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Fertility Testing Services in the San Francisco Bay Area

Fertility testing is often the first step toward understanding your reproductive health. Whether you've been trying to conceive for months, have a medical history that raises questions, or simply want insight into your reproductive health before you're ready to start a family, a fertility evaluation gives you a foundation of personalized information to build on.

At Pacific Fertility Center (PFC), we offer fertility testing and evaluation services in the San Francisco Bay Area for individuals and couples at every stage of their journey. For couples, testing may focus on one or both partners, depending on your specific situation and goals. When additional evaluation outside our areas of specialty is needed, our team can help coordinate referrals to the appropriate provider.

With more than 40 years of experience, award-winning fertility specialists, and two convenient clinic locations serving San Francisco and Marin County, PFC has become one of the region's most trusted destinations for fertility care. If you’re ready to learn more about your reproductive health, we encourage you to schedule a fertility evaluation with our team.

Fertility Testing for Women

Understanding female fertility involves looking into several key aspects of the reproductive system, including ovulation, hormone levels, ovarian reserve, and anatomy.

Common fertility tests for women may include:

  • AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) Testing: A blood test used to estimate ovarian reserve (the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries).
  • Transvaginal Ultrasound: An imaging exam that helps providers visually assess the ovaries and uterus. 
  • Fallopian Tube Evaluation: Tests such as hysterosalpingography (HSG) and hysterosalpingo-foam sonography (HyFoSy) can be used to evaluate whether the fallopian tubes are open. PFC typically performs HyFoSy onsite, while an HSG may be ordered at an outside facility when appropriate.
  • Saline Sonogram (Sonohysterogram): A specialized ultrasound used to check for structural abnormalities inside the uterine cavity.
  • Hormone Testing (FSH, LH, Estradiol, Progesterone, Thyroid): Bloodwork measuring the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and drive ovulation.

Not every test is necessary for every patient. Your PFC specialist will recommend a personalized evaluation based on your history, symptoms, and family-building goals. To learn more, visit our Female Fertility Testing page.

Fertility Testing for Men

A complete fertility evaluation often includes testing for the male partner, as sperm health and other male factors can contribute to difficulty conceiving. At PFC, initial male fertility testing typically begins with a semen analysis, which evaluates sperm count, motility (movement), morphology (shape), and overall semen quality.

Depending on the results, additional evaluation may include hormone testing, a physical examination, genetic testing, or other assessments. Because PFC physicians do not specialize in male-factor infertility, patients who need further evaluation are typically referred to a urologist who specializes in male reproductive health.

To learn more about male fertility evaluation and when specialized testing may be recommended, visit our Male Fertility Testing page.

Genetic Testing

At Pacific Fertility Center, genetic testing is available for patients who create embryos as part of their fertility treatment. This type of testing looks at the genetic makeup of embryos before implantation to identify certain chromosomal or inherited conditions that could affect development or pregnancy outcomes. Our team may recommend genetic testing based on factors like age, personal or family history, or prior pregnancy outcomes.

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) at PFC may include:

  • PGT-A, which screens embryos for the correct number of chromosomes
  • PGT-M, which screens embryos for specific inherited genetic disorders
  • PGT-SR, which screens embryos for structural abnormalities of chromosomes

Your Fertility Evaluation: What to Expect

At Pacific Fertility Center, your first fertility evaluation is designed to be collaborative and tailored to you. This is a time for you to share your story and for our team to listen and start shaping a path forward, together. 

During your visit, you can expect:

  • A review of your medical and reproductive history, including any prior pregnancies, menstrual cycle patterns, past treatments, or health conditions that may be relevant
  • An open discussion of your family-building goals, your timeline, and what you're hoping to achieve
  • Initial diagnostic steps, which may include bloodwork, imaging, or other testing
  • Time to ask questions and discuss possible next steps with your care team

To help make the most of your visit, we suggest:

  • Pulling together any prior fertility test results or relevant medical records before your appointment
  • Keeping track of your recent menstrual cycles or noting any irregularities you've observed
  • Writing down the medications and supplements you currently take
  • Bringing your insurance card and a photo ID
  • Inviting your partner or a support person, if applicable 

Our goal is simple: to make sure you leave your first visit with the information and direction you need to move forward with confidence.

Understanding Fertility Testing Costs

Fertility testing costs can vary depending on which evaluations are necessary for your care. To help you plan ahead, our Financial Counselors verify your insurance benefits before your first appointment and walk you through coverage, out-of-pocket costs, and financing options if needed. For more information, visit our pages on costs, insurance coverage, and financing options.

Fertility Testing FAQs

  • Fertility testing refers to a series of diagnostic evaluations used to understand how the reproductive system is functioning. It may include bloodwork, imaging, and laboratory testing for one or both partners if applicable. These assessments can help identify factors that may be impacting your ability to conceive and inform the next steps in your care.

  • Experts typically recommend seeking a fertility evaluation after 12 months of trying to conceive without success, or after 6 months if you are over 35. If you have a known medical condition that impacts fertility, irregular cycles, or have experienced prior pregnancy loss, your provider may recommend fertility testing earlier. Fertility testing can also be a proactive step for those who aren't ready to start a family yet, but would like to do so in the future.

  • A fertility evaluation typically begins with a detailed review of your medical history, followed by a conversation about your reproductive goals and circumstances. From there, your physician will recommend initial testing, which may include bloodwork to assess hormone levels, imaging to evaluate the reproductive organs, or a semen analysis if a male partner is involved. Your evaluation plan is tailored to your unique situation and can look different for each patient.

  • Some results may be available within a few days, while others can take several weeks, especially if testing needs to align with your menstrual cycle. Your care team will walk you through the expected timeline so you're never left wondering where things stand.

  • To make the most of your first visit, we recommend gathering any prior test results or medical records, noting your recent cycle patterns, and writing down any medications or supplements you're currently taking. It's also helpful to bring your insurance information and ID, and to consider whether you'd like your partner or a support person with you.

  • Coverage can vary significantly by plan and provider. Some diagnostic testing may be included in your plan, while other services may not be. Our financial counselors can help you understand your benefits and any potential out-of-pocket costs.

  • Yes. In many cases, fertility evaluation is recommended for both partners, as both male and female factors can contribute to difficulty conceiving. PFC can perform initial testing for both partners and may refer patients to an appropriate specialist when additional evaluation is needed.

  • Once your results are ready, your physician will review them with you in detail and answer any questions you have. From there, your care team will work with you to outline a personalized care plan. This may include additional testing, a treatment recommendation, a monitoring approach, or lifestyle suggestions, depending on what the findings show.

  • Yes. Pacific Fertility Center has been a leader in inclusive fertility care for decades, and we are proud to offer testing and treatment services for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. We'll build an evaluation around your specific needs and path to parenthood, whether that may include donor services, gestational surrogacy, or fertility preservation. To learn more, visit our LGBTQ+ Family Building page.

  • Yes. Before pursuing egg freezing, sperm banking, or other forms of preservation, testing is used to assess your current reproductive health and determine the most appropriate preservation strategy for your situation.

Schedule a Fertility Evaluation in the San Francisco Bay Area 

If you're ready to get answers, we're ready to help you find them. Pacific Fertility Center offers comprehensive fertility evaluations for individuals and couples at our clinics in San Francisco and Marin County, bringing award-winning reproductive care to patients throughout the Bay Area and beyond. No matter what brings you in or where you are in your journey, our team will make sure you leave with a clear picture of your reproductive health and a plan that's built around you. Schedule your fertility evaluation today and take the first step toward building the family you've been dreaming of.