Reproductive Health

Reproductive Health Tests give a clear view of sexual and fertility wellness for women and men. These labs check for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), assess hormone balance, confirm ovulation or sperm status, and review preconception factors like thyroid function and immunity. Because issues can overlap—irregular cycles, PCOS, low testosterone, thyroid shifts, or silent infections—a proactive testing plan helps you find answers early and track progress over time.

A smart starting point pairs a routine sexual health screen with labs tailored to your goals: fertility and cycle timing(progesterone, AMH, day-3 FSH/LH/estradiol), male hormone and semen context (testosterone, LH/FSH, prolactin; semen analysis ordered separately), thyroid (TSH), and metabolic health (A1c, lipids, CMP). These tests support screeningdiagnostic triage, and monitoring, but they do not replace a clinician’s exam, imaging, or emergency care.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Cycle & ovulation: irregular or absent periods, short cycles, mid-cycle spotting, uncertain ovulation timing

  • PCOS-type clues: acne, unwanted hair growth, scalp hair thinning, weight gain, insulin resistance

  • Male sexual health: low libido, fewer morning erections, erectile difficulties, fatigue

  • Infection symptoms/exposure: discharge, burning with urination, pelvic/testicular pain, genital sores, known exposure

  • Preconception planning: checking immunity, thyroid, iron status; reviewing STI risk before trying to conceive

  • Systemic hints: cold or heat intolerance, palpitations, unexplained weight change, hair loss (thyroid context)

  • Seek urgent care now: severe pelvic or testicular pain, fever with pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of ectopic pregnancy

All symptoms and risks should be evaluated by a qualified clinician.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Detect STIs that can be silent yet affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes

  • Confirm or clarify ovulation and estimate ovarian reserve to guide planning

  • Identify endocrine contributors (thyroid, prolactin, androgens, testosterone) to cycle or sexual symptoms

  • Provide whole-health context (A1c, lipids, CBC/CMP) that influences reproductive outcomes

  • Monitor trends after lifestyle or clinical changes

What testing cannot do

  • Diagnose structural problems (blocked tubes, endometriosis, varicocele) without imaging

  • Guarantee pregnancy or sexual performance based on a single value

  • Replace partner testing, pelvic exam, semen analysis, or clinician judgment

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • STI screening (sample type varies): chlamydia/gonorrhea NAAT (urine or swab), trichomonas NAATHIV 4th-generationsyphilis (RPR/treponemal), hepatitis B surface antigenhepatitis C antibodyHSV-1/2 type-specific IgG.

  • Female fertility & hormones: Progesterone (mid-luteal) to confirm ovulation; AMH for ovarian reserve; day-3 FSH/LH/estradiolprolactinTSH ± Free T4androgens (total/free testosterone, DHEA-SSHBG) when PCOS is suspected.

  • Male hormones & context: Morning total testosteronefree T/SHBGLH/FSHprolactin, ± estradiol (sensitive)Semen analysis is ordered separately and is essential in a couple’s work-up.

  • Preconception & general health: CBCiron studies (ferritin, iron/TIBC), CMPA1c/fasting glucoselipid panelvitamin Dimmunity titers (e.g., rubella/varicella) per clinician direction.

  • Pregnancy status: hCG when pregnancy is possible.

Testing windows matter: Some infections need repeat testing after recent exposure; timing for progesterone is ~7 days before the expected period (or 7 days after ovulation).

Quick Build Guide

Goal / Scenario Start with Add if needed
Routine sexual health screen Chlamydia/Gonorrhea NAAT • HIV 4th-gen • Syphilis • Hep B • Hep C Trichomonas NAAT • HSV-1/2 IgG
Preconception readiness Type & Screen (clinician-directed) • CBC • Ferritin/Iron • TSH • Rubella/Varicella IgG • STI screen A1c • Vitamin D • Urine culture
Irregular cycles/PCOS question TSH • Prolactin • AMH Day-3 FSH/LH/E2 • Total/Free T • DHEA-S • SHBG • A1c/Insulin • Lipids
Confirm ovulation Progesterone (mid-luteal) LH urine kits (home) for timing (context)
Male libido/ED or fertility context AM Total T • Free T/SHBG • LH/FSH • Prolactin Estradiol (sensitive) • A1c • Lipids
Symptoms of infection Targeted NAAT and serology per exposure Urinalysis/urine culture • Vaginitis NAAT panel (clinician-collected)
After a recent exposure Initial STI screen Repeat testing per window periods (clinician-guided)

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Pick your pathway: choose STI screeningfertility hormonesmale hormone panel, and preconception labsbased on your goals.

  2. Prepare correctly: most tests do not require fasting. Avoid urinating for at least 1 hour before a urine NAAT. Do not douche before a vaginal swab.

  3. Provide samples: standard blood drawurine, and/or swab depending on the panel.

  4. Review results securely: most post within a few days to your account.

  5. Plan next steps: combine results with your clinician’s evaluation; schedule imaging, pelvic exam, semen analysis, or vaccinations as needed.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • Positive STI result: needs clinical follow-up, partner notification, and retesting to confirm clearance per guidance.

  • Progesterone pattern consistent with ovulation: confirms timing; align intercourse or treatment accordingly.

  • AMH/day-3 FSH/E2: estimate ovarian reserve; useful for planning but not a direct predictor of natural conception.

  • Abnormal TSH or prolactin: can disrupt cycles or sexual function—discuss evaluation.

  • Low morning testosterone (men): repeat AM and interpret with LH/FSH to localize cause.

  • A1c/lipids off-range: metabolic factors can affect reproductive outcomes; trend after changes.
    Always interpret patterns with a qualified healthcare professional; trends and context matter more than one value.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Core sexual health panel: Chlamydia/Gonorrhea NAAT • HIV 4th-gen • Syphilis • Hep B • Hep C

  • Female fertility panel: AMH • Day-3 FSH/LH/E2 • Mid-luteal Progesterone • TSH • Prolactin

  • Male hormone panel: AM Total T • Free T/SHBG • LH/FSH • Prolactin

  • Preconception panel: CBC • Ferritin/Iron • TSH • Rubella/Varicella IgG • STI screen (± A1c • Vitamin D)

  • Targeted add-ons: Trichomonas NAAT • HSV-1/2 IgG • DHEA-S • 17-OH-Progesterone • A1c/Insulin • Lipids • CMP
    Use bundled panels for efficient screening; add single markers to answer specific questions.

FAQs

Which tests should I start with for routine sexual health?
Most adults start with chlamydia/gonorrhea NAATHIV 4th-gensyphilishepatitis B/C, and add trichomonas based on risk.

How soon after exposure can I test?
Detection windows vary by infection. Many people test now and repeat in the recommended window. Ask your clinician about timing.

Do I need to fast?
No for most tests. Fast only if your panel includes fasting glucose/insulin or lipids.

Blood vs. urine vs. swab—what’s best?
It depends on the infection. NAATs use urine or swabsHIV/syphilis/hepatitis use blood.

Can labs diagnose PCOS by themselves?
No. They highlight androgen and metabolic patterns. Diagnosis uses clinical criteria and sometimes ultrasound.

Do these tests replace a Pap/HPV test or semen analysis?
No. Those are separate evaluations and may be recommended by your clinician.

Are my results private?
Yes. Results are delivered securely to your account. Share them with your clinician for next steps.

Related Categories & Key Tests

  • Pregnancy & Fertility Tests Hub

  • Women’s Infertility Tests • Male Infertility Tests • Prenatal Health Tests • Reproductive Hormone Tests • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) • Infection STD Tests

  • Key Tests: Chlamydia/Gonorrhea NAAT • Trichomonas NAAT • HIV 4th-generation • Syphilis (RPR/treponemal) • Hepatitis B Surface Antigen • Hepatitis C Antibody • HSV-1/2 IgG (type-specific) • AMH • Day-3 FSH/LH/Estradiol • Mid-luteal Progesterone • Prolactin • TSH ± Free T4 • Total Testosterone (AM) • Free Testosterone • SHBG • LH • FSH • DHEA-S • 17-Hydroxyprogesterone • A1c • Lipid Panel • CBC • CMP • Ferritin • Iron/TIBC • Vitamin D • hCG

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — STI Screening Recommendations for Adults and Adolescents.
  • U.S. Preventive Services Task Force — Screening for STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis).
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Well-Woman and Preconception Care; PCOS and thyroid guidance.
  • American Society for Reproductive Medicine — Fertility evaluation of women and men; recurrent pregnancy loss guidance.
  • Endocrine Society — Clinical guidelines on androgen disorders and testosterone deficiency.
  • World Health Organization — Sexual and reproductive health testing and prevention resources.
  • Clinical reviews on ovulation testing, AMH/FSH interpretation, and timing of post-exposure STI testing.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Reproductive Health Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Use filters to build the right bundle—STI screeningfemale fertility hormonesmale hormone checks, and preconception labs—then add individual markers as needed. Follow collection instructions (including urine/swab prep) and review results with your clinician to align labs with exams, imaging, and next steps.

We often think about reproductive health as completely separate from the rest of our bodily functions. However, issues with our reproductive organs can have a serious effect on the rest of our health.

Paying attention to our reproductive health starts early, too. Among single teens aged 15-19, 41.6% of females and 37.5% of males have engaged in sexual intercourse at least once. Engaging in sexual intercourse can open us up to pregnancy and many types of infections and conditions.

Using reproductive health lab tests to screen our health is an important part of our health regimen, read on. 

What is Sexual and Reproductive Health?

Reproductive health is all health that is related to our reproductive organs. Checking our reproductive organ health can help make sure we haven't developed any adverse health conditions. We can keep our reproductive abilities in top shape and keep sexual relations enjoyable.

When we check in on our reproductive health, we are checking on our physical, mental, and social well-being. We should have a safe and satisfying sex life that can result in pregnancy if we choose.

Good reproductive health comes from education and resources as well as routine physical exams and tests.

There are so many conditions that can affect reproductive health that it can be hard to keep track of everything. In general, reproductive health can be affected by:

  • Fertility issues
  • Infections and diseases
  • Cancer
  • Disorders

Educating yourself about the most common conditions, the risk factors, and the causes will help you keep an eye on your health.

Causes and Risk Factors for Reproductive Health Issues

Reproductive health issues are vast and so are their causes. Conditions can come from sexual violence, genetic predisposition, or lifestyle choices. Because women have much more complicated reproductive systems, they should get checked more regularly than men.

In general, men and women who have active sex lives should get checked regularly for infections and diseases, also known as STDs and STIs.

As for fertility issues, people are more likely to have difficulty conceiving if they've had long-term undiagnosed health issues, have had an abortion, or are genetically more predisposed to infertility.

Certain pre-existing disorders, such as PCOS and endometriosis, are also very common genetic and reproductive health issues. Cancer is also a common issue that everyone should test for regularly.

Sexual violence can cause physical harm to reproductive organs and serious mental, emotional, and social stress.

Overall, everyone from any walk of life should be concerned with their reproductive health and be proactive about checking for signs of issues.

Signs and Symptoms of Reproductive Health Issues

For men and women, there can be some obvious signs and more subtle signs that you have a reproductive health issue. Physically, you could notice changes in feeling or visually. Mentally, you could notice changes in behavior and emotions. 

If you have been sexually pressured, assaulted, or battered in any way, immediately contact authorities, a counselor, or a health care professional. Sexual violence can cause you serious physical and mental harm that you should address promptly.

Reproductive health issues can cause a wide range of symptoms, many of which can regularly occur due to other issues. There are some other more special concerns, however, that point to reproductive issues. Take notice if you are experiencing changes in physical health, such as:

  • Pain or discomfort in areas of reproductive organs
  • Unusual discharge
  • Frequent urination or urgency
  • Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
  • Unusual menstrual cycles
  • Difficulties with fertility
  • Changes in skin, hair, and nails

You should also take notice if you're experiencing mental changes, such as:

  • Mood swings
  • Brain fog and fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • PTSD

Taking note of the changes in your physical and mental health can help you notice reproductive health issues and seek a diagnosis faster.

How Are Reproductive Health Issues Diagnosed?

Exams by physicians will entail a verbal discussion about your history and lifestyle so that risk factors can be identified. Physicians will also conduct physical exams that check for outward signs of a problem. Physical exams will include:

  • Checking for skin and hair changes
  • Feeling the abdomen for protrusions, enlargements, or tenderness
  • Looking at the genital area
  • Checking for lumps in areas typically vulnerable to cancer
  • Performing more invasive exams that check organs internally

If a physician notices any changes or has any concerns, they will likely prescribe further reproductive health tests.

Common Reproductive Health Lab Tests

Many times, health care professionals might advise you to get an ultrasound test. Ultrasounds can help check organs without physically entering your body. With these exams, professionals will check for enlargements or damage to organs or even pregnancy.

Regarding sexual health lab tests, STDs and STIs are commonly tested for with swabs, urine tests and blood tests. Doctors can check for cancer with scrapes, swabs, ultrasounds, blood tests, and other exams.

If you're worried about fertility, reproductive health testing can be performed by giving sperm samples or taking blood tests. A fertility test will be able to pinpoint your issue.

Blood tests are the best way to get samples of the levels of antibodies, sex hormones, and other indicators in your system. Blood tests can test for almost any reproductive health condition you could have, making them the most versatile and accessible way to keep track of your sexual and reproductive health.

Reproductive health blood tests are available for you to buy from Ulta Lab Tests without the need for health insurance or referrals from a doctor. You'll get secure and confidential results with affordable pricing, 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

Monitor Your Reproductive Health

If you're concerned about your reproductive health, but you're embarrassed or don't have access to a physician right away, you can take control by ordering a reproductive health lab test. These sexual health tests range with a wide variety of to help you find issues with your reproductive health.

Ulta Lab Tests offers tests that are highly accurate and reliable so you can make informed decisions about your health. Order a reproductive health blood test now and get results within 1-2 days for most tests.