Fertility Tests

Fertility tests are not about labels or blame — they’re about understanding what’s happening in your body and your partner’s. At Bay IVF, we use testing to give you meaningful answers and build a plan tailored to you. Diagnostic testing helps reveal hormone levels, ovulation status, structural conditions, and sperm function.

Call/Text for Your Fertility Evaluation

What to Expect at Your First Visit

From the moment you call us, we approach your situation with empathy and clarity.

Review & history: We’ll explore your medical, fertility, and lifestyle history.
Short-form tests: We’ll guide you through blood work, ultrasound, or semen analysis — depending on your profile.
Transparent explanation: You’ll get a clear summary of what’s been found, what still needs evaluation, and how it affects your treatment options.

Typical Tests We Use — Always Tailored to Your Situation And Goals

For male partners

Semen analysis: Sperm count, motility, morphology, etc.

We use your semen assessment to guide us in selecting the optimal method for semen preparation in your fertility treatment.

For ovulation and ovarian reserve

Egg quality is the most important factor in determining the female fertility potential.

During your initial visit to Bay IVF, you will have an ultrasound examination of your ovaries to determine the number of antral follicles. The number of antral follicles is closely related to the quality of the eggs.

The Ovarian Reserve Assay assesses the likelihood that high-quality eggs can be produced. It consists of the measurement of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), estradiol (estrogen, E2), and Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) blood levels.

Most women will have normal results of the Ovarian Reserve Assay. An abnormal result does not necessarily mean that you cannot get pregnant with your own eggs. If the test results are abnormal, we typically recommend repeating the test.

For uterine factors

We use saline ultrasound to assess the endometrial cavity of your uterus.

Your endometrial cavity must be free of polyps, scarring, and myomas (fibroids) before any treatment can be initiated. The presence of any of these structures inside the uterus could significantly compromise the likelihood of embryo implantation.

This ultrasound image shows a normal endometrial cavity.

Why These Tests Are Important

They illuminate your fertility profile: how your ovaries, sperm, and reproductive organs are functioning.
They help us build your personalized treatment plan (whether it’s a simpler treatment or advanced options like IVF).
They reduce surprise changes mid-treatment, helping you save time, cost, and emotional stress.
They provide realistic insight — for example, ovarian reserve tests (AMH/FSH) give us clues about egg quality; uterine imaging reveals structural issues.

What to Keep in Mind

A normal result is not a guarantee — and an abnormal result is not a sentence. Testing is a roadmap, not a verdict.
Some tests may require preparation (e.g., specific cycle days or medication pause). We’ll guide you every step.
Both male and female factors matter — we evaluate the whole couple, not just one side.
Lifestyle & timing still influence outcomes — testing helps us tailor your plan, but your journey is more than labs.

How We Move Forward Together

After your testing:

We review results together in a consultation with Dr. Polansky.
We discuss whether further testing is needed.
We recommend a personalized roadmap — including next steps, timelines, and costs.
You still control your pace — we’ll support you when you’re ready.

Call or text to schedule your fertility assessment and testing consultation.

Call or Text 650 322 0500

Frequently Asked Fertility Testing Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about fertility testing. A more comprehensive FAQ selection is available on the FAQ page.

Semen evaluation

Ovarian reserve testing

Evaluation of the uterus (sonohysterogram)

Testing required by the State of California and the FDA.

If you have already completed some of these required prerequisites, they may not need to be repeated.

All the prerequisite tests can be completed in a very short time. It usually takes only 1-2 clinic visits.

The prerequisite tests are painless, although you may experience mild cramping during the uterine evaluation.

Most of the test results are available immediately or on the same day. The State and the FDA blood tests can take up to 1-2 weeks.

Sonohysterogram (saline ultrasound, water ultrasound) is an essential part of the treatment prerequisites. It evaluates the health of the endometrial cavity.

All future parents should consider genetic screening for the 100 most common genetic diseases. Please let us know at your initial appointment at Bay IVF if you would like your blood sample sent for genetic screening.

Typically, carriers are healthy individuals, but when two parents are carriers of the same genetic disease, they can have a child affected with it.

Meet Your Doctor

Dr. Polansky received his medical diploma from Charles University in Prague, the Czech Republic, in 1978.
After completing his OB/GYN residency at Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, MO, he graduated from the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) fellowship at Stanford University in 1985.
In the same year, he co-founded the Stanford IVF Clinic.
Dr. Polansky obtained board certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1986 and became REI subspecialty board certified in 1988.
In 1987, he left Stanford University and established Nova IVF.
In 2011, he founded Bay IVF, where he provides advanced fertility treatments with a holistic approach, utilizing state-of-the-art techniques.
Dr. Polansky personally performs ultrasound examinations, egg retrievals, embryo transfers, and ovarian and endometrial stimulations for his patients.
He is deeply committed to his patients and is always ready to lend a helping hand.

Frank Polansky, M.D.

Initial Appointment Questions

When you call to schedule your consultation, one of our Front Office Coordinators will ask you a short series of simple questions regarding your reproductive history. You will also have an opportunity to ask any financial questions.

This is Erica

She will be providing you with exceptional support throughout your treatment journey at Bay IVF.

Listen to a typical conversation between Erica and a new patient.

This is Nisha

Your invaluable resource for effortlessly managing your appointments at Bay IVF.

Your Initial Visit at Bay IVF

A new patient appointment at a fertility clinic can be stressful. Our goal is to make your initial visit as friendly and relaxing as possible. We encourage you to ask questions at every step of the process to make you feel comfortable and informed.

When You Arrive

You will be welcomed by one of the clinic’s receptionists. One of our nurses will measure your height and weight and take your blood pressure.

Meet Your Doctor

Dr. Polansky will ask you a series of clarifying questions and then provide you with a summary of the factors contributing to your infertility.

Ask Your Questions

You will then have a discussion with him about the most suitable reproductive treatment(s) for you. During this time, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Exam Room

One of the nurses will escort you to an examination room. Your examination will begin with listening to your lungs and heart.

Ultrasound of the Ovaries

The next step is a pelvic ultrasound to examine the uterus and ovaries. This ultrasound will help determine the number of antral follicles present within the ovaries.

Financial Part

After that, you will discuss the financial aspects of your treatment with one of the financial advisors, including potential financing options.

Support 24/7

If you have any questions after leaving the clinic, please feel free to reach out to us by phone, text, or email. Open and discreet communication is an integral part of the care we provide at Bay IVF.

What About Time?

Your entire visit is expected to last approximately one hour.