Is an HSG test painful?

An HSG test can cause moderate, period-like cramping for 5 to 10 minutes while the iodine contrast dye is injected into the uterus. Taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine 30-60 minutes before the test can significantly reduce this discomfort.

Does a normal AMH level mean I have good quality eggs?

No. AMH measures egg quantity (ovarian reserve count), not egg quality. Egg quality is primarily determined by age, as older eggs have higher rates of chromosome abnormalities regardless of AMH levels.

Diagnostics & Testing Guide

The Essential Fertility Testing Guide

Medical Review by Jivanjeet Clinical Advisory Board — Updated June 2026

Getting Tested

Before starting any fertility treatments, doctors perform diagnostic screening. This identifies structural barriers (blocked tubes), hormonal reserve limitations (low egg count), and sperm parameters, matching you with the correct treatment path.

Female Fertility Tests

1. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test

What it is: A simple blood test that measures AMH hormone levels, produced by granulosa cells in growing ovarian follicles.

Why it matters: It is the primary indicator of your remaining egg count (ovarian reserve). High AMH (>3.5 ng/ml) indicates high reserve (PCOS risk); normal is 1.5–3.5 ng/ml; low reserve is under 1.0 ng/ml.

Prep: Can be taken at any point in your menstrual cycle. Oral contraceptives can suppress values.

2. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) Scan

What it is: A specialized X-ray procedure where a small amount of liquid iodine dye is inserted through the cervix into the uterus, traveling up the fallopian tubes.

Why it matters: It verifies fallopian tube patency. If the dye spills out the ends of the tubes, they are open. If blocked, IUI will not work.

Prep: Performed post-period (usually days 6-10 of cycle). Expect mild cramping; taking ibuprofen 1 hour prior is recommended.

3. Sonosalpingography (SSG) / Saline Infusion Sonography

What it is: An ultrasound scan that uses sterile saline solution injected into the uterine cavity to distend the walls, creating clear imaging.

Why it matters: Checks the uterine shape for fibroids, polyps, or septums that can prevent embryo implantation. It can also assess tubal openness using air bubbles.

Prep: Minimal discomfort compared to HSG. Done around days 5-9 of your cycle.

Male Fertility Tests

Semen Analysis

What it is: An examination of a fresh semen sample under a microscope.

Parameters Checked:

Volume: Minimum 1.5 ml.
Concentration (Count): At least 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
Motility: At least 40% of sperm must be moving (swimming).
Morphology: At least 4% of sperm must have a normal structural head and tail.

Prep: Requires 2 to 5 days of sexual abstinence before sample collection. Avoid alcohol and heat prior.