Trying for a Baby? When to Consider a Fertility Consultation

Trying for a baby is an exciting point in anyone’s lifetime, whether they’re doing it in a loving relationship or they’re trying to do it on their own.

The timeline for seeking a fertility consultation will depend on the age of the person who is trying to conceive and any pre-existing health conditions they may have. While many healthy couples will conceive within a year of regular and unprotected sex, there are certain milestones and red flags that may indicate you need to see a doctor much sooner to know your options.

The Standard Timelines Based on Age

The general rule of thumb is that the natural decline of egg quality and quantity will decrease as age increases.

If you’re under 35, you should consult a GP or specialist after twelve months of regular and unprotected sex without any success. For those who are aged 35-39, you should seek advice after six months of unsuccessful trying.

For those who are aged 40 and older, it is recommended to seek medical advice immediately or after just three months of trying. Fertility will decline more rapidly at this age, and so it’s good to be proactive with your efforts sooner if it doesn’t happen naturally in the first few months of trying.

When to See a Specialist Sooner

Regardless of your age or how long you’ve been trying, you should consider an early consultation if you or your partner has any of the following:

Known health conditions

A history of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, uterine fibroids, thyroid disorders and Endometriosis are all conditions that will need a specialist approach.

Menstrual cycle issues

Irregular, painful or absent periods can often indicate issues with ovulation and conditions like PCOS.

Recurrent pregnancy loss 

Having two or more miscarriages is a sign that you’ll want to seek a specialist to investigate any underlying causes that come from miscarriages.

Past medical history

Previous treatment for cancer or a history of sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or pelvic/abdominal surgeries.

Male factor concerns 

If the male partner has a history of trauma in the testicles or undescended testicles, or difficulty with erections or ejaculation can all play into problems that need a specialist’s attention. 

Proactive planning

For LGBTQ+ couples, a single person who is choosing to become a parent alone, or if you’re interested in egg or sperm freezing, it’s good to get ahead with proactive planning.

The Initial Steps 

If you meet any of the criteria above, then the first point of contact will be your GP or GYN. They’ll be the ones to perform initial assessments from blood tests to checking hormone levels and semen analysis, for example. They’ll then refer you to a specialist fertility team if necessary.

When trying for a baby, it’s important to discuss your plans with your partner. For those going it alone, doing the research and reaching out to those healthcare professionals and specialists is important to do sooner rather than later. That way, you get ahead of your fertility journey, especially where problems and issues might make your fertility journey a challenge.