Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fertility assessment and why is it important?
A fertility assessment is a series of medical tests used to evaluate the reproductive health of both men and women.
It is important because successful conception depends on both partners.
Early assessment helps identify underlying issues such as hormonal imbalances, ovulation problems, or low sperm quality, allowing timely and effective treatment planning.
When should I consider a fertility assessment?
You should consider a fertility assessment if you are:
- planning to conceive
- trying to get pregnant without success
- experiencing irregular menstrual cycles
- aged 25 and above and want to understand your fertility health
Early testing can help prevent delays in diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes.
Do both partners need fertility testing?
Yes, fertility challenges can affect both men and women
A comprehensive fertility assessment typically evaluates both partners to ensure no underlying issues are missed, providing a clearer and more accurate diagnosis.
What tests are included in a female fertility assessment?
Female fertility assessment commonly includes:
- Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) blood test
- Transvaginal Ultrasound Scan (TVS)
These tests evaluate ovarian reserve, egg supply, and reproductive organ health to support personalised fertility planning.
What is an AMH test and what does it measure?
The Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test is a blood test used to measure AMH levels, a hormone associated with ovarian reserve.
It helps indicate potential egg reserve and supports informed fertility planning and treatment decisions.
Why is the AMH test important for fertility?
The Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test helps assess how the ovaries may respond to fertility treatments such as IVF.
It offers valuable insight into fertility potential, allowing doctors to tailor treatment plans and improve the chances of success.
When should an AMH test be performed?
An Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test can be performed at any time during the menstrual cycle because hormone levels remain relatively stable.
This makes it a convenient and reliable test for assessing ovarian reserve.
What is a transvaginal ultrasound scan (TVS)?
A transvaginal ultrasound scan (TVS) is an imaging test used to examine the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding pelvic structures.
It helps assess follicle development, ovarian reserve, and detect any abnormalities that may affect fertility.
Why is a transvaginal ultrasound scan (TVS) important in fertility assessment?
Transvaginal ultrasound scan (TVS) provides detailed insights into reproductive health.
It can detect conditions such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, or structural abnormalities, which may impact the chances of conception and require medical attention.
When is a transvaginal ultrasound scan (TVS) performed?
A transvaginal ultrasound scan (TVS) can be performed at different times in the menstrual cycle depending on what needs to be assessed.
Fertility specialists will recommend the most appropriate timing for accurate evaluation.
What is a semen analysis and why is it important?
Semen analysis (SA) is a key male fertility test that evaluates sperm quality and reproductive potential.
It examines sperm count, motility, and morphology, which are essential for successful fertilisation.
What is sperm motility and why does it matter?
Sperm motility refers to how well sperm can swim towards the egg.
Poor motility can prevent sperm from reaching the egg, even if the sperm count is normal, making conception more difficult.
What is sperm morphology?
Sperm morphology refers to the shape and structure of sperm.
Abnormal sperm may struggle to penetrate and fertilise the egg, which can affect fertility outcomes and influence treatment options.
Can fertility problems be detected early?
Yes, early fertility assessment can detect potential issues before they become more serious.
Identifying problems early allows for timely intervention, lifestyle changes, or appropriate fertility treatments.
How does fertility assessment improve IVF success?
Fertility assessment helps identify the some of the infertility causes, allowing specialists to design a personalised treatment plan.
This targeted approach improves the effectiveness of treatments such as IVF and increases the likelihood of success.
Is fertility testing necessary before IVF?
Yes, fertility testing is strongly recommended before IVF.
It ensures that all underlying factors are identified and addressed, helping to optimise treatment strategy and avoid unnecessary delays or unsuccessful cycles.
How long does a fertility assessment take?
The duration of a fertility assessment varies depending on the tests required.
Some tests, such as AMH and semen analysis, are quick, while others may be scheduled at specific times during the menstrual cycle. Most assessments can be completed within a few visits.
Is fertility assessment available in Malaysia?
Yes, fertility assessments are widely available in Malaysia through licensed fertility centres.
At Sunfert, we provide comprehensive fertility testing for both men and women, including:
- Transvaginal ultrasound scan (TVS): To assess the uterus and ovaries
- Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test: To evaluate ovarian reserve
- Semen analysis: To assess sperm health and quality
Why is personalised fertility assessment important?
Every individual’s fertility profile is unique.
Personalised fertility assessment ensures that treatment plans are tailored to specific medical conditions, improving accuracy, efficiency, and overall chances of conception.
What is considered a normal AMH level?
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels vary with age. Generally:
- Before puberty: Low AMH
- Early puberty: AMH rises
- Ages 20–25: Peak levels
- After 25: Gradual decline
AMH is most useful clinically for women aged 25 and above to assess ovarian ageing.
What does a high AMH level mean?
A high Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) level (often above 48 pmol/L) may be associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
This condition involves hormonal imbalance that disrupts regular ovulation, leading to multiple immature follicles in the ovaries, which produce higher AMH levels.
Does high AMH mean better fertility?
Not necessarily. High Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) indicates a higher number of follicles but does not guarantee better fertility.
In some cases, such as PCOS, ovulation may be irregular, which can actually make natural conception more challenging without medical support.
What does a low AMH level mean?
Low Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) suggests a reduced number of eggs, also known as diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).
It may indicate a lower response to fertility treatment, but it does not mean pregnancy is impossible, especially when assessed together with age and other fertility factors.
Can you still get pregnant with low AMH?
Yes, pregnancy is still possible with low Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH).
Fertility outcomes depend on multiple factors, particularly age and egg quality. Many women with low AMH successfully conceive naturally or with assisted reproductive treatments such as IVF.
What causes low AMH levels?
Low Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) may be associated with:
- advancing age
- smoking
- endometriosis
- ovarian surgery
- cancer treatment
- autoimmune conditions
- pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
In some cases, no clear cause is identified.
What is diminished ovarian reserve (DOR)?
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) refers to a lower-than-expected number of eggs for a woman’s age.
What is premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)?
Premature ovarian insufficiency occurs when menopause happens before the age of 40.
It affects approximately 1 in 100 women and may present as irregular or shortened menstrual cycles.
It can significantly impact fertility and often requires specialist evaluation and support.
Why is AMH important for women in Malaysia today?
As more women in Malaysia choose to delay childbirth into their 30s and 40s, AMH testing has become increasingly important.
It helps women understand their reproductive timeline and consider options such as fertility planning or egg freezing where appropriate.
When should I consider an AMH test?
An Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test is recommended if you are:
- aged 25 and above
- planning pregnancy in the future
- experiencing difficulty conceiving
- considering IVF or fertility preservation
It can be taken at any time during the menstrual cycle for convenience.
How does AMH help with IVF planning?
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) helps fertility specialists estimate how the ovaries may respond to stimulation during IVF.
This allows for more personalised treatment planning, helping optimise medication dosage and improve overall treatment strategy.
Does Sunfert use AMH testing in fertility assessment?
Yes, Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) testing is commonly used as part of fertility assessment to evaluate ovarian reserve and support personalised treatment planning.
It is often combined with other diagnostic tools to provide a more complete understanding of reproductive health.
Is recurrent miscarriage only a female issue?
No. Male genetic factors and sperm quality can also contribute, making assessment of both partners essential.