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Before IVF begins on the NHS
If you are referred for IVF on the NHS, the clinic will usually carry out a number of tests before treatment starts. These checks help the fertility team understand the possible cause of infertility and plan the safest and most suitable treatment.
The exact tests can vary depending on your local NHS trust, your age, medical history, and whether any fertility investigations have already been done. Some tests may already have been completed by your GP or another specialist before your IVF appointment.
Tests for the woman or person having IVF
Common blood tests include hormone checks such as AMH, FSH, LH, and oestradiol. These help assess ovarian reserve and how the ovaries may respond to fertility medicines.
You may also have blood tests for thyroid function, prolactin, and general health markers. In some cases, tests for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are also needed before treatment.
An ultrasound scan is often done to look at the ovaries and womb. This can help identify cysts, fibroids, polyps, or other issues that might affect treatment.
Some women may also need a test to check whether the fallopian tubes are blocked, although this is not always required if IVF is already planned. If there have been concerns about the womb lining, further investigation such as a hysteroscopy may be arranged.
Tests for the male partner or sperm provider
A semen analysis is one of the main tests for the male partner or sperm provider. It checks the number, movement, and shape of sperm, which helps the clinic decide whether standard IVF or ICSI may be more appropriate.
Blood tests for infectious diseases are usually required as well. These are important for treatment safety and for storage or handling of samples if needed.
If sperm quality is very low, or if there is a history of illness or surgery, the clinic may suggest extra tests. These can include hormone blood tests or a review with a fertility specialist or urologist.
Tests for both partners
Both partners may be asked to have blood group and rhesus factor testing. The clinic may also review your full medical history, medications, previous pregnancies, and any inherited conditions in the family.
Some NHS clinics offer genetic screening or carrier testing in specific situations, but this is not routine for everyone. The team will tell you if this is recommended based on your background or previous test results.
Why these tests matter
These investigations help confirm that IVF is the right treatment and reduce the risk of complications. They also allow the clinic to tailor medication doses and decide whether any extra treatment is needed first.
It is normal for the testing stage to take some time before IVF starts. Once the results are reviewed, your NHS fertility team can explain the next steps and the likely treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before IVF begins on the NHS in the UK, clinics commonly include fertility blood tests, ovarian reserve testing, semen analysis, screening for infections, and a review of general health. The exact set of tests varies by local NHS policy and the reason for fertility treatment.
Eligibility for IVF on the NHS in the UK depends on local Integrated Care Board criteria, age, BMI, smoking status, length of infertility, previous children, and whether certain fertility investigations have already been completed. Your GP or fertility clinic can confirm the local rules.
Common blood tests before IVF on the NHS in the UK include hormone tests such as FSH, LH, estradiol, AMH, thyroid function, prolactin, and sometimes blood group, full blood count, and infection screening. The exact tests depend on your history and clinic protocol.
Hormone tests before IVF on the NHS in the UK often include AMH to assess ovarian reserve, FSH and LH to look at ovarian function, estradiol, thyroid hormones, and prolactin. These tests help guide treatment planning and identify conditions that may affect fertility.
Semen analysis is usually included before IVF on the NHS in the UK. It checks sperm count, movement, shape, and volume, and sometimes includes additional tests if the first result is abnormal or if there is a known male fertility issue.
Infection screening before IVF on the NHS in the UK commonly includes tests for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and sometimes chlamydia, rubella immunity, and varicella immunity. This helps protect you, the baby, and clinic staff during treatment.
Ovarian reserve tests are included to estimate how many eggs may be available and how the ovaries are likely to respond to stimulation. On the NHS in the UK, this usually helps the clinic choose the safest and most effective treatment approach.
Yes, many NHS IVF pathways in the UK include a transvaginal ultrasound scan before treatment. The scan may assess the uterus, ovaries, antral follicle count, fibroids, cysts, and other factors that could affect treatment planning.
Yes, a detailed fertility history review is a standard part of the assessment before IVF on the NHS in the UK. It usually covers previous pregnancies, menstrual history, surgeries, infections, lifestyle factors, and how long you have been trying to conceive.
Genetic tests are not automatically included for everyone before IVF on the NHS in the UK. They may be offered if there is a family history of genetic disease, recurrent miscarriage, repeated IVF failure, or another specific clinical reason.
Thyroid function tests are commonly included before IVF on the NHS in the UK because thyroid problems can affect ovulation, implantation, and pregnancy outcomes. If needed, thyroid treatment may be started or adjusted before IVF.
There is no single endometriosis test for every IVF patient on the NHS in the UK, but if symptoms suggest endometriosis, the clinic may arrange ultrasound, blood tests, or specialist review. Additional investigations depend on your symptoms and medical history.
The tests before IVF on the NHS in the UK can often be completed over a few weeks, depending on appointment availability and the need for repeat tests. Some results are quick, while others may take longer if specialist labs or scans are needed.
Usually both partners need assessment before IVF on the NHS in the UK. The person providing eggs may need hormone blood tests and scans, while the sperm-producing partner usually needs semen analysis and infection screening, along with general health checks for both.
Many NHS IVF services in the UK include BMI checks and smoking status as part of eligibility and safety assessment. These are not medical tests in the lab sense, but they are often required before treatment can begin.
If an abnormal result is found, the clinic may repeat the test, offer treatment for an underlying condition, delay IVF, or refer you to a specialist. The goal is to make treatment safer and improve the chance of success.
Yes, some NHS IVF pathways in the UK include tests for pelvic or sexually transmitted infections, especially chlamydia, because untreated infection can affect fertility and IVF safety. The exact screening package varies by clinic and local policy.
Some of the fertility tests before IVF on the NHS in the UK can be arranged by your GP surgery, while others are done at the fertility clinic. Blood tests may be carried out in primary care, but scans and specialist reviews are often done in clinic.
If the tests are part of an NHS-funded fertility pathway in the UK, you usually do not pay for them directly. However, if you are not eligible for NHS funding or need tests outside the NHS pathway, private costs may apply.
Before attending tests for IVF on the NHS in the UK, follow any instructions from the clinic, bring a list of medicines, and ask whether any blood tests require fasting or timing with your menstrual cycle. You should also be prepared to discuss your medical history and lifestyle factors.
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