Egg freezing sounds straightforward. Retrieve the eggs, freeze them, store them.
But anyone who has actually gone through the process knows there’s a little more groundwork involved. Before ovarian stimulation begins, your doctor needs to understand what your ovaries are likely to do, whether there are any health concerns that could affect treatment, and how the cycle should be planned for your individual body.
That’s where pre-freezing tests come in.
At Shivam IVF, the evaluation is not simply about collecting a list of blood reports. Under the guidance of Dr Bhavana Mittal, the results can help build a treatment plan around your age, menstrual history, ovarian reserve, and overall reproductive health.
1. AMH Test: A Closer Look at Ovarian Reserve
One of the most commonly discussed tests before egg freezing is the AMH, or Anti-Müllerian Hormone, test.
AMH gives an indication of ovarian reserve — essentially, an estimate of the remaining pool of follicles in the ovaries. It can be performed at different points in the menstrual cycle and is useful for anticipating how the ovaries may respond to stimulation.
But don't make the mistake of treating AMH like a fertility score.
A lower AMH doesn't automatically mean pregnancy is impossible, just as a higher AMH doesn't guarantee a future baby. The test is mainly useful for treatment planning and estimating egg yield.
2. Antral Follicle Count Through Ultrasound
This is where the doctor gets to actually look at the ovaries.
A transvaginal ultrasound can measure the antral follicle count (AFC) — the small follicles visible in the ovaries during the early part of the menstrual cycle. AMH and AFC are currently among the most useful markers for assessing ovarian reserve and predicting response to ovarian stimulation.
Think of it as checking the starting line before the race begins.
The scan may also help identify ovarian cysts, unusual ovarian findings or other issues that could influence the treatment plan.
3. FSH and Oestradiol Tests
Depending on your history and clinical assessment, your doctor may recommend blood tests for FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and oestradiol, particularly during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.
These results can provide additional information about ovarian function and may be particularly useful when interpreted alongside AMH and ultrasound findings.
One number rarely tells the whole story. The pattern matters.
4. Infectious Disease Screening
Before fertility treatment and storage of reproductive material, clinics may also conduct screening for infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The exact panel can vary depending on the clinic, treatment circumstances and applicable regulations.
It may feel like routine paperwork, but it serves an important purpose: maintaining appropriate safety and laboratory protocols around reproductive tissue.
5. Other Health Checks
Not every woman needs the same set of investigations.
Your doctor may recommend additional tests based on your menstrual cycle, previous surgeries, medical history, medications, thyroid concerns or other individual factors. A detailed consultation matters here because egg freezing isn't a one-size-fits-all procedure.
And there’s another point worth remembering.
Age matters.
Ovarian reserve tests can help predict the number of eggs that may be retrieved, but they don't independently predict reproductive success. Age remains a major factor when discussing the potential outcomes of egg freezing.
That is why a consultation with an experienced fertility specialist should come before ordering a random bundle of “fertility tests” online.
At Shivam IVF, Dr Bhavana Mittal can assess your reproductive goals, medical history and test results together before recommending the next step. If you're looking for the best IVF Hospital in Delhi, the right place isn't simply the one offering the longest list of procedures. It is the one where your evaluation feels personal, your questions are taken seriously, and the treatment plan actually makes sense for you.
Egg freezing is a decision about the future.
Start by understanding your present.