Should blood health checks be done for both partners before TTC?

Yes, ideally. You should check on ovulation, hormones, and nutrient levels. At the same time, men may find checks related to sperm health and general blood health beneficial.

Can blood tests improve my chances of conceiving?

Blood tests do not directly increase fertilisation, but can surely detect issues that may be treated to increase the chances of conceiving naturally.

Are blood health checks expensive?

Costs differ depending on the number of tests and your health care provider. Many basic fertility and health panels, however, are affordable and well worth it as they save you bigger expenses and complications down the road.

Who Should Consider Blood Health Checks Before TTC

Pregnancy requires more effort than just eating a healthy diet, getting rest, and reducing stress. These are surely very important during the journey. But there’s another step that often gets overlooked: blood health checks before trying to conceive (TTC).

Blood tests are very necessary as they depict your overall reproductive health. They are helpful in understanding if your body is ready for pregnancy or if there are conditions that need attention first. By learning and treating problems early, you ensure the best possibility of conceiving naturally and safely carrying a pregnancy.
So, who needs to consider blood health tests before attempting to conceive? Let’s have a look.

1. If You’re Over 30 and Planning Pregnancy

From a long list of steps, consider your age first. It plays a vital role in fertility. Once you hit 30, everything starts changing-hormone levels, egg quality, and general health. Doctors can help you during blood tests to determine important signs, such as:

Hormone levels (such as FSH, LH, and AMH) that influence egg reserve and ovulation.
Thyroid function affects metabolism and menstrual regularity.
Vitamin levels (mainly Vitamin D and B12) influence energy and fertility.

Why it matters: It matters because these tests provide a clear picture of your reproductive health. They help you take timely steps if any imbalances are found.

2. If You Have Irregular Periods

With an unpredictable menstrual cycle, blood tests become all the more important. Unpredictable cycles can be due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid imbalance, or hormonal imbalances.

Checking if hormones are balanced or if there is an underlying medical condition interfering with ovulation can be done through blood tests.

Why it matters: Pregnancy can only occur in the event of an ovulation. When detected early, treatment can be advised by your doctor to correct the imbalance.

3. If You’ve Had a Miscarriage in the Past

Miscarriages are emotionally difficult times. Various medical reasons may sometimes cause it. Blood tests can expose causes that include:

Thyroid disorders
Clotting issues (like thrombophilia)
Hormonal imbalances
Uncontrolled diabetes

Why it matters: Knowing the causes could lessen the possibility of experiencing yet another miscarriage. It is important to get treatment for the condition before another conception.

4. If You Have a History of Medical Conditions

Certain chronic health issues may get in the way of your fertility or a pregnancy. If you have any one of these, it becomes very important to go for a blood checkup:

Diabetes
High blood pressure
Thyroid disease
Autoimmune conditions

Why it matters: Uncontrolled conditions can increase difficulty in conception and may elevate the risk of pregnancy for both mother and infant. To confirm that the disorder is well-controlled and pregnancy is safe.

5. If You or Your Partner Have Fertility Concerns

Sometimes, couples try for months without success. In such cases, blood health checks for both partners can give answers. For women, it’s often about hormones and ovulation. For men, tests can include:

Hormone levels (like testosterone)
General blood health to rule out conditions affecting sperm quality.

Why It Matters: It is no longer true to say that fertility is the concern of one partner alone. A well-rounded assessment can assist a doctor in recommending medicine or lifestyle changes that support both of you.

6. If You Suspect Nutritional Deficiencies

Your body needs certain nutrients to lay the groundwork for pregnancy and support the growing baby. Common deficiencies can be:

Iron deficiency (anaemia)
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Folic acid deficiency

Blood health checks confirm if your nutrient levels are normal or need correction.

Why it matters: Deficiencies can affect ovulation, implantation, and early baby development. For instance, a deficiency in folic acid is associated with neural tube defects in the baby. Treating these before conception is much safer than during pregnancy.

7. If You’ve Had Infections or Suspect Immunity Issues

Blood tests can check for your immunity against rubella, hepatitis B, HIV, or syphilis. A couple of those diseases, if missed, can hurt the pregnancy or can be transmitted to the infant.
Why it matters: Once you know these risks, you may decide to consider precautionary measures or undergo treatment before pregnancy to protect both yourself and your baby.

8. If Pregnancy Runs Late in Your Family

If someone in your family had early menopause, difficulty conceiving, or other reproductive issues, it would be best to get in early for testing. These tests might help you get an idea about your ovarian reserve and fertility timeline.
Why it matters: Knowing your fertility window helps you plan better. Whether you want to try sooner or consider other options like egg freezing.
Blood health checks before trying conception are not only for those having fertility issues, but for anyone who wishes the best start to pregnancy.
By examining hormones, nutrient levels, immunity, and general health, you gain important insights that will help prevent complications, support fertility, and make the journey of trying to conceive easier.
Remember, a healthy body means a healthy pregnancy. So, eat well and stay balanced.
Whether you’re trying to conceive or navigating IVF, you’re not alone. Join our supportive communities to connect, share, and find strength with others on the same journey.

FAQs on Who Should Consider Blood Health Checks Before TTC

Should blood health checks be done for both partners before TTC?
Yes, ideally. You should check on ovulation, hormones, and nutrient levels. At the same time, men may find checks related to sperm health and general blood health beneficial.
Can blood tests improve my chances of conceiving?
Blood tests do not directly increase fertilisation, but can surely detect issues that may be treated to increase the chances of conceiving naturally.
Are blood health checks expensive?
Costs differ depending on the number of tests and your health care provider. Many basic fertility and health panels, however, are affordable and well worth it as they save you bigger expenses and complications down the road.