The Complete Guide to Female Fertility Testing in the Philippines: What to Expect
You’ve been thinking about it for a while. Maybe you’re planning to start a family soon. Maybe you’re in your 30s and want to know where you stand. Or maybe you’ve been trying for some time without success.
Whatever your reason, scheduling a fertility checkup is a smart, proactive step.
But what actually happens during female fertility testing? What tests will you take? What do the numbers mean?
This guide walks you through everything—so there are no surprises.
🩺 When Should You Consider Fertility Testing?
| Situation | When to Test |
| You’re under 35 and trying to conceive | After 12 months of trying |
| You’re 35–40 and trying to conceive | After 6 months of trying |
| You’re over 40 | As soon as you decide to try |
| You have irregular or absent periods | Any time—don’t wait |
| You have PCOS, endometriosis, or other conditions | Before you start trying |
| You want to freeze your eggs | Before age 35 (ideally) |
| You’re simply curious about your fertility | Any age—prevention is power |
🔬 The 3 Essential Fertility Tests Every Woman Should Know
Most fertility assessments start with three core tests. Together, they give a clear picture of your egg supply and ovarian health.
Test 1: AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) Blood Test
What it measures: Your ovarian reserve—how many eggs you have left
When it’s done: Any day of your cycle (no need to wait for a specific day)
How it works: Simple blood draw, like any routine blood test
What the numbers mean:
| AMH Level (ng/mL) | What It Means |
| Above 3.0 | High ovarian reserve (common in PCOS) |
| 1.5 – 3.0 | Normal/healthy range |
| 0.8 – 1.5 | Low-normal range |
| Below 0.8 | Low ovarian reserve |
| Below 0.4 | Very low ovarian reserve |
Why it matters: AMH is one of the best predictors of how you’ll respond to fertility treatments. It doesn’t predict natural conception, but it does tell us how much time you may have.
Limitation: AMH tells us about QUANTITY (how many eggs), not QUALITY (how healthy they are). Egg quality is primarily determined by age.
Test 2: Antral Follicle Count (AFC) via Ultrasound
What it measures: The number of visible eggs in your ovaries right now
When it’s done: Day 2–4 of your menstrual cycle
How it works: A transvaginal ultrasound (small wand placed in the vagina) counts the small follicles visible on your ovaries. Each follicle has the potential to release an egg.
What the numbers mean:
| AFC | What It Means |
| 15–30 | Normal/healthy |
| 10–14 | Low-normal |
| 5–9 | Low ovarian reserve |
| Below 5 | Very low ovarian reserve |
Why it matters: AFC confirms what AMH tells us. Two tests are better than one.
Does it hurt? The ultrasound may feel a bit of pressure, but it’s not painful.
Test 3: Hormone Panel (FSH, LH, Estradiol)
What it measures: The hormones that control your menstrual cycle and ovulation
When it’s done: Day 2–4 of your menstrual cycle
How it works: Simple blood draw
What the numbers mean:
| Hormone | Normal Range | High Levels May Indicate |
| FSH | Under 10 IU/L | Diminishing ovarian reserve |
| LH | Under 10 IU/L | PCOS (if FSH is normal) |
| Estradiol (E2) | 20–80 pg/mL | Ovarian cyst or dominant follicle |
Why it matters: These hormones tell us if your brain and ovaries are communicating properly.
📋 Additional Tests (If Needed)
Depending on your results and situation, your doctor may recommend:
| Test | What It Does | When It’s Recommended |
| HSG (Hysterosalpingography) | X-ray to check if fallopian tubes are open | After 6–12 months of trying |
| Saline Sonogram (SIS) | Ultrasound to check uterine cavity for fibroids/polyps | Before IVF or after recurrent miscarriage |
| Thyroid Panel | Checks thyroid function | Irregular cycles, recurrent miscarriage |
| Prolactin | Checks for high prolactin levels | Irregular cycles, breast discharge |
| Vitamin D | Checks vitamin D levels | General health; low levels linked to lower IVF success |
📅 Putting It All Together: Your Testing Timeline
| Day of Cycle | Test | What to Expect |
| Any day | AMH blood test | Quick blood draw |
| Day 2–4 | Hormone panel (FSH, LH, E2) | Quick blood draw |
| Day 2–4 | Antral follicle count (AFC) | Transvaginal ultrasound (15 minutes) |
| After period ends (Day 6–12) | HSG or saline sonogram (if needed) | X-ray or ultrasound (30 minutes) |
Total time commitment: Most of these tests can be done in a single morning visit.
💰 Cost of Female Fertility Testing in the Philippines
| Test | Estimated Cost (PHP) |
| AMH blood test | ₱2,500 – ₱4,000 |
| Hormone panel (FSH, LH, E2) | ₱1,500 – ₱3,000 |
| Transvaginal ultrasound (AFC) | ₱1,500 – ₱2,500 |
| HSG (if needed) | ₱5,000 – ₱10,000 |
| Basic fertility package (AMH + hormones + ultrasound) | ₱5,000 – ₱8,000 |
Note: Many fertility clinics offer discounted packages for initial testing.
🗓️ How to Prepare for Your Fertility Testing
Before your appointment:
- Schedule your visit for Day 2–4 of your cycle (for hormone and ultrasound tests)
- Bring a list of any medications you’re taking
- Write down your cycle history (length, regularity, any symptoms)
- Prepare questions you want to ask
What to wear: Comfortable clothing. For the ultrasound, you’ll need to undress from the waist down.
Can you eat before? Yes, blood tests for fertility don’t require fasting (unless your doctor adds other tests).
📊 Understanding Your Results: What Comes Next
| Test Results | What Your Doctor May Recommend |
| All normal | Reassurance; continue trying or consider basic fertility treatments |
| Low AMH/AFC | Consider egg freezing or don’t delay childbearing |
| Irregular hormones | Further testing for PCOS, thyroid issues, or other conditions |
| Blocked tubes | IVF (since sperm and egg can’t meet naturally) |
| Uterine abnormalities | Surgery to remove fibroids/polyps before trying |
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I do fertility testing on my own without a doctor?
A: Some labs offer direct-to-consumer AMH testing. However, we strongly recommend having a doctor interpret your results in context. A single number doesn’t tell the whole story.
Q: Will my HMO or insurance cover fertility testing?
A: Coverage varies. Basic blood tests may be covered. Specialized fertility tests like AMH often are not. Check with your provider.
Q: I have PCOS. Will my AMH be high?
A: Yes. Women with PCOS typically have high AMH levels (above 4 or 5). This doesn’t mean you have “extra” time—it’s just a feature of PCOS.
Q: Can stress affect my fertility test results?
A: Stress can affect your cycle and some hormone levels. But it won’t significantly change your AMH or AFC results—those are fairly stable.
Q: Should my partner get tested at the same time?
A: Yes! Infertility is a couple’s issue. Male factor contributes to about 40–50% of cases. Testing both partners gives the complete picture.
🌸 Knowledge Is Power
Fertility testing isn’t about finding something “wrong.” It’s about gathering information so you can make informed decisions.
Maybe you’ll discover everything looks great—and you can relax and continue trying naturally.
Maybe you’ll discover your ovarian reserve is lower than expected—and you can take action now to preserve your options.
Either way, knowing is better than wondering.
📞 Ready to Check Your Fertility?
At Alpha Fertility Centre Philippines, we make fertility testing simple, comfortable, and informative. No pressure. No judgment. Just honest answers and a clear path forward.
Book your fertility assessment | Call: +63 999 885 4616 | Makati • Quezon City
