When Should You Consult A Fertility Expert?

What was the first answer that came to mind when you read this?

In general, based on my interactions with those who come to me for consultation, couples tend to wait for around 2 or 3 years after they actively start planning for a family. If they are unable to get pregnant even after 3 years, they tend to consider going to a fertility consultant.

Did you know that this time span is longer than recommended?

The generally recommended time span is 1 year – i.e., if a couple is having regular intercourse for a full year but is unable to get pregnant, they should be looking to consult with a fertility expert to look at the possibility of any issues that need resolution.

1. The couple, especially the woman, is over 35 years of age. This is because the quality of our eggs and sperms tend to decline with age and this may be a reason as to why the couple’s efforts are not resulting in pregnancy.
2. If the woman has had irregular menstrual cycles (with the gap between each cycle lasting for more than 35 days) for more than 6 months at a strength. The woman would then need to check if there are any issues with her uterus / ovaries that are hindering her pregnancy.  
3. If the man or woman has had surgery in their testes / ovaries or treatment involving chemotherapy or radiation in the past. This is because the surgery / radiation treatment could have impacted the reproductive organs in some way.  

Please remember, not every couple who is facing difficulties in getting pregnant will have to go for IVF immediately. The doctor will first have to pinpoint the root cause behind the inability to get pregnant and then advise on a course of treatment that is best suited for them.

The good news is that many couples have become much more forthright about their need for help and are open about sharing their issues with the doctor. This helps us doctors, in turn, gain a good picture of their case history and help them accordingly. All that couples need do is be aware of when help may be needed, and reach out for it.