Treatment
Fertility Assessment
Clinical work-up to investigate difficulty conceiving — history, examination and targeted tests for one or both partners.
Guide
What happens during a fertility assessment?
Typical building blocks of fertility assessment pathways — without implying every clinic follows the same process.
This guide is for general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified health professional.
Quick facts
- Type
- Guide
- Kind
- Explainer
- Audience
- general_public
- Reading time
- 6 min
Question
What happens during a fertility assessment?
Short answer
Assessments usually combine history, examination and selected tests such as ovulation-related blood tests, semen analysis, and sometimes ultrasound or tubal assessment. Exact steps depend on who is being assessed and clinical findings. Assessment explores possible factors — it does not by itself guarantee a diagnosis, pregnancy, or that IVF will be recommended.
Overview
A fertility assessment is a clinical work-up to explore possible contributors to difficulty conceiving. Pathways vary by sex, history, age and local protocols. Clinics differ in which tests they bundle, how quickly they move toward assisted conception discussions, and how they coordinate with NHS referral criteria.
This guide outlines common steps. It is not a clinic protocol. See MHI’s Fertility Assessment and IVF treatment pages and the Infertility condition page for related entity context.
Key takeaways
- Pathways vary — ask what your clinic includes before booking.
- History plus targeted tests usually matter more than a single branded package name.
- Assessment explores factors; it does not guarantee a cause or a treatment plan.
- IVF is a separate decision from initial assessment.
Typical first steps
Clinicians usually start with medical, surgical, menstrual, pregnancy and sexual history, medications and lifestyle factors. Both partners may be assessed when relevant. Timing of blood tests can depend on the menstrual cycle. Do not assume an online questionnaire alone is a complete assessment.
Common tests (not a universal checklist)
Depending on the situation, tests may include semen analysis, hormone blood tests, pelvic ultrasound, and tests of tubal patency. Infectious disease screening may be required before some treatments. HFEA-licensed clinics follow regulatory expectations for assisted conception pathways; not every “fertility check” product is an HFEA-licensed treatment service.
After the results
Results may suggest expectant management, further investigation, medical or surgical options, or discussion of assisted conception including IVF. NICE guidance informs NHS pathways; private clinics may offer different timelines and packages. Assessment is not the same as starting IVF.
Related treatments
Treatment
IVF
In vitro fertilisation — an assisted conception treatment where eggs are fertilised outside the body and embryos may be transferred to the womb.
Related providers
Provider
The Evewell
The Evewell is a premium London fertility clinic providing IVF, ICSI, egg freezing, fertility testing and gynaecological services.
Provider
CRGH
CRGH is a long-established London fertility clinic with particular strength in reproductive genetics, IVF, ICSI and complex fertility care.
Provider
CARE Fertility
CARE Fertility is one of the UK's largest private fertility networks, providing IVF, ICSI, egg freezing, donor treatment and fertility testing.
Provider
Bourn Hall
Bourn Hall is historically significant as the world's first IVF clinic and remains a major regional fertility provider.
Related conditions
Condition
Infertility
Difficulty conceiving despite regular unprotected sex — educational overview of causes, when to seek help and usual pathways.
FAQs
Do both partners always need testing?
Often both are assessed when clinically relevant, but sequencing depends on history. Ask the clinic what they recommend in your case.
Does assessment mean I will be offered IVF?
No. Many people receive advice, further tests or other options first. IVF is one possible later pathway, not an automatic next step.
Editorial information
- Editorial owner
- MHI Editorial
- Methodology
- How we produce and verify guides
Sources
- NHS — infertility(guideline)
- NICE — fertility problems guideline (CG156)(guideline)
- HFEA — explore fertility treatments(guideline)
Last reviewed
Last reviewed:
Report an issue
Found inaccurate or outdated information? Tell us so editorial can review it.