When you’re trying to conceive (or simply want reassurance), two kinds of diagnostics often come to mind: pregnancy testing and fertility testing. While they both relate to reproductive health, they serve different purposes. In this post, we’ll walk through how each works, why you might order them, when they’re best used, and how to interpret results. We’ll also include direct links to the test panels you can order through eNational Testing.

1. Pregnancy Testing: Confirming Conception

What Is a Pregnancy Test?

A pregnancy test is designed to detect the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the developing placenta shortly after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus.

There are two main types:

• Urine (urine-based) pregnancy test – often done at home.
  
  
• Blood (serum) pregnancy test – done in a clinical laboratory, which can be quantitative (measuring exact hCG levels) or qualitative (yes/no).

At-home urine tests are highly convenient and, when used properly, can be ~99% accurate.

When to Take the Test

• Many urine-based tests recommend waiting until after your missed period for the most reliable result.
• Some sensitive assays can detect hCG a few days before a missed period, though the risk of false negatives is higher.
• For best results, use first-morning urine if possible (because hCG is more concentrated), and avoid drinking excessive fluids right before testing.

Interpreting Results

• Positive result: suggests pregnancy is present. Because hCG increases rapidly in early pregnancy, even a faint line can be meaningful.
• Negative result: might mean you tested too early, there was insufficient hCG, or you are not pregnant. If your period is still delayed, test again in a few days.
• Quantitative (blood) tests: can measure the exact amount of hCG, which helps in monitoring how a pregnancy is progressing (e.g. serial hCG doubling).

Caveats & False Results

• False negatives are more common than false positives—especially when testing too early or not following instructions.
• Some fertility medications or treatments containing hCG may interfere with interpretation.
• A very faint line might reflect an “evaporation line” if the test is read too late past the recommended window.

Why Order a Lab-Based Pregnancy Test?

While home kits are sufficient in many cases, you might want a lab-based test when:

• You want quantitative hCG values (e.g. tracking progression, suspected ectopic, fertility monitoring).
  
  
• You need a confirmatory result for medical or clinical workflow.
  
  
• Your home test was ambiguous or you want professional interpretation.
  
  

If you're looking to order a standalone lab-based pregnancy test, you can find it here: Pregnancy Test – eNational Testing.

2. Fertility Testing: Assessing Readiness & Barriers

While pregnancy testing tells you if conception has occurred, fertility testing looks at why or whether it can happen. Fertility testing is used when you’re planning to conceive or when you’ve had difficulty conceiving.

Why Consider Fertility Testing?

• You’ve been trying to conceive without success for 12 months (if under age 35) or 6 months (if over 35).
• You or your partner have known risk factors (e.g. history of PCOS, endometriosis, testicular issues, irregular cycles, known hormonal disorders).
• You want early insight into reproductive health to guide planning, interventions, or lifestyle changes.

What Tests Are Included in a Fertility Evaluation?

Fertility testing is often a multi-pronged approach, involving both partners (if applicable). Below are the common components, some of which can be done with a simple blood test and others involving a specialist referral.

For People with Ovaries / Women’s Fertility Testing

1. Hormone Blood Tests
   These assess whether your endocrine system is supporting ovulation, egg quality, and reproductive balance. Common hormones tested include:
   
   

• FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
  
  
• LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
  
  
• Estradiol
  
  
• Progesterone
  
  
• TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
  
  
• Prolactin
  
  
• Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), a marker of ovarian reserve

• AMH test: provides an estimate of how many egg “primordial follicles” might remain. However, it’s important to understand that AMH is an indicator, not a guarantee of fertility.
• Antral follicle count (AFC) by transvaginal ultrasound may accompany AMH to estimate how many follicles respond.
• Imaging may also check for uterine or tubal factors (fibroids, structural abnormalities, blockages).

• Tracking LH surge via urine tests or electronic fertility monitors to pinpoint the fertile window.
• Serial progesterone testing in mid-luteal phase can confirm whether ovulation has taken place properly.

• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): uses dye and X-rays to assess whether the fallopian tubes are open.
• Sonohysterogram or saline infusion sonohysterography: to visualize uterine cavity shape.
• Hysteroscopy: direct visual inspection inside the uterus, sometimes for removing fibroids, polyps, or correcting structural problems.

For People with Testicles / Men’s Fertility Testing

1. Semen Analysis
   This is often the “first test” for male fertility: it measures sperm count/concentration, motility (movement), morphology (shape), volume, and other parameters.
2. Hormone Blood Tests
   If semen results are abnormal, or if there is suspected endocrine contribution, labs may check:
   
   

• Testosterone
  
  
• FSH & LH
  
  
• Prolactin
  
  
• Estradiol
  
  
• Other hormones (e.g. SHBG, DHEA)

Interpreting Fertility Test Results

• Hormone levels are compared to reference ranges, but what’s “normal” depends on lab, age, cycle day, etc.
  
  
• AMH and AFC indicate reserve, not whether conception will succeed. Women with low AMH still often conceive naturally.
• For men, suboptimal parameters may suggest further workup (urology, endocrinology).
  
  
• Imaging or structural findings (e.g. blocked tubes, fibroids) may require further intervention (surgery, IVF).
  
  
• Fertility testing results should ideally be interpreted together in a couple-based context (i.e. combining both partners’ data).

It’s also worth noting that fertility is influenced by many non-lab factors: age, lifestyle, weight, smoking, stress, environmental exposures and more.

Ordering Fertility Testing via eNational

If you’re ready to evaluate your reproductive health, the Fertility Tracking Panel at eNational Testing offers a comprehensive lab-based option. You can access it here:

Fertility Tracking Panel – eNational Testing

This panel is designed to give you a broad look at your hormonal and fertility status, helping you and your provider chart the next steps.

3. Practical Advice: When & How to Use Each Test

Best Timing & Strategy

1. If you suspect pregnancy
   Start with a pregnancy test (urine or lab-based). If positive, follow up with your provider for prenatal care. If ambiguous or negative but you still miss your period, repeat or opt for lab testing.
   
   
2. If you’ve been trying to conceive without success
   Don’t wait too long: after 12 months (or 6 depending on age), consider fertility testing.
3. Try to test in the proper cycle window
   
   

• For ovarian reserve (AMH) and FSH, early in the menstrual cycle (day 2–4) is often recommended.
  
  
• For mid-luteal progesterone, test about 7 days after presumed ovulation.
  
  
• For imaging (HSG), schedule after menstrual bleeding but before ovulation to avoid interfering with a possible pregnancy.
  
  

Preparing for Tests

• Follow fasting or timing instructions if provided.
  
  
• Avoid heavy exertion, alcohol, or recent illness prior to semen analysis or hormone draws.
  
  
• For semen analysis, abstain from ejaculation 2–5 days before sample.
  
  
• Provide complete medical history, medications, menstrual cycle details, lifestyle factors.
  
  

After Getting Results

• Discuss findings with your primary care provider, OB-GYN, reproductive endocrinologist or fertility specialist.
  
  
• Use results to guide next steps: lifestyle modifications, ovulation support, medications, assisted reproductive technologies, surgical correction, etc.
  
  
• Recognize that normal results don’t guarantee pregnancy, and abnormal results don’t always mean infertility.
  
  

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I do fertility testing before trying to conceive?
Yes — testing early can help you understand your reproductive “starting point” and detect any hidden issues before they become more consequential.

Q: How much do fertility tests cost?
Costs vary widely depending on lab, region, and which tests are included. The eNational panel is usually more cost-effective than ordering individual specialized labs one by one.

Q: Is AMH a reliable predictor of fertility?
AMH is useful for estimating ovarian reserve (i.e. the quantity of remaining eggs) but is not, on its own, a perfect predictor of fertility or egg quality. It should be interpreted in context.

Q: How soon after taking fertility tests can we try treatments?
Once results are available (often within days to a week), your provider can propose targeted interventions based on data — from lifestyle changes to medical or assisted fertility approaches.

5. Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Understanding both pregnancy testing and fertility testing empowers you in your reproductive journey. A positive pregnancy test answers “Did conception happen?” — while fertility testing answers “Are there factors helping or hindering conception?” With both sets of data, you and your healthcare team can make informed decisions.

If you're ready to take control of your reproductive health, begin with these two options:

• Order a Pregnancy Test
  
  
• Order a Fertility Tracking Panel