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Tests before IVF: mistakes that delay your treatment (and how to avoid them)
At Vida Fertility, we offer a wide range of tests and techniques that allow us to tailor our approach to each individual case. However, before planning any assisted reproduction treatment, we always carry out an initial or basic fertility assessment.
This fertility study begins with a detailed medical interview, where we collect the personal and family medical history of the woman or couple. Based on this assessment, we recommend more specific complementary tests when appropriate.
We spoke to the medical director, Dr Katharina Spies, about the tests required before in vitro fertilisation or IVF with your own eggs and sperm.
What fertility tests should you have before starting IVF?
At Vida Fertility, we follow a clear and comprehensive diagnostic protocol. Below, we explain the basic fertility tests required for both women and men:
Fertility tests before IVF for women:
Transvaginal ultrasound
This allows us to evaluate the anatomy of the uterus and ovaries, as well as count the antral follicles to estimate ovarian reserve.
Transfer test
We insert a very thin, flexible cannula through the cervix to assess its length, hardness and direction. It is a quick and painless procedure that provides us with key information for planning the future embryo transfer.
General analysis
Such as blood count, biochemistry, coagulation and vitamin D and homocysteine analysis.
Hormone analysis
The study of hormones is carried out at the beginning of the menstrual cycle (day 2 to 4) and measures hormones such as FSH, LH, oestradiol and AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone). The latter is key to assessing the quantity and quality of available eggs.
In addition, we analyse thyroid hormones and others (depending on medical history data).
Infectious serology
This includes tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, rubella, cytomegalovirus and toxoplasma. These are essential for safety reasons before any medical treatment.
Karyotype
The karyotype is a genetic test that detects chromosomal abnormalities. It is especially recommended for patients with a history of miscarriages or implantation failure.
Mammogram
Recommended from the age of 40 in women with no personal or family history of risk. If there is a first-degree family history, screening is recommended from the age of 35.
Cytology
A recent cytology (< 2 years) is recommended for proper cervical cancer screening before starting treatment.
Fertility tests before IVF for men:
Complete semen analysis
The semen analysis evaluates the volume, concentration, motility and morphology of the sperm.
Infectious serology
As with women, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and C (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis, to ensure safety in procedures and traceability of samples.
Karyotype
As with the tests for women, the indication for chromosomal testing depends on personal and family history, as well as reproductive history (previous miscarriages, implantation failures, offspring with malformations linked to chromosomal abnormalities, or males with severe semen abnormalities, among others).
Sperm DNA fragmentation(only when necessary)
This is assessed in cases of previous implantation failures or poor embryo quality. It is also recommended for men over the age of 45-50 or who smoke.
Can I have these tests done in my country before coming to Spain?
Yes, many international patients at Vida Fertility do so.
What we will ask you to do at Vida Fertility is to ensure that the tests you have done are up to date, correctly interpreted and validated by our medical team. Therefore, if you are considering undergoing fertility treatment at Vida Fertility, we recommend that you contact us first so that we can:
- Assess your medical history.
- Send you a personalised list of tests based on your case.
- Ensure that the tests you take are useful for your treatment.
What makes Vida Fertility different?
At Vida Fertility, we are not only one of the most modern and advanced clinics in Spain. We also take care of our patients’ emotional experience. This includes:
- Medical consultations with time and personalisation in each case.
- Fertility laboratories equipped with cutting-edge technology.
- Specialists with international training and experience in reproductive medicine.
- A humane, friendly and non-judgmental approach. Many of us have undergone fertility treatment ourselves, so we know what it feels like to be on the other side.
Why choose Vida Fertility for IVF in Spain?
State-of-the-art technologies
Our treatments combine state-of-the-art ART equipment, technology and artificial intelligence with an experienced professional team.
Personalised Patient Care
The same team will be at your side from your first contact through to your pregnancy. Specialising in complex cases, all our protocols are tailored to each patient’s individual needs.
Human-sized Boutique clinic
Vida Fertility is a boutique clinic and many of us have been personally through fertility treatments. We understand and support you 100%.
Communication 100% in English
We place a great deal of importance on good communication, which will be entirely in English, both with the team and for all documentation.
Frequently asked questions about the tests required before IVF
What are the basic tests before IVF?
Dr Katharina Spies answers:
As we mentioned in the article, starting fertility treatment without the necessary tests is not an option. At Vida Fertility, we request basic tests from couples who require one of our treatments.
These tests for women are:
- Medical history and medical interview
- Transvaginal ultrasound to assess the uterus and ovarian reserve
- Blood tests: general, hormonal, thyroid
- Infectious serology
- Karyotype
- Mammogram
- Cytology
Tests for men before IVF:
- Medical history and medical interview
- Sperm analysis
- Sperm DNA fragmentation
- Karyotype
- Infectious serology
Why are these tests requested before IVF?
Dr Katharina Spies replies:
Because they form the clinical basis that allows us to treat you safely, determine the correct indication and provide you with a medical protocol tailored to your needs.
Infectious serology protects all parties and guarantees traceability. Based on the results, I decide whether classic IVF, ICSI, double stimulation or egg donation is best, and if I suspect uterine pathology, I prioritise correcting it before starting stimulation or before embryo transfer, to improve the chances of success.
In addition, AMH data and antral follicle count allow me to personalise doses, techniques and timing. And with transfer tests, I avoid surprises at crucial moments.
For international patients, I coordinate which tests to do at home and which ones here so that they do not expire, and, if necessary, I evaluate karyotyping or carrier screening to make the best decisions (including PGT-A).
What STD tests are performed before IVF?
Dr Katharina Spies replies:
These are the STD tests required by many centres before IVF and are in line with the Spanish healthcare system’s safety frameworks for assisted reproduction.
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Syphilis
- Cytomegalovirus
- Toxoplasma
- Rubella
How far in advance should I have the tests done?
Dr Katharina Spies replies:
Ideally, 4–8 weeks before starting ovarian stimulation. This allows time to review results, complete any missing tests and plan travel arrangements.
What is the best fertility test?
Dr Katharina Spies replies:
There is no single “best” test for everything. It depends on what we want to evaluate.
In women
- For ovarian reserve (key to planning IVF), at Vida Fertility we recommend AMH and antral follicle count (AFC) as the main markers, rather than older tests such as isolated FSH.
In men
- The benchmark test is the semen analysis, which analyses the volume, concentration, motility and morphology of the sperm.
How valid are the tests before IVF?
Dr Katharina Spies replies:
Always check with the medical team.
It depends on the type and policy of each clinic. In general, serology tests are updated every 6–12 months, cytology according to current screening, hormones and semen analysis can be repeated if the last result is not recent or there have been clinical changes.
Can I have the tests done in my country and take the results to Spain?
Dr Katharina Spies replies:
Yes. The important thing is that they are up to date, with clear units and reference ranges. At Vida Fertility, we check the list beforehand so that you do not repeat unnecessary tests.
How many trips will I need to make if I live abroad?
Dr Katharina Spies replies:
It depends on the plan, but we usually minimise travel: many tests are done at home; stimulation can be controlled with shared monitoring; and the trip to Spain is focused on puncture and transfer (or just transfer if you are using vitrified embryos).
If you are planning to undergo IVF in Spain, request an assessment with me. I will review your medical history in detail, send you a precise checklist of the fertility tests you need to undergo, and provide you with a fixed schedule to begin your fertility treatment in Spain, optimising time, travel and costs.
I will prioritise your safety and your chances of success with a truly tailor-made protocol.
Consultation slots are reserved for patients who wish to start treatment at our clinics.
