One of the biggest questions women have while facing infertility is when to take that first step to seek help. It’s a common misconception that you have to spend years of trying on your own before seeing a specialist. In fact, many may not know there are different guidelines dependent on your age and previous healthy history that can help determine when to see a specialist.
If you are under the age of 35: For couples who have been trying to conceive for one year without success, it’s recommended to schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist. The average woman typically has a 20-25% chance of achieving pregnancy each month. If a healthy, fertile couple has not achieved pregnancy within 12 months, they may be experiencing fertility issues. Having an evaluation can be helpful to ensure that there aren’t any barriers impacting your chances of conceiving, and to help you understand what treatments may be best for you.
If you are over the age of 35: For those who have been trying to conceive for six months or more without success, seeking help is recommended. As women age, the chance of conceiving begins to decrease. For women over age 35, this is when success rates start to sharply decline, which is why a shorter timeframe is suggested before seeking help. Treatment options can range from IUI, which is generally less aggressive, to IVF, which boasts superior success rates. Having fertility testing is suggested to determine the best course of treatment for you.
If you are over the age of 40: For women over the age of 40, a consultation is recommended at any point, as this is when chances of natural conception are low. A fertility workup can help determine general egg quality and success rates of natural conception, as well as give a fertility specialist an idea of which treatment option may be best for you.
If you have a pre-existing health condition: Women who have a history of recurrent pregnancy loss or a previously established fertility or endocrine disorder such as endometriosis, PCOS, or past tubal ligation can be referred outside of the parameters listed above.
The most important thing to remember is that if you are having trouble conceiving, you are not alone! Our caring team of fertility specialists can help.