When to get tested, what to expect, and what to look for in a fertility evaluation
If you’re looking for fertility testing in Seattle, our clinic offers a full fertility assessment. For people concerned about infertility, the first step is evaluation and testing to get a sense of your history, goals, and concerns. From there, your fertility specialist will discuss your results and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.
When Should I Get Fertility Testing in Seattle?
Couples without infertility usually conceive within a year of having consistent sex without contraception. However, age and certain medical conditions can make it harder to get pregnant, and may require treatment. In these cases, it’s important to get evaluated sooner rather than later, to provide you with the most options. Finally, some individuals seek fertility treatment for fertility preservation or assisted reproduction.
We encourage you to schedule fertility testing at our Seattle clinic if you have experienced any of the following:
- Inability to get pregnant after approximately 12 months of trying, at any age
- Inability to get pregnant after 6 months of trying, when the female partner is 35+
- Two or more miscarriages
- LGBTQ+ patients who wish to get pregnant and/or have biological children
- Interest in fertility preservation (freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos)
- Want to discuss future fertility options before seeking gender affirming hormone or surgical therapy
- Interest in genetic testing to prevent family genetic conditions
What Kinds of Tests Are Involved?
Fertility testing at our Seattle clinic typically consists of a detailed interview and assessment to learn your medical and family history, as well get to know you and your specific goals and concerns. The evaluation may also include:
Physical Examinations
These may include a pelvic exam (similar to your annual wellness exam) and a pelvic ultrasound.
Blood Work
Blood tests are used to rule out infection, evaluate ovarian reserve with the hormones FSH, estradiol, and AMH, and provide additional medical information.
Uterus Assessment
There are several ways to assess the uterus and fallopian tubes to look for blockages, uterine scarring, or any other challenges. These may include an ultrasound assessment, a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), a saline infusion sonogram, or a hysteroscopy.
Semen Analysis
After providing a semen sample in one of our private collection rooms, the sample is evaluated for: volume, concentration, motility (movement), and morphology (shape).
Depending on your specific history, your Seattle fertility specialist may offer additional tests. Once we have the results, we will review them with you thoroughly and use the information to develop a personalized care plan with you.
Our On-Site Lab Offers the Best in Quality and Convenience
PNWF’s Seattle clinic offers all fertility services on-site, from initial fertility testing to treatment. We built our state-of-the-art lab to provide our patients with the highest quality care as conveniently as possible. Many clinics outsource their lab services. While those services can be high quality, coordinating between different locations can be a hassle for patients, and introduces the possibility for error as samples are transported back and forth.
By performing all tests and fertility services on-site, we maintain the highest possible quality assurance standards at every point of your fertility journey. We strive to make your experience as smooth and convenient as possible.
From Fertility Testing to Treatment, We’re Here for You
Uncertainty can be one of the hardest parts of struggling with infertility. Fertility testing gives you the information you need to start discussing and deciding on a care plan. There are many paths towards fertility treatment, and they all start with getting a complete picture of your general and reproductive health.
To take your first step, schedule fertility testing in our Seattle clinic today.