When Should I Call a Fertility Specialist?

When should I seek fertility help? This is a common question couples ask when trying to determine how long to “let nature take its course,” versus seeking medical intervention. The answer varies, depending on age and medical history. However, typically if you are under 35 and have participated in unprotected intercourse for 12+ months with no resulting pregnancy, an infertility evaluation should be your next step. At age 35+, an infertility evaluation should be considered sooner, after 3-6 months of trying to conceive unsuccessfully. A history of irregular or painful periods, miscarriage, STD’s, or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease also indicates the need to seek out a fertility specialist within a few months of unsuccessful conception.

An infertility evaluation can usually identify the contributing factors quickly and easily.  35-40% of infertility is related to female factors, and 35% is related to male factors. The remaining portion is a combination of male and female factors.

Common female factor infertility conditions include:

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Decreased Ovarian Reserve
• Recurrent Miscarriages
• Hormonal Disorders
• Fibroids
• Radiation or Chemotherapy-related effects

Common male factor infertility conditions include:

• Varicocele
• Sperm irregularity (motility, morphology, or count)
• Testicular blockage

Seeking treatment sooner vs. later is key,  as a woman’s egg quality and quantity declines around 35 years of age, and continues to quickly decline as she approaches 40.  Fortunately, in women age 34 or younger, preliminary “low-tech” treatment options such as intrauterine insemination and/or hormone-regulating medication, are extremely effective and economical.  For women age 35+, or with certain medical conditions who require a “high-tech” treatment option, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is resulting in higher pregnancy rates than ever, thanks to ongoing technological improvements in our laboratory equipment and protocols.