In general, a couple should ask for a medical evaluation when trying for pregnancy with regular, free contacts for 12 months without success, as long as the woman is under 35 years old. If the woman is 35 years of age or older, Evaluation is recommended after 6 months of trying, while after 40 years the investigation should start immediately. This approach agrees with international guidelines for the investigation of infertility.
When to Visit Infertility Specialist
The decision to turn to an infertility specialist does not necessarily mean that there is a serious problem. Often, it is the first essential step to better understand your fertility, get proper guidance and avoid losing valuable time.
When you need more immediate evaluation
You don't always have to wait 6 or 12 months. Visiting a specialist is important earlier when there are factors that may affect fertility, such as unstable or absence of a period, a known history of endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, previous abdominal or ovarian surgeries, history of inflammation, miscarriages or previous failed attempts IVF.
Accordingly, the investigation also concerns the man. A test is useful when there is a known problem in sperm, a history of varicocele, surgeries, injuries, infections, hormonal disorders or difficulty in sexual function.
Why timely visits matter
Infertility does not have a single cause. It may be related to ovulation, fallopian tubes, sperm, uterus, age, hormonal factors or a combination of these. In several cases, the cause is not apparent without proper and organized control.
Early evaluation helps the couple get a clear picture and decide based on real data, not with anxiety or speculation. The goal is not always immediate IVF. The goal is to make the correct diagnosis and choose the appropriate plan: physical effort with guidance, pharmaceutical support, insemination, in vitro fertilization or some more specialized approach, depending on the case.
Don't wait to get exhausted psychologically
Many couples are slow to ask for help, either because they hope it "it's going to happen on its own," or because they're afraid of the process. But visiting a specialist is not a sign of failure. It is an act of care, information and responsibility.
An infertility specialist can help you understand where you are, what tests are really needed and what steps make sense to you. Each couple has a different story. That is why every plan must be personalized.
If you are trying for pregnancy without result or if there is a factor that worries you, a specialized evaluation can give you answers and help you organize the next steps correctly. Proper investigation is often the beginning of a clearer and more meaningful path.
Ioannis A. Sklavounos MD MSC DFFP
Obstetrician Surgeon Gynecologist
Specialists & Retrained in Great Britain
T.Senior Clinical Fellow – Liverpool Woman’s Hospital UK
IVF
