Answering the question, “When do I need to see a fertility doctor?”

You’re TTC, but you keep seeing one negative pregnancy test after another. You think to yourself, “When do I need to see a fertility doctor?” This is a common question for women and men around the country, and Texas Fertility Center (TFC) knows it’s a sensitive one.

It’s natural to feel like you should be able to conceive on your own, if you just try harder and rely on the latest advice from your friends, family and Dr. Google. While this may work for some people, 1 in 8 couples will need a little extra help. Our Austin fertility specialists are here to explain when you may want to start fertility treatment.

Guidelines from ASRM make it easy to know when to visit a specialist

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) knows that many couples are asking, “When do I need to see a fertility doctor?” That’s why this group of experts developed helpful guidelines to determine when you should consider making a fertility appointment.

• If you’re under 35, you should schedule a time to speak with a fertility doctor if you’ve been having regular unprotected sex for one year and haven’t conceived.
• Once you turn 35, you want to be a bit more proactive. As a result, you should reach out to a fertility specialist after trying to conceive for six months.

All women must contend with the dreaded “biological clock.” What does this mean? A girl is born with all the eggs she will ever have. Over time, her fertility begins to decline, with this decrease speeding up around age 35, which makes it more difficult to conceive naturally. These ASRM guidelines consider this age-related decline in female fertility.

When do I need to see a fertility doctor if I have a preexisting condition?

Sometimes, women already know that they have a condition that could negatively affect their fertility. For example, your OB/GYN may have diagnosed you with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) if you have irregular periods and ovarian cysts. Or pelvic pain and heavy bleeding may have led your doctor to suspect that you have endometriosis.

If you know that you have one of these conditions, have suffered an injury to your pelvic area or have undergone medical treatments that could damage your fertility, you should visit one of our Austin fertility specialists as soon as you want to conceive. We can offer highly effective treatments that can help you achieve your family-building goals.

Contact us if you’re ready to start fertility treatment and get on the path to parenthood. Our Austin fertility specialists have the expertise and compassion to help you welcome a healthy baby into your family.