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These are the tests performed before treatment for single mothers
At Vida Fertility, we usually perform certain tests and diagnostic techniques that allow us to tailor the most comprehensive medical protocols to each woman.
Therefore, before proposing any treatment, we always carry out an initial fertility study, which begins with a medical interview where we review your personal and family medical history and, from there, we define the complementary fertility tests that really add value.
We spoke with the medical director, Dr Katharina Spies about which female fertility tests are essential when a woman wants to become a single mother, whether through donor insemination (IAD) or IVF (with a donor).
We’ll give you the key information and tell you how to organise everything if you’re coming from abroad.
- 1. Why are fertility tests important before treatment to become a single mother?
- 2. What fertility tests should you have before treatment to become a single mother?
- 3. Are all tests the same for each treatment?
- 4. Treatment options for single mothers
- 5. Can I have these tests done in my country before coming to Spain?
- 6. What makes Vida Fertility different?
- 7. Why choose Vida Fertility for IVF in Spain?
- 8. Frequently asked questions about the tests required before treatment for single mothers
- 8.1. What tests are required before treatment for single mothers?
- 8.2. Why are these tests requested before treatment for single mothers?
- 8.3. What STD tests are performed before IVF?
- 8.4. How far in advance should I have the tests done?
- 8.5. What is the best fertility test?
- 8.6. How valid are the tests?
- 8.7. Can I have the tests done in my country and bring the results to Spain?
- 8.8. How many trips will I need to make if I live abroad?
- 8.9. Ask for a consultation
- 8.10. Testimonials
- 9. Our fertility treatments
- 10. Where can I find Vida Fertility centres in Spain?
Why are fertility tests important before treatment to become a single mother?
Fertility tests are the basis for making sound medical decisions.
They provide us with accurate information about your general and reproductive health, and with that information we choose the appropriate technique (artificial insemination with a donor, IVF with a sperm or double gamete donation), adjust doses and timings, and prevent unnecessary risks and delays.
‘Starting with a good ovarian reserve is not comparable to starting with a low ovarian reserve; and although in donor treatments the male component is already strictly evaluated, your individual assessment remains key. With this data, we design a tailor-made protocol that optimises your chances of success,’ explains Vida Fertility’s medical director, Dr Katharina Spies.
What fertility tests should you have before treatment to become a single mother?
At Vida Fertility, we follow a clear and comprehensive medical protocol. Below, we explain the tests we perform at our fertility clinics in Spain before treatment to become a single mother.
Blood tests
- Complete blood count (less than 1 year old): red blood cells (haemocytes), haematocrit, haemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets.
- Coagulation (less than 1 year old): prothrombin time, APTT, antithrombin III.
- Biochemistry (less than 1 year old): glucose, iron, total bilirubin, lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides), urea, GOT, GPT, GGT.
- Vitamin D (less than 6 months): frequent deficiency that should be corrected beforehand.
- TSH (less than 6 months) ± antithyroid antibodies: thyroid disorders affect ovulation/implantation.
- Homocysteine (less than 1 year; with 12 hours of fasting).
- AMH – Anti-Müllerian hormone (less than 1 year): estimates ovarian reserve and guides the indication for IAD/IVF and the stimulation dose if applicable.
- Blood group and Rh.
- Serology tests (less than 1 year old): HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis (RPR or treponemal), Toxoplasma, Rubella, CMV. These tests are standard for biosafety and to plan your pregnancy safely.
- Indirect Coombs test: especially if you are Rh negative.
- Karyotype: mandatory/recommended depending on age, background or reproductive history (e.g., recurrent miscarriages, low reserve in young women).
- KIR/HLA-C: in selected cases. Assessed on an individual basis.
* Indicative validity: unless otherwise indicated by your doctor, many clinics update serology tests every 6–12 months; hormone and biochemical tests are repeated depending on progress. (Policy varies by centre; at Vida Fertility we will confirm with you whether or not the tests will be performed).
Gynaecological ultrasounds
Cervical cytology (less than 2 years): it is essential to have up-to-date screening.
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. This is a quick and painless procedure that provides us with key information for planning future embryo transfer.
Mammogram: Recommended from the age of 40 onwards 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 onwards.
Endometrial biopsy and culture: only if endometritis or previous implantation failures are suspected.
Electrocardiogram: For women over 45, the anaesthetic response will be assessed if sedation is required for ovarian puncture.
Are all tests the same for each treatment?
No, the tests to be performed will depend on each case.
There is a common block of safety and evaluation tests (serology, general analysis, hormone analysis and transvaginal ultrasound with follicular count), but the rest of the tests are tailored to the treatment, your age, medical history and background.
- Tests before IAD (insemination with donor): in addition to the common set of tests, we usually confirm tubal patency and ovulation and rule out uterine pathologies such as polyps or synechiae.
- Tests before IVF with own eggs: the priority is to estimate a good ovarian response (AMH + AFC) in order to determine the dose and protocol; we often add a transfer test and, depending on age/history, coagulation and pre-anaesthesia tests.
- Tests before egg donation: ovarian reserve takes a back seat; we focus the study on the uterus/endometrium and, in selected cases, we may assess the KIR/HLA-C test.
- Tests before embryo adoption: focus on endometrial preparation and infectious safety; additional tests only if there are previous losses, implantation failures or risk factors (endometrial biopsy/CD138, thrombophilia, etc.).
- Depending on personal/family history: we may recommend karyotyping or carrier screening; and, depending on age, mammography and ECG.
*Validity: many serological tests need to be updated every 6–12 months; the rest are scheduled according to the treatment calendar.
If you would like to evaluate your specific case, book an appointment with us online. We will review your medical history and any tests you have already had done and send you a fully personalised protocol to help you achieve your dream of becoming a mother.
Treatment options for single mothers
The options for becoming a single mother with the help of assisted reproduction in Spain are:
- Donor insemination (IAD): This is the simplest route when there is good ovarian function and permeable fallopian tubes. It consists of placing the donor’s semen in the uterus at the key moment.
- IVF with donor semen: the eggs are fertilised in the laboratory with donor semen and, after selecting the best embryo, it is transferred to the uterus.
- Double donation: recommended when it is not possible to use the woman’s own eggs; donor eggs and donor sperm are combined.
- Embryo adoption: transfer of embryos donated by other couples who have successfully completed their treatment.
You can read more about the requirements and laws here.
Can I have these tests done in my country before coming to Spain?
Yes, many international patients at Vida Fertility do so.
At Vida Fertility, we will ask you 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 state-of-the-art 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 how it feels 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 treatment for single mothers
What tests are required before treatment for single mothers?
Dr Katharina Spies replies:
As we mentioned in the article, starting fertility treatment without the necessary tests is not an option. At Vida Fertility, we request basic tests for women who wish to become mothers by choice.
In general, these tests* are:
- Medical history and medical interview
- Transvaginal ultrasound scan
- Tests: general, hormonal, thyroid
- Infectious serology tests
- Karyotype
- Mammogram
- Hysterosalpingography
*The validity and number of tests will be assessed after the medical history and medical interview.
Why are these tests requested before treatment for single mothers?
Dr Katharina Spies replies:
Because they form the clinical basis that allows us to treat you safely, define the correct indication and provide you with a medical protocol tailored to your needs.
Infectious serology tests protect all parties and ensure 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 stimulation so as not to lose transfers.
In addition, AMH data and antral follicle count allow me to personalise doses, technique 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.
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
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea
- CMV
- In women: immunity to 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.
What is the best fertility test?
Dr Katharina Spies replies:
There is no single best fertility test. It depends on what we want and what we need to evaluate.
We could say that for ovarian reserve (key to planning IVF), at Vida Fertility we recommend AMH and/or antral follicle count (AFC) as the main markers, as opposed to older tests such as isolated FSH.
How valid are the tests?
Dr Katharina Spies replies:
Always check with the medical team, but 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 bring 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 in the patient’s country of residence, stimulation can be controlled with shared monitoring, and the trip to Spain is focused on puncture and transfer (or transfer only if you are using vitrified embryos).
In Spain, you have a legal and healthcare framework that not only facilitates single motherhood, but also offers you various treatment and support options at every stage.
At Vida Fertility, we are here to make your journey clear and safe from day one.
Thinking about becoming a single mother? Book your appointment and we will explore your options together at Vida Fertility. Our team, led by Dr Katharina Spies, will guide you step by step towards your goal: becoming a mother.
Ask for a consultation
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Where can I find Vida Fertility centres in Spain?
📍 C/ Palermo 15, Hortaleza, 28043 Madrid
📞 Phone number: +34 919 29 83 23
🕒 Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm
📍 Av. Óscar Esplá 1, Bajo, 03008 Alicante
📞 Phone number: +34 919 29 83 23
🕒 Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm
ℹ️ The information published on Vida Fertility is reviewed by our fertility specialists and medical team, following up-to-date scientific criteria and evidence-based medicine. Our team is a member at scientific societies such as SEF, ESHRE and SEGO.
