Fertility Tests for Men & Women
Complete Guide: Cost, Results & Next Steps (India)
Fertility testing is the first step to understanding what's happening and choosing the right treatment. This guide tells you which tests to take, what the results mean, what they cost in India, and exactly what to do next.
When Should Couples Get Fertility Tests?
Timing matters — but so does the specific situation. These are the evidence-based triggers for starting a fertility evaluation. Both partners should be tested simultaneously — not sequentially. It saves months.
After 12 months of regular unprotected sex without conception
Earlier if any known risk factor (irregular periods, prior surgery, PCOS)
After 6 months of trying
Time matters more at this age — don't wait the full 12 months
Immediately upon deciding to try
Every month is significant. See a specialist before or as soon as you decide
Start testing immediately
PCOS, endometriosis, prior ectopic, male factor known, irregular periods
💡 Always test the male partner first. A semen analysis is the cheapest, least invasive, and fastest test — and male factor is involved in 40% of cases. Many couples spend months investigating female factors before testing the male partner. This is the most avoidable delay in fertility care.
Fertility Tests for Women — What Each One Tells You
Six key tests form the female fertility evaluation. Together they assess ovarian reserve, hormonal function, thyroid health, and uterine environment.
Women's Tests — Quick Reference Table
| Test | Normal Range | If Abnormal | Timing | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) | 1.0–4.0 ng/mL | If low: see a specialist urgently, consider IVF. If high: assess for PCOS (LH:FSH ratio, ultrasound). | Any day of the cycle | ₹800–₹2,500 |
| FSH — Day 3 (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) | Below 10 mIU/mL (Day 3) | If elevated: confirm with AMH + AFC ultrasound. Avoid Clomid if FSH is already high. | Day 2, 3, or 4 of menstrual cycle | ₹300–₹800 (part of hormonal panel) |
| LH (Luteinising Hormone) | Day 3: 2–15 mIU/mL; Mid-cycle surge: 15–70 mIU/mL | LH:FSH ratio interpretation requires clinical context. PCOS management or ovulation induction may follow. | Day 2–4 for baseline; daily mid-cycle for ovulation tracking | ₹300–₹600 (included in hormonal panel) |
| TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) | 0.5–2.5 mIU/L when trying to conceive (stricter than general range) | If above 2.5: levothyroxine prescribed to normalise levels. Retest in 6–8 weeks. Do not start IVF with uncontrolled TSH. | Any day — does not vary with cycle | ₹300–₹800 |
| Prolactin | Below 25 ng/mL (non-pregnant) | If elevated: repeat test (stress causes transient rises). If persistently high: cabergoline or bromocriptine prescribed. Ovulation often restores quickly. | Morning, fasting, avoid stress and sexual activity day before | ₹300–₹600 (included in hormonal panel) |
| Transvaginal Ultrasound + AFC | AFC 10–20 total follicles; uterine lining 8–13mm at ovulation | AFC + AMH together give the most complete picture of ovarian reserve. Always done before starting IVF. | Day 2–5 of cycle for AFC; mid-cycle for lining assessment | ₹1,000–₹3,000 |
Fertility Tests for Men — What Each One Tells You
Male factor is involved in 40% of infertility cases — yet men are often tested last, or not at all. A complete male evaluation includes semen analysis, DNA fragmentation, and hormones.
Men's Tests — Quick Reference Table
| Test | Normal Values | If Abnormal | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semen Analysis (Basic) | Count: ≥16 million/mL; Total motility: ≥42%; Progressive motility: ≥30%; Morphology: ≥4% normal forms; Volume: 1.5–5 mL | Repeat after 3 months if abnormal (sperm takes 70–90 days to mature). Then: hormone tests, DNA fragmentation, urologist review. | ₹500–₹2,000 |
| DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) | DFI below 15% (good); 15–25% (moderate); above 25% (high — clinically significant) | If DFI is high: antioxidant protocol (CoQ10, zinc, selenium, vitamin C) for 90 days; ICSI for next cycle; urologist to assess varicocele. | ₹3,000–₹6,000 |
| Testosterone + FSH + LH (Male Hormones) | Testosterone: 300–1,000 ng/dL; FSH: 1–8 mIU/mL; LH: 1–8 mIU/mL | If FSH is high with azoospermia: genetic testing (Y-microdeletion, karyotype) before any sperm retrieval attempt. | ₹1,000–₹2,500 |
| Sperm Culture (Bacteriospermia) | No significant growth | Antibiotic course based on sensitivity. Retest after 4 weeks. Often missed in standard evaluation. | ₹1,000–₹2,000 |
Fertility Test Costs in India (2026)
Most basic fertility tests are affordable in India relative to treatment costs. Chains like SRL, Dr. Lal PathLabs, and Thyrocare offer competitive pricing. Fertility clinic-packaged panels are often more convenient than individual tests.
| Test | Cost Range (₹) | For Whom | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMH Test | ₹800–₹2,500 | Women (ovarian reserve) | SRL, Dr Lal PathLabs, Thyrocare, fertility clinics |
| Day 3 Hormonal Panel (FSH, LH, E2, Prolactin) | ₹2,000–₹5,000 | Women | Any diagnostic lab |
| TSH (Thyroid) | ₹300–₹800 | Both (thyroid) | Any diagnostic lab; often cheapest at Thyrocare |
| Transvaginal Ultrasound + AFC | ₹1,000–₹3,000 | Women | Fertility clinic or radiology centre |
| HSG Test (fallopian tubes) | ₹3,000–₹8,000 | Women | Fertility clinic or hospital radiology |
| Semen Analysis (basic) | ₹500–₹2,000 | Men | Any accredited andrology lab or fertility clinic |
| DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) | ₹3,000–₹6,000 | Men | Fertility clinic andrology lab; not all labs offer this |
| Male Hormone Profile (T, FSH, LH) | ₹1,000–₹2,500 | Men | Any diagnostic lab |
| Karyotyping (both partners) | ₹3,000–₹8,000/person | Both | Genetic labs, large hospital pathology |
| Vitamin D | ₹500–₹1,200 | Both | Any diagnostic lab |
| ── Complete Female Fertility Panel ── | ₹5,000–₹12,000 | Women (AMH + D3 hormones + ultrasound + TSH) | Fertility clinic one-stop panel |
| ── Basic Male Fertility Package ── | ₹2,000–₹6,000 | Men (SA + DFI + hormones) | Fertility clinic andrology |
* Cost ranges are indicative and vary by city, lab, and clinic. Metro cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore) tend to be 10–20% higher than Tier 2 cities. Prices current as of April 2026.
Understand Your Results — Enter Your Values
Have your test results in front of you? Select the values that match — we'll give you a high-level interpretation and tell you what to ask your doctor about next.
🔍 Enter Your Test Values → Get an Interpretation
Select your results below. As you fill in values, we'll show you a personalised interpretation and recommended next steps. Not a medical diagnosis — use this to prepare better questions for your specialist.
⚠️ This tool provides general guidance only. Individual results must be interpreted by a qualified doctor in context of your full clinical history.
Common Result Interpretation Scenarios
Diminished ovarian reserve at a young age. Don't wait — see a reproductive endocrinologist within 4 weeks. IVF is likely first-line.
Time-sensitive. Reserve is low and declining further with age. IVF (possibly with PGT-A) should be discussed now. Donor eggs are a parallel conversation.
Confirms poor ovarian reserve from two angles. Stimulation response in IVF will likely be low — protocol must be tailored. High FSH alone is insufficient basis for a prognosis.
Unexplained infertility. Ensure HSG is done (fallopian tubes). Proceed to IUI after 12 months (under 35) or 6 months (over 35) of trying.
Male factor identified. Severity determines path: mild → IUI; moderate → IVF+ICSI; severe/azoospermia → TESA+ICSI or donor sperm.
Fix the thyroid first. Thyroid normalisation can restore ovulation in many women. All other fertility investigations should continue alongside.
Normal basic tests don't guarantee conception. Continue trying with ovulation tracking, do HSG if not done, and reassess at your time threshold (12 months under 35, 6 months over 35).
What to Do After Fertility Testing — Decision Flow
Test results fall into four broad categories — each with a different recommended pathway.
✅ All tests normal + trying <12 months (under 35)
Continue trying naturally with ovulation tracking. Ensure partner's semen analysis is done (often skipped). Review lifestyle factors: weight, smoking, alcohol, stress.
- Use ovulation predictor kit to time intercourse accurately
- Consider HSG if not done — checks fallopian tube patency
- Return in 12 months if still not pregnant
🟡 Mild issues (borderline AMH, mild semen abnormalities, thyroid slightly off)
Address the identified factor before starting treatment. Reassess after 3 months of optimisation.
- Thyroid correction (levothyroxine) → retest TSH in 6 weeks
- Sperm optimisation protocol (antioxidants 90 days) → repeat SA
- IUI as first treatment step — cheaper, minimally invasive, appropriate for mild cases
🔴 Significant issues (low AMH <1.0, high FSH >15, severe semen, blocked tubes)
Consult a reproductive endocrinologist within 2–4 weeks. Do not delay for "lifestyle changes" without clinical guidance.
- IVF is likely first-line — don't spend time on IUI if diagnosis warrants IVF directly
- Both blocked tubes: IVF only (IUI and natural conception not possible)
- Severe male factor: IVF + ICSI; azoospermia → urologist + TESA first
- Low AMH over 37: discuss IVF urgency and donor egg option simultaneously
🔵 Age triggers (regardless of test results)
Age-based thresholds apply independently of test results. Even normal tests at 38+ mean proceeding with urgency.
- Age 35–37: get tested immediately, don't wait 12 months
- Age 38–40: consult a specialist within weeks; IVF is almost always first-line
- Age 40+: see a specialist this month; every cycle matters at this stage
Not sure what to do with your results?
Use our fertility age calculator or compare clinics that specialise in your specific diagnosis.
When to See a Fertility Specialist
These are the specific triggers — by age, time trying, and clinical situation — that indicate it's time to move from a GP to a specialist reproductive endocrinologist.
| Situation | When to Act | Urgency | First Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | After 12 months of trying | Standard | Begin evaluation; both partners tested simultaneously |
| Over 35 | After 6 months of trying | Prompt | Begin evaluation immediately; IVF more likely to be first-line |
| Over 40 | Immediately upon deciding | Urgent | Consult a reproductive endocrinologist now; every month matters |
| Irregular/absent periods | Start testing now | Urgent | Hormonal panel, ultrasound, TSH — strong indication of anovulation or PCOS |
| Known PCOS or endometriosis | Start testing when ready to try | Prompt | Specialist involvement from the outset; these conditions affect treatment selection |
| Partner's semen (never tested) | Test now — at any stage | Prompt | Male factor is involved in 40% of cases; always test both partners |
| Prior pelvic surgery, ectopic, or miscarriage | Before trying again | Urgent | HSG to check tubal patency; saline infusion sonogram for uterus |
| Prior cancer treatment | Before or immediately after treatment | Critical | Fertility preservation consultation; egg/embryo freezing before chemotherapy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which fertility test is most important?
For women: AMH is the single most informative first test — it measures ovarian reserve and can be done any day of the cycle. Day 3 FSH combined with AMH gives a fuller picture. For men: a semen analysis is always the first test. Both partners should be tested simultaneously — male factor is involved in 40% of cases, and waiting to test the male partner "if nothing is found with the female" is the most common preventable delay.
What is a normal AMH level?
A normal AMH for women trying to conceive is 1.0–4.0 ng/mL. Below 1.0 ng/mL indicates diminished ovarian reserve; below 0.5 ng/mL is very low and time-sensitive. Above 4.0 ng/mL may suggest PCOS. AMH declines with age — a 1.0 ng/mL result at age 28 is more concerning than the same result at age 37. Always interpret AMH alongside age and antral follicle count (AFC).
How much do fertility tests cost in India?
AMH test: ₹800–₹2,500. Day 3 hormonal panel (FSH, LH, E2, Prolactin): ₹2,000–₹5,000. TSH: ₹300–₹800. Semen analysis: ₹500–₹2,000. DNA fragmentation: ₹3,000–₹6,000. Transvaginal ultrasound + AFC: ₹1,000–₹3,000. HSG test: ₹3,000–₹8,000. A complete female fertility panel at a private clinic typically costs ₹5,000–₹12,000. Labs like SRL, Dr. Lal PathLabs, and Thyrocare offer competitively priced individual tests.
When should I get fertility tests done?
Under 35: after 12 months of regular unprotected sex without conception. Over 35: after 6 months. Over 40: immediately upon deciding to try. Immediately at any age if you have: irregular periods, PCOS, a history of pelvic surgery, known endometriosis, or if your partner has never been tested. The male partner's semen analysis should always be done at the same time as the female evaluation — not sequentially.
Can fertility tests predict pregnancy chances?
Fertility tests assess specific variables — not overall pregnancy probability. Low AMH predicts poor response to ovarian stimulation, not the impossibility of natural conception. Normal tests don't guarantee easy conception. Abnormal results identify the likely cause and guide treatment. Combined with your age and time trying, your full test results give a specialist the data needed to estimate your realistic probability and recommend the right treatment pathway.