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Fertility Testing Services in Chicago

Fertility testing is often the first step for individuals and couples who are having difficulty conceiving or have concerns about their fertility. It provides important information about what may be affecting conception and helps guide next steps in care. While the process can feel uncertain at first, fertility testing is designed to give you clearer answers and a better understanding of your options moving forward.

At Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, we offer a comprehensive range of fertility services for individuals and couples, including bloodwork, ultrasounds, semen analysis, and more. We're committed to guiding you through this process with a combination of world-class diagnostic tools and personalized care. We encourage you to schedule an evaluation with us today so we can help you gain a better understanding of your fertility and confidently take the next steps toward growing your family.

Fertility Testing for Women

Assessing female fertility involves several key tests, including:

  • Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Testing: This test measures hormone levels to estimate ovarian reserve and indicate egg production.
  • Transvaginal Ultrasound: This procedure provides a visual assessment of the ovaries and uterus, helping to identify any abnormalities.
  • Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): This test involves injecting a dye into the uterus to evaluate the fallopian tubes for blockages.
  • Hormone Testing: This includes tests for Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Estradiol, Progesterone, and Thyroid hormones. These tests evaluate ovulation patterns and hormonal balance.
  • Saline Sonogram (Sonohysterogram): This specialized ultrasound is used to assess the uterine cavity for polyps or fibroids.

Collectively, these tests provide valuable insights into a woman's fertility potential. For more information, please visit our Female Fertility Testing page.

Fertility Testing for Men

To assess male fertility, a semen analysis is typically the first step. This test evaluates the quantity and quality of sperm, including motility (movement), morphology (shape), and concentration. Hormone testing is also conducted to evaluate levels of essential hormones such as testosterone and luteinizing hormone, which are vital for sperm production. A fertility specialist may also perform a physical exam to identify any anatomical issues or medical conditions that could affect fertility.

For more detailed information about these tests, please visit our Male Fertility Testing page.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing provides future parents with valuable insights into the genetic health of their embryos before implantation. This process can help detect chromosomal abnormalities or inherited genetic conditions, leading to more informed choices about pregnancy.

There are different types of preimplantation genetic testing available, including Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A), which looks for general chromosomal issues, and Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Conditions (PGT-M), which focuses on specific genetic disorders, as well as Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements (PGT-SR), which screens embryos for structural chromosomal abnormalities. 

For further details about genetic testing, please check our Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) page.

Your Fertility Evaluation: What to Expect

At Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, we prioritize compassionate care in a safe environment. During your first fertility evaluation, you can expect:

  • A thorough review of your medical history
  • Discussions about your family goals
  • Initial examinations or tests to gather valuable information (bloodwork, semen analysis, etc.)
  • A clear explanation of findings and recommended next steps

To prepare for the visit, it’s helpful to bring any relevant medical records, track your menstrual cycles, and note any medications or supplements you're currently taking. This evaluation is a collaborative and informative process, designed to provide clarity and help guide the next steps of your fertility journey with care.

Understanding Fertility Testing Costs

Fertility testing costs vary based on several factors, including the specific tests required and whether both partners are being evaluated. Depending on your insurance plan, some diagnostic tests may be covered, while others could result in deductibles or out-of-pocket expenses.

Our financial team will review your insurance benefits and provide an outline of expected costs before proceeding. Additionally, we offer resources to help patients understand their financing options and insurance coverage.

For more detailed information, please visit our pages on Fertility Treatment Costs, Financing, and Insurance Coverage.

Fertility Testing FAQs

  • Fertility testing is a series of medical evaluations and procedures that help assess an individual's or couple's ability to conceive. This process typically involves blood tests to assess hormone levels, imaging techniques such as ultrasounds, and physical examinations. For women, tests primarily focus on ovarian reserve and fallopian tube condition, while tests for male fertility generally assess sperm count and motility. These tests help identify underlying issues that may affect fertility, guiding couples toward appropriate treatment options.

  • A fertility evaluation is recommended if you've been trying to conceive for over a year without success, or six months if you're over 35. Other situations that warrant an evaluation include irregular menstrual cycles, a history of fertility issues, previous miscarriages, or if you or your partner has known health conditions that could affect fertility. Consulting a healthcare provider early can help identify underlying issues and guide you toward the next steps in growing your family.

  • A fertility evaluation typically includes a thorough medical history review, physical examinations, and various tests to assess reproductive health. For women, this may involve blood tests to check hormone levels, pelvic ultrasounds, and possibly a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to evaluate the fallopian tubes. For men, a semen analysis is often conducted to assess sperm count, motility, and morphology. Additionally, both partners may undergo genetic testing and lifestyle assessments to identify any factors that could affect fertility.

  • Some fertility assessments, like blood tests and semen analysis, can be completed fairly quickly. However, other evaluations may need to be scheduled at specific times throughout the menstrual cycle. Overall, the entire evaluation process typically spans a few weeks. Once the results are ready, your doctor will go over them with you and outline the recommended next steps.

  • To prepare for a fertility evaluation, patients should gather their medical history, including information on prior pregnancies, menstrual cycles, and health conditions. If a fertility specialist recommends a semen analysis, men may be asked to abstain from ejaculation for a short period before the appointment. Both partners should also prepare any questions they would like to ask the fertility specialist to make the most of their visit. Your care team will ensure that you understand exactly what you need to do to prepare for the evaluation.

  • Some insurance plans cover basic diagnostic fertility tests, but may not cover more advanced testing or treatments. Our financial counselors will review your specific plan and explain the potential costs, allowing you to assess your options before proceeding with care.

  • Yes. Since both men and women can contribute to fertility issues, couples often undergo fertility testing together.

  • Once you complete your fertility testing, your fertility specialist will review the results, explain their significance, and answer any questions you may have. Depending on the findings, the next steps may involve lifestyle changes, ovulation monitoring, medication, IUI, IVF, or fertility preservation. No matter your unique needs, Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago is dedicated to creating a clear, personalized treatment plan.

  • At Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, we're proud to provide inclusive fertility testing services for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Whether your family-building goals involve donor sperm, donor eggs, gestational surrogacy, or reciprocal IVF, our team is here to provide comprehensive, supportive care.

  • Yes. If you're interested in freezing eggs or sperm, it's important to undergo fertility testing. Ovarian reserve testing, hormone evaluation, and semen analysis will help determine the best strategy and timeline for the process.

Schedule a Fertility Evaluation in Chicago

Whether you're just starting on your fertility journey or are looking for answers, Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago is here to help you better understand your reproductive health. Our experienced team offers comprehensive fertility testing for individuals and couples in Chicago, along with world-class treatments.

With convenient locations in Downers Grove, Gurnee, Chicago - River North, and Arlington Heights, we make it easy to access advanced fertility care close to home. Schedule your fertility evaluation today using our convenient self scheduler to gain clarity, confidence, and a customized plan tailored specifically for you.