The World Health Organization estimates that 1 out of every 6 reproductive-aged individuals will experience infertility at some point in their lifetime. Infertility can take on many different forms and can be attributed to a variety of male and female reproductive factors, including lifestyle and medical conditions.
Knowing when to seek help for infertility can depend on various factors, including age, how long you’ve been trying to conceive, any known fertility issues, and personal preferences. If any of these scenarios sound familiar, it may be time to consider seeking help from a fertility specialist.
If you’re over 35 and have been trying to conceive for six months or if you’re under 35 years old and have been trying for a year, it may be time to figure out why your efforts have not yet resulted in a pregnancy.
If you or your partner have known fertility issues such as irregular periods, previous reproductive health issues, or a history of conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it may be wise to seek help to diagnose the causes and seek treatment.
If you’ve experienced multiple miscarriages, it’s important to consult a fertility specialist to identify potential underlying causes and explore treatment options. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious about your fertility journey, seeking support from a fertility specialist or counselor can be beneficial.
If you’ve been using contraception for an extended period and haven’t conceived within a few months after discontinuing it, it may be time to seek help to rule out any potential fertility issues that may be preventing you and/or your partner from achieving pregnancy.
Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, or certain medications can impact fertility. If you have concerns about how these factors may be affecting your ability to conceive, discussing them with a fertility specialist is advisable.
If you’re planning for a family in the future but not ready yet, consulting with a fertility specialist can help you explore options such as egg freezing and fertility preservation, allowing you to plan strategically for your family-building goals.
Whether you are trying to grow your family now or in the future, consulting with a fertility specialist can help you feel confident about your next steps forward. A fertility specialist can help you answer important questions about your path to parenthood, such as: