options may include:

Lifestyle and timing guidance
Ovulation induction
IUI
IVF
ICSI
Treatment for specific reproductive conditions
Surgical treatment when appropriate
Fertility preservation options
Further evaluation when required

The recommended approach depends on the couple’s age, diagnosis, fertility history, test results and individual goals.

Male vs Female Fertility Evaluation

Female Fertility Evaluation	Male Fertility Evaluation
Menstrual history	Medical history
Ovulation assessment	Semen analysis
AMH / ovarian reserve assessment	Sperm count
Antral follicle count	Sperm motility
Hormonal tests when required	Sperm morphology
Pelvic ultrasound	Hormonal tests when indicated
Uterus evaluation	Physical examination
Fallopian tube assessment	Scrotal ultrasound when required

Why Early Evaluation Can Be Helpful

A fertility evaluation is not simply about finding a problem. It helps the fertility specialist understand the reproductive health of both partners and choose an appropriate next step.

Early assessment can be particularly important when there are known risk factors or when age may affect reproductive potential. ASRM

Fertility Evaluation at Sri Samanvi Hospital & Fertility Centre

At Sri Samanvi Hospital & Fertility Centre, Rajamahendravaram, fertility evaluation is approached as an individualized process.

Our fertility care focuses on understanding both partners before recommending a treatment pathway.

Our Fertility Specialists

Dr. Sowjanya M.
M.S. (OBGY), Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine, FMAS

Dr. B.M. Rayudu
M.D. (Radiodiagnosis)

The evaluation and recommended investigations may vary according to the patient’s age, symptoms, medical history and fertility goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should both husband and wife undergo fertility testing?

Yes. When a couple is experiencing difficulty conceiving, evaluating both partners can help identify male, female or combined factors.

2. Is semen analysis necessary for every male fertility evaluation?

Semen analysis is a key initial test in male fertility assessment. Additional testing depends on the history and initial results.

3. Does a normal AMH mean that pregnancy is guaranteed?

No. AMH primarily provides information about ovarian reserve. Fertility depends on several factors, including age, ovulation, tubal health, sperm factors and other reproductive conditions.

4. Can infertility be caused by both partners?

Yes. Fertility factors can involve the male partner, female partner or both.

5. What if all fertility tests are normal?

Sometimes no specific cause is identified. This may be referred to as unexplained infertility. Treatment options can still be discussed based on the couple’s individual situation.

6. Can fertility problems be treated?

Many fertility-related conditions can be treated or managed. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause and individual circumstances.

7. When should we meet a fertility specialist?

If pregnancy has not occurred after 12 months of trying when the woman is under 35, or after 6 months when she is 35 or older, an evaluation is generally recommended. Earlier assessment may be appropriate in certain situations.

Take the First Step Toward Understanding Your Fertility

If you have been trying to conceive or have concerns about your reproductive health, a fertility evaluation can help you understand the possible factors involved.