Couple preparing together while trying to conceive, showing both partners matter

Understanding Fertility: Why Both Partners Matter When Trying to Conceive

When you are trying to conceive, it can be easy to think about fertility as primarily a woman's concern. However, fertility involves both partners. Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD, in Understanding Fertility and Infertility, emphasises the importance of considering the health and fertility of both people when investigating difficulties conceiving.

Fertility is multi-factorial, meaning that there can be many different factors involved. These may include medical issues, lifestyle, nutrition and emotional factors. This is why looking at the whole picture, rather than focusing on just one person or one possible cause, can be an important part of fertility investigations.

Fertility can involve many different factors

Fertility problems can have a range of possible causes. These include problems with ovulation, damage to the fallopian tubes, endometriosis and male fertility problems. In some couples, more than one factor may be present at the same time. Our article on the causes of infertility covers the statistical breakdown.

In cases where investigations do not identify a specific medical explanation, described as unexplained infertility, fertility should still be viewed as something that can involve several aspects of health and lifestyle. This broader perspective is important because difficulty conceiving does not necessarily mean that one particular problem is responsible.

Why both partners should be investigated

One of the key messages is that fertility investigations should involve both partners. Although much of the focus tends to fall on women's health, male fertility also needs to be considered when a couple is having difficulty conceiving.

Testing for fertility problems should be undertaken in both partners at the same time. This means that investigations do not need to focus solely on the woman while overlooking possible factors affecting the man. For couples trying to conceive, this approach provides a more complete picture and avoids months of unnecessary delay.

What fertility tests may involve

Tests for women

A blood test is normally the initial step, used to assess whether ovulation is taking place, with progesterone measured during the cycle. Our article on the luteal phase and progesterone explains this in detail. If further investigation is needed, several procedures may be used:

  • Laparoscopy: a diagnostic procedure that allows a specialist to examine the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and other abdominal organs.
  • Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): an X-ray procedure using a special dye to assess the inside of the uterus and whether the fallopian tubes are open.
  • Hysterosalpingosonogram (HSS): an examination using ultrasound to assess the fallopian tubes and uterine cavity.
  • Hysteroscopy: a procedure using a lighted scope to view the inside of the womb and identify abnormalities.

Monitored cycles can also involve ultrasound and blood tests throughout one menstrual cycle to provide information about hormonal balance and reproductive function, or collecting saliva samples at specific times throughout the cycle to chart hormone levels.

Tests for men

Semen analysis is the most basic male fertility test. A semen sample can be examined for several characteristics, including the number of sperm, how many are moving, the quality of their movement, the percentage of abnormal sperm and the volume of semen.

The anti-sperm antibody test is also relevant. Some men can produce antibodies that cause sperm to clump together or affect their movement. The MAR, or mixed antiglobulin reaction, test is a common test for these antibodies and may form part of a semen analysis.

If a problem is identified with sperm, a man may be referred to a urologist for further assessment, which can include investigations for infection, hormone testing and a physical examination. See our full guide to increasing sperm count naturally.

Infections can also be investigated

Infection screening is another consideration when a couple is having difficulty conceiving, and both partners should be screened. Infections that may be relevant include cytomegalovirus, mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas, chlamydia, anaerobic bacteria, group B haemolytic streptococci, gardnerella vaginalis, klebsiella, toxoplasmosis and candida.

Where an infection is identified, it should be properly treated and followed up with appropriate testing before attempting to conceive again.

Preparing together, nutritionally

Because fertility is multi-factorial, nutritional preparation is one area both partners can act on regardless of what investigations find. Eggs and sperm both take around three months to mature, which is why a four-month pre-conception window is commonly recommended for the couple, not just the woman.

Advanced Fertility Support for Women and Advanced Fertility Support for Men are designed to be taken together across that window, each formulated around the nutrients most relevant to that partner.

Fertility is more than one single factor

Fertility involves several interconnected areas, which is why attention to health, emotions and lifestyle alongside medical investigations matters. This includes looking at factors such as diet, alcohol, caffeine, smoking and environmental exposures, with nutritional supplements and herbs forming part of a wider natural approach, tailored to the individual.

It is important, however, to discuss fertility concerns and appropriate investigations with a qualified doctor or health practitioner rather than relying on general information alone.

Common questions

Should both partners be tested at the same time? Yes. Testing simultaneously rather than sequentially gives a complete picture and avoids losing months investigating one partner at a time.

What proportion of fertility problems involve men? Around 40 percent of fertility problems are associated with men, which is why male investigation from the outset matters.

What if tests find nothing? Unexplained infertility is the most common single outcome. It means no structural or hormonal cause was found, not that nothing can be done. Lifestyle, nutritional and emotional factors are all worth examining.

A shared approach to the fertility journey

Trying to conceive can be an emotional experience, particularly when pregnancy does not happen as quickly as hoped. Taking a shared approach means that both partners can be involved in understanding what may be affecting conception and in following recommendations appropriate to them.

The key message is simple: fertility is multi-factorial, and both partners matter. If you are experiencing difficulties conceiving, speaking with a qualified doctor or health practitioner can help you understand which investigations are appropriate for you and your partner.

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This article is for information only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or health practitioner before making changes to your diet or supplement routine.

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