Fertility Evaluation Before IVF — A Comprehensive Workup
Fertility evaluation is the planning step that determines everything downstream. The same age, the same AMH, the same diagnosis can mean very different cycle plans depending on what the comprehensive workup reveals. Skipping evaluation steps shortens the path to a cycle but lengthens the path to a baby. We invest in evaluation up-front because the alternative — discovering an unaddressed factor mid-cycle or after a failed cycle — is far costlier in both time and emotional load.
Our approach to evaluation
Every couple undergoing fertility evaluation at Balaji Horizon receives a structured workup: ovarian reserve assessment, tubal and uterine cavity evaluation, partner semen analysis, hormonal panel, and where indicated, more focused testing. The workup is sequenced to balance diagnostic completeness against time-to-treatment — we don’t order tests for completeness if they won’t change the plan.
Ovarian reserve assessment
AMH and antral follicle count together provide a far more reliable picture than either alone. Day-3 FSH still has a role in specific contexts. The numbers are interpreted alongside age, prior cycle response, and clinical history — a low AMH at 32 means something different from a low AMH at 42.
Uterine and tubal evaluation
Hysterosalpingography or saline-infusion sonography evaluates tubal patency and uterine cavity. Hysteroscopy is added selectively. Endometrial thickness and pattern are assessed during the natural cycle to confirm receptivity baseline.
Partner evaluation
A complete semen analysis (WHO 2021 criteria) is standard. DNA fragmentation testing is added where indicated by recurrent loss, advanced paternal age, or prior unexplained failure. Male factor evaluation is not an add-on; it is parallel and equal to female evaluation.
Evaluation topics
AMH and Ovarian Reserve — What the Numbers Actually Mean
Explore →
Female Fertility Evaluation — The Comprehensive Workup
Explore →
Guidelines we follow
- ESHRE Guideline on the Investigation and Diagnosis of Infertility
- ASRM Practice Committee — Diagnostic evaluation of the infertile female
- WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination of Human Semen (6th edition, 2021)
Dr Patel leads fertility care at Balaji Horizon, integrating reproductive surgery and IVF into a single plan — ethical, evidence-based and individualised, with realistic expectations and no overpromising of success.
The pre-IVF workup
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| AMH + antral follicle count | Ovarian reserve |
| Pelvic ultrasound | Uterus and ovaries |
| Tubal assessment | Where relevant |
| Semen analysis | Male factor |
| Infection screen | Safety |
Frequently asked questions
What tests are done before IVF?
A typical workup includes ovarian reserve markers (AMH and antral follicle count), assessment of the uterus and tubes, a hormone profile, infection screening, and a semen analysis for the partner. The aim is to individualise the protocol, not to order tests for their own sake.
What do AMH and AFC actually tell you?
Together they estimate ovarian reserve — roughly how many eggs are available — which guides the stimulation dose and sets realistic expectations. They do not measure egg quality, which is more closely tied to age.
Does my partner need testing too?
Yes. A semen analysis is essential because male factors contribute to a large share of infertility, and the result can change the plan — for example, whether ICSI is needed.
Individualised IVF and fertility planning with honest, evidence-based counselling — and realistic expectations from the very first consultation.
Where this fits
Evaluation feeds directly into the cycle plan. Findings may direct patients toward special cases or male-factor pathways. For early-stage planning, see cost and planning.
For a specialist IVF consultation, contact Balaji Horizon Women’s Hospital.
WhatsApp the hospital · +91 97234 31544 · Science City Road, Ahmedabad 380060
Dr. Priyadatt Patel
Senior Gynecologist · Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon · IVF and Endometriosis Programme Lead
MS OBGyn · Pregnancy Care · Advanced Gynaecological Ultrasound · Fertility Preservation
ESHRE / ESGE / AAGL / ASRM guideline-aligned practice. 3D Karl Storz precision technique. Fertility-preservation-first philosophy. Evidence-based decisions, honest counselling, long-term outcomes orientation.
Science City Road, Ahmedabad 380060
Mon–Sat 11:00–20:00 · +91 97234 31544
Naranpura, Ahmedabad
Mon–Sat 08:30–10:30 · +91 70460 02566
