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When is it time to seek
fertility help?
Approximately 1 in 6 couples has trouble conceiving. If you've been having well-timed, unprotected intercourse for a number of months without results, it may be time to investigate the cause. If you're over 35, there is an even greater urgency to seek help.
Guidelines for getting help
| Woman's Age | Medical conditions affecting fertility in either partner | Seek help after trying to conceive for: |
|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | No | 9 month - 1 year |
| Under 35 | Yes | 0 - 6 months |
| 35-42 | No | 3 - 6 months |
| 35-42 | Yes | 0 - 6 months |
| Over 42 | Yes or No | 1 - 2 months |
A woman's age is the single most important factor in getting pregnant.
Fertility peaks in the mid-20s, then naturally decreases over time, dropping sharply after age 35. By age 40, the odds of conceiving in a given month are less than 5%, compared to 20-30% per month for women below age 30. Fertility treatments can greatly increase your chances of success, but their effectiveness also declines in proportion to your age.
The medical history of either partner can affect fertility.
In fact, infertility affects women and men equally. (40% of the cases point to the woman and 40% to the man. Both contribute in 10% of the cases. The remaining 10% are unexplained). If you know that any of the following conditions exist, you may want to get help sooner:
Medical conditions affecting fertility
| Female | Male |
|---|---|
| Prior ruptured appendicitis | Prior testicular surgery |
| History of sexually transmitted disease | History of mumps orchitis |
| Pelvic surgery | History of testicular trauma |
| Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) | Difficulty with erections or ejaculations |
| Endometriosis | Low sex drive |
What should you do first? Many women go to their OB/GYN if they're having trouble conceiving. Others go directly to a reproductive endocrinologist (i.e., fertility specialist) like Dr. Rachel Bennett. After testing to determine potential causes of infertility, your OB/GYN may prescribe a medication like Clomid to induce or enhance ovulation, begin other basic infertility treatments, or refer you to a practice like Westchester Reproductive Medicine for more advanced treatments. See what you can expect at your first visit to Westchester Reproductive Medicine.