Fertility Screening in Singapore: What Tests Are Included?
What is fertility screening?
Fertility screening is a personalised assessment of the factors that can influence your ability to conceive. Rather than relying on one result, it brings together information from your medical history, menstrual cycle, reproductive health and relevant tests to provide a more complete picture.
For women, fertility screening generally assesses:
- Whether you are ovulating regularly
- Your ovarian reserve, which relates to the number of eggs remaining
- The health and structure of your uterus and ovaries
- Medical conditions and medications
- Whether your fallopian tubes appear open
- Whether hormonal or gynaecological conditions may be affecting fertility
If you are attending as a couple, your partner may also undergo a semen analysis to assess sperm count, movement and shape.
Not everyone will need every test, and your fertility specialist will recommend the assessments that are relevant to you.
When should you consider fertility screening?
There is no single “right” time to have fertility screening. Some people attend because they are planning ahead, while others want to understand why becoming pregnant is taking longer than expected.
You may consider speaking to a fertility specialist if:
- You want to understand your reproductive health before trying for a baby
- You are considering delaying pregnancy or preserving your fertility
- You are below 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months
- You are 35 or older and have been trying for six months
- You are over 40 and are planning to conceive
- Your periods are irregular, very painful or absent
- You have been diagnosed with endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids or another condition that may affect fertility
- You have previously experienced pelvic infections, pelvic surgery or an ectopic pregnancy
- You have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss
- You or your partner have a medical condition or treatment history that can affect fertility
- Your partner has concerns about sperm health, sexual function or ejaculation
You do not necessarily have to wait for the suggested 6- or 12-month period if you already have a known fertility concern.
What happens before your fertility tests?
Before your tests, you may be asked about your menstrual cycle, medical history, previous pregnancies, existing conditions, medications and reproductive goals. If you are attending as a couple, relevant information about your partner’s health and reproductive history may also be collected.
These details help the clinic understand your circumstances and ensure that the appropriate assessments are arranged.
How long does fertility screening take?
At Majella Women’s Specialist, the tests included in your fertility screening can be completed within one day. As some assessments need to be performed during a particular stage of your menstrual cycle, the clinic will advise you on the appropriate day to attend.
Once your results are available, you will be scheduled for a consultation with Dr Tan Heng Hao. He will explain your findings, discuss what they could mean for your fertility and guide you through any appropriate next steps.
What fertility screening tests are done for women?
Fertility screening for women involves a combination of blood tests, ultrasound scans and other investigations. Each test looks at a different part of reproductive health, so the exact combination will depend on your current condition and fertility goals.
Fertility screening can assess ovarian reserve, ovulation, hormone levels, the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes using different tests.
| Fertility test | What it assesses |
| Anti-Müllerian hormone test | Provides an indication of ovarian reserve, which relates to egg quantity, and may help predict how the ovaries could respond to fertility medication. It does not directly measure egg quality or predict natural pregnancy. |
| Antral follicle count | Counts the small follicles visible in both ovaries. Together with AMH and age, it helps provide a clearer picture of ovarian reserve. |
| Pelvic ultrasound | Examines the uterus, ovaries and surrounding structures. It can identify fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriomas, polyps or features associated with PCOS. |
| Reproductive hormone tests | Measures selected hormones involved in menstruation, follicle development and ovulation. Depending on your menstrual pattern and medical history, these may include FSH, LH, oestradiol, progesterone, prolactin or thyroid-stimulating hormone. |
| Ovulation assessment | Evaluates whether ovulation is occurring regularly and helps estimate when it takes place during the menstrual cycle. |
| Hysterosalpingography (HSG) | Assesses the shape of the uterine cavity and whether the fallopian tubes appear open. It may be recommended when tubal blockage is a concern. |
Some tests can be performed at almost any point in your menstrual cycle, while others need to be timed to a particular stage.
Explore the fertility screening options available at Majella Women’s Specialist here.
What fertility screening tests are done for men?
The four main factors assessed during a semen analysis.
Male fertility screening usually begins with a semen analysis. As fertility concerns can involve either or both partners, assessing sperm health alongside the female partner’s reproductive health can provide a more complete picture.
A semen analysis assesses:
- Sperm concentration — the number of sperm present
- Motility — how well the sperm move
- Morphology — the shape and structure of the sperm
- Semen volume — the amount of fluid produced
Semen results can vary due to factors such as recent illness, medication and lifestyle. If the first result is outside the expected range, your fertility specialist may recommend repeating the test or arranging further evaluation.
Sperm DNA fragmentation (DFI) test
A standard semen analysis looks at sperm count, movement and shape, but it does not assess the genetic integrity of the sperm itself. A sperm DNA fragmentation (DFI) test looks at the level of breaks or damage within the DNA carried inside the sperm head.
Higher levels of DNA fragmentation have been linked to lower natural conception rates and poorer outcomes with fertility treatment, although it is not part of a routine first-line semen analysis for every couple.
Dr Tan Heng Hao may recommend DNA fragmentation testing if:
- Semen analysis results appear normal but conception has not occurred
- There has been recurrent pregnancy loss
- Previous IVF or ICSI cycles have been unsuccessful
- There is advanced paternal age
- Risk factors such as varicocele or smoking are present
Is fertility screening the same as preconception screening?
Fertility screening can provide a clearer picture of different aspects of your reproductive health. Depending on the tests performed, it helps your specialist understand:
- Whether you appear to be ovulating regularly
- Your ovarian reserve
- Whether your uterus and ovaries appear healthy
- Whether your fallopian tubes appear open
- Whether your partner’s sperm count, movement and shape fall within the expected ranges
- Whether there are any factors that could make conception more difficult
It is important to remember that fertility cannot be reduced to a single number or test result. Normal findings cannot guarantee pregnancy, while a result outside the expected range does not necessarily mean that you will be unable to conceive. This is where your fertility specialist can help you understand what the results mean for you and work with you towards your pregnancy goals.
What happens after fertility screening?
Once your results are available, your fertility specialist will explain what they mean in the context of your age, health and reproductive goals.
You may be advised to continue trying naturally, make certain lifestyle changes, undergo further assessment or consider fertility preservation or treatment where appropriate. Not everyone will require treatment; for some, screening simply provides reassurance and greater clarity when planning for the future.
Fertility screening at Majella
Every fertility journey is different. Whether you are planning for the future or have already started trying to conceive, an individualised assessment can help you better understand your reproductive health and available options.
At Majella Women’s Specialist, Dr Tan Heng Hao provides personalised fertility assessments for individuals and couples. Based on your age, medical history and reproductive plans, he will recommend the relevant tests, explain your results and discuss the options that are most appropriate for you.
Schedule a consultation with Majella Women’s Specialist to better understand your reproductive health and plan your next step with personalised guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fertility screening tell me if I can become pregnant?
Fertility screening can assess several factors involved in conception, but it cannot guarantee whether pregnancy will occur. Your results are most useful when interpreted together with your age, health, reproductive history and partner’s fertility where applicable.
Can an AMH test tell me how fertile I am?
An AMH test provides information about ovarian reserve and can help predict how the ovaries could respond to fertility medication. It does not directly measure egg quality or reliably predict natural pregnancy.
Can I undergo fertility screening if I am not trying for a baby yet?
Yes. You can consider fertility screening if you want to understand your reproductive health, plan for a future pregnancy or explore fertility preservation. Your specialist can explain what the tests can and cannot tell you.
Does my partner need fertility screening too?
If you are trying to conceive as a couple, assessing both partners can provide a more complete picture. Male fertility screening usually begins with a semen analysis.
Is fertility screening painful?
Most fertility tests cause little or no pain. Blood tests involve a needle prick, while a transvaginal ultrasound may cause mild pressure or discomfort. An HSG can cause temporary cramping, although experiences vary.
Can fertility screening be done during my period?
Some fertility tests can be completed during your period, and certain hormone tests or ultrasound scans will be scheduled during the early days of your menstrual cycle. Other assessments can be performed at different times. Your clinic will advise you on the most appropriate timing.
How should I prepare for fertility screening?
Preparation depends on the tests arranged. You will be asked to track the first day of your period, bring details of previous investigations and provide a list of your medications and supplements. If a semen analysis is required, your partner will receive specific instructions regarding sample collection and the recommended period of abstinence.
Is DNA fragmentation testing available everywhere?
No. DNA fragmentation testing is not part of a standard semen analysis and is not routinely offered at every clinic. It generally requires specialised laboratory methods, so it tends to be available through fertility centres or clinics with andrology testing capabilities.
