The first step in diagnosing infertility is studying how long the couple has been trying to conceive. Most doctors will not even begin to consider a couple infertile until one year has passed without successful conception. If a year of trying to conceive has passed and no conception has occurred, the first step in infertility diagnosis will be a consultation of medical history and a physical exam. During this consultation, questions will be asked in regards to lifestyle habits, menstrual cycles and medical histories. Sometimes recommendations will be made at this point before any further diagnostic procedures are recommended. If the recommendations do not result in successful conception, further diagnostic measures are taken.

Women will undergo blood tests and urine tests to see if hormonal levels are in balance and if there are any imbalances that would prevent pregnancy from occurring. Basal body temperatures will also be recorded and sometimes a biopsy of the uterine lining will be taken. Ultrasounds are also routine diagnostic procedures and the doctor will look for any cysts or fibroids that may be interfering with conception. In other, rarer cases, a laparoscopy may be ordered and hysterosalpingogram may be recommended.

The tests to detect male infertility tend to be simpler than the tests used to diagnose infertility in a female. The male will need to provide a sample of semen and the sperm will be studied for count, movement, size, maturity, shape, and acidity. If doctors find abnormalities within the sperm, additional tests will be ordered. These tests may include blood tests to measure hormone levels, a biopsy of the testicular tissue, imaging tests, sperm penetration tests and anti-body tests.

Once the cause of infertility in the male, female, or combination of both is found, proper treatment options can be discussed and a course of treatment can be recommended and planned.