Fertility testing: what tests should you have before trying to get pregnant

More and more people are asking themselves the same question when they start thinking about starting a family: should we have any tests done before trying to get pregnant?

The answer from reproductive medicine specialists is clear: yes . Knowing certain biomarkers allows for the evaluation of fertility status and the detection of possible hormonal, metabolic, or nutritional imbalances that could influence conception.

But these tests aren't only useful when you're already trying to conceive. Increasingly, professionals recommend evaluating these markers preventively , even years before considering pregnancy. Detecting potential abnormalities early allows for earlier intervention and long-term reproductive health protection.

Fertility is not solely dependent on age. Factors such as hormonal balance, inflammation, metabolism, and nutritional status also directly influence the quality of eggs and sperm.

Therefore, performing a basic fertility analysis in men and women can be a very useful tool both for those seeking pregnancy and for those who wish to preserve their fertility in the future .

Important biomarkers in female fertility

In women, fertility studies usually focus on three main aspects: ovarian reserve , hormonal balance , and the body's metabolic state .

- Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)

One of the best-known markers is anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) , which allows for the estimation of ovarian reserve, that is, the number of follicles available in the ovaries. Although it does not measure egg quality, it provides important information about reproductive potential.

- FSH, LH and estradiol

The hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, such as FSH, LH and estradiol , are also analyzed, which help to understand how the ovary is responding and whether the hormonal cycle is functioning correctly.

- PROGESTERONE

Another key marker is progesterone , a hormone crucial for preparing the endometrium and allowing the embryo to implant.

- PROLACTIN

In addition, prolactin levels are usually assessed, as elevated levels can interfere with ovulation, and thyroid function , which plays an important role in hormonal balance and implantation.

- OTHER RELEVANT MARKERS

Finally, some metabolic markers such as insulin, vitamin D, B vitamins or homocysteine ​​can also provide relevant information, since metabolism and nutritional status directly influence oocyte quality.

Important biomarkers in male fertility

Although fertility is often thought to depend mainly on the woman, the reality is that the male factor is involved in about half of the cases of infertility .

- TESTOSTERONE

In men, hormones such as testosterone, FSH and LH are usually evaluated, which regulate sperm production and testicular function.

- PROLACTIN OR ESTRADIOL

Other markers such as prolactin or estradiol can also be analyzed, which when altered can affect the male hormonal balance.

- THE INFLAMMATORY STATE

Furthermore, the body's inflammatory and nutritional status also influences semen quality. Markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein , vitamin D , ferritin , and zinc can provide relevant information about reproductive health.

- The semen analysis: the key test in men

The most important test to evaluate male fertility is the semen analysis .

This analysis examines various characteristics of semen, such as sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and seminal volume. In some cases, more advanced tests, such as sperm DNA fragmentation analysis, may also be performed.

The role of nutrition in fertility

The quality of eggs and sperm depends largely on cellular health.

Therefore, there is increasing evidence about the role of certain nutrients involved in cellular energy production, hormonal balance, and the control of oxidative stress.

Within an integrative medicine approach, nutrition and certain specific nutrients can play a significant role in reproductive health. The quality of eggs and sperm depends largely on cellular processes such as energy production, hormonal balance, immune system regulation, and oxidative stress management.

Therefore, some nutrients can help support these physiological mechanisms:

Methyl Hi-B Complex

It provides B vitamins in their active form, essential for folate metabolism and homocysteine ​​regulation. Maintaining adequate levels of both folic acid and homocysteine ​​is important for fertility, as elevated levels have been associated with implantation difficulties and impaired egg quality.

Ultra Mega Marine Max

It is a source of high-purity omega-3 fatty acids. These lipids play a role in regulating inflammatory processes and hormonal balance, as well as contributing to the health of cell membranes, which is especially important in reproductive cells such as oocytes and sperm.

Mitocon ®

It is designed to support mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are the cellular structures responsible for producing energy, a process essential for egg maturation, early embryonic cell division, and sperm motility.

Lactoferrin

It is a protein naturally present in the body, especially in fluids such as breast milk. In the context of reproductive health, it has been studied for its role in regulating iron metabolism and for its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it can be a valuable nutrient during pregnancy preparation , helping to optimize the physiological environment before conception. Furthermore, during pregnancy, it contributes to immune balance and iron metabolism, two aspects that are particularly important at this stage. It is also relevant in preparation for breastfeeding , as lactoferrin is one of the bioactive components of breast milk and plays a role in the newborn's immune protection.

Taking care of fertility is also prevention

Fertility doesn't begin when you decide to try for a pregnancy. In fact, it begins much earlier.

The body's hormonal, metabolic, and nutritional status profoundly influences reproductive health. Evaluating these biomarkers allows for the detection of potential imbalances and timely intervention.

Because, ultimately, taking care of fertility is also taking care of the health of the body as a whole .

Tamara Martín, Embryologist