Tests and examinations before IVF/ICSI

Learn more about the tests results we need before you can start IVF treatment at our clinic.

Book an initial consultation for IVF/ICSI

Examinations prior to IVF treatment

A thorough evaluation and health assessment are essential to maximise the chances of successful fertility treatment and a healthy pregnancy.

Infertility may be caused by factors related to the woman, the man, or both partners. In some cases, extensive investigations are required to identify the underlying causes, while in others, the issue becomes apparent more quickly.

During your initial consultation at the clinic, our experienced team will discuss your situation and determine which tests and examinations are most relevant for you. This helps the doctor create a personalised and effective treatment plan.

Below is a list of standard tests and examinations typically required before starting fertility treatment. Additional tests or investigations may be recommended by your doctor to address your specific needs and circumstances.

Tests and examinations before IVF treatment – for women

Before starting IVF treatment using your own eggs, you will need to undergo the following blood tests and examinations:

Blood tests – for women

Mandatory tests for HIV and hepatitis

  • HIV (HIV 1-2)
  • Hepatitis B (HBsAG + HBcAB)
  • Hepatitis C (HCV antibody)

Recommended (not mandatory) tests

Only needed if you are not vaccinated.

The test shows if you have been previously infected and are therefore immune. If you are not vaccinated and not immune, you should get vaccinated and then wait 1 month before starting treatment as rubella can cause foetal malformations.

The AMH level indicates the number of eggs in the ovaries, which is important for IVF planning. High levels indicate a good reserve, while low levels may require adjustment of treatment.

Screening your metabolism and thyroidfunction can provide important information about your fertility. Metabolism has a major impact on your menstrual cycle, ovulation and foetal development in the womb.

Optimal iron levels play an important role in women’s fertility and successful pregnancy. Iron deficiency can cause problems achieving pregnancy and increases the risk of miscarriage. During regnancy,iron deficiency increases the risk of premature labour and low birth weight, among other things.

Several studies have shown that women undergoing fertility treatment who have adequate vitamin D levels have a higher chance of getting pregnant. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with factors related to infertility such as PCOS, endometriosis and fibroids, among others.

Examinations – for women

  • Cervical cancer screening: A cervical smear test unless you’ve had a negative result within the last three years.
  • Chlamydia screening: A swab test unless you’ve had a negative result within the last three months.
  • Vaginal ultrasound: To assess the uterus and ovaries. This includes evaluating the size of the uterus, the thickness and structure of the uterine lining, and identifying any fibroids, ovarian cysts, polyps, or thickened uterine walls.
Ultrasound scan before insemination (IUI)

Examples of additional tests and studies that may be relevant

  • Extended hormone profile: Recommended if polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is suspected.
  • Prolactin level measurement: To check for hormonal imbalances.
  • Hysteroscopy: Performed in cases of suspected polyps or recurrent miscarriages.
  • Ultrasound examination (HSU): Used to evaluate the uterine cavity and check for tubal patency.

Examinations and tests before IVF treatment – for men

Unless it is clear from the start that donor sperm will be used in the fertility treatment, men are required to undergo the following tests and examinations before treatment begins.

Blood tests

  • Mandatory tests for HIV and hepatitis:
  • HIV (HIV 1-2)
  • Hepatitis B (HBsAG + HBcAB)
  • Hepatitis C (HCV antibody)
  • NAT screening (HIV-RNA, HCV-RNA, and HBV-DNA).

Examinations

  • Semen analysis: A sperm sample is analysed to assess sperm quality.
  • Additional tests and examinations: If sperm quality is reduced, further assessments such as ultrasound scanning of the testicles or an extended hormone profile may be necessary.

Complete tests with us or at a laboratory near you

We offer the option to complete all necessary tests and examinations here at our clinic. Alternatively, you are welcome to use another testing facility and send us the results.

If your own eggs are to be used in the treatment, the mandatory tests for HIV and hepatitis must be conducted at an ISO-certified laboratory in Denmark and must be no more than 2 years old.

If you live in the UK, we can assist in finding local testing options through our UK-based partners.

Should you prefer to have your ultrasounds performed by your own gynecologist and send us the images, this is also an option. We can also help you find ultrasound facilities near you through our UK partner.

Learn more about testing and scanning in the UK

Frequently asked questions about pre-IVF tests and examinations

Yes, for IVF with donor eggs, you can complete all mandatory tests at a testing facility near you and send the results to us.

However, if your own eggs are to be used in the treatment, it is required that the mandatory HIV and hepatitis tests are conducted at an ISO-certified laboratory in Denmark and are no more than 2 years old. You can choose to have these tests done with us when you visit for your egg retrieval.

If your GP is unable to assist with the necessary tests and scans, we can help you arrange these through our UK-based partners. We collaborate with clinics and laboratories across the UK that offer fertility-related services, including blood tests and ultrasound scans. This ensures you receive the required examinations conveniently and promptly.

Low AMH can be caused by age, chemotherapy, genetics, endometriomas (endometriosis cysts in the ovaries), previous ovarian surgery, smoking and environmental factors. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and thyroid disease can also play a role.

Low AMH levels do not necessarily mean that IVF cannot succeed. AMH levels indicate the number of follicles per cycle, but not their quality. More eggs increases the chance of finding a high-quality embryo, but at the end of the day, you only need one healthy egg and one healthy sperm to get pregnant.

Women with suspected PCOS should have an extended hormone test before IVF treatment. In addition to the tests that we recommend for all women before IVF, tests to measure androgens (male hormones) and prolactin will be relevant. In addition, the ovaries are scanned to look for multiple small follicles, which is characteristic of PCOS.

Regular sun exposure: 10-15 minutes in the middle of the day 2-3 times a week during the summer months is enough. Eat vitamin D-rich foods: oily fish, eggs and dairy products. Take vitamin D supplements: 10-20 μg (400-800 IU) daily, especially in winter.

First, you will provide a semen sample either in the clinic’s dedicated collection room or at home if you live close to the clinic. You will be given a sterile container for the sample. We recommend ejaculating 1–3 days before the sample to ensure optimal sperm quality.

The semen sample is then analyzed in the laboratory, where the sperm’s appearance, movement, and count are assessed. Following the analysis, the sample can be frozen in small vials at -196°C for future use.

Whenever possible, we prefer a fresh semen sample on the day of egg retrieval.

If your sperm quality is reduced, several options can help improve your chances of successful treatment:

Lifestyle Changes:

  • High BMI, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking are known to affect sperm quality negatively. Making healthier lifestyle choices to address these factors is highly recommended.

Nutritional Supplements:

  • Daily multivitamin with folic acid.
  • Omega-3 (1000 mg).
  • Q10 (100 mg).
  • Vitamin D supplements, if blood tests indicate a deficiency.

Hormonal Treatment:

  • If reduced sperm quality is caused by hormonal imbalance, hormone therapy may improve sperm production. This requires evaluation and management by a specialist.

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection):

  • For significantly reduced sperm quality, ICSI can be used. In this procedure, a single sperm cell is injected directly into an egg to ensure fertilization.

Surgical Sperm Retrieval (TESE/TESA):

  • If no sperm cells are present in the semen (azoospermia), sperm can be surgically retrieved from the testicles or epididymis and used in ICSI.

Donor Sperm:

  • If sperm quality is extremely low, donor sperm may be an option. Donor sperm can be used in both intrauterine insemination (IUI) and IVF treatments.