Deciding to grow your family is a major step — one filled with excitement and unexpected challenges. For some, conception happens quickly. For others, it takes longer than expected, prompting worry and the search for answers.
Contrary to common belief, the latter group — those struggling with fertility issues — doesn’t solely consist of individuals in their late 30s or 40s. The truth is that fertility challenges can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. Yet, because conversations around infertility often remain private, many delay seeking help, sometimes for longer than is medically advisable.
This article explains when to see a fertility specialist because a timely evaluation can improve your chances of conceiving and ease the emotional strain of a prolonged journey to parenthood.
When to see a fertility specialist: General timelines based on age
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for a while without success, despite having no known medical issues or fertility concerns, it’s natural to worry whether you should keep trying on your own or seek professional help. Seeing a fertility specialist and getting the relevant information regarding potential issues is always the right decision.
Source: RDNE Stock project
Keep in mind that while maternal age isn’t the only factor that can influence fertility, it’s the most important one. That’s why general guidance on when to see a fertility doctor differs for women under 35 and those between 35 and 40.
Timing for women under 35
For couples with the female partner under 35 and with no known reproductive health issues, it’s generally recommended to try to conceive for one full year before seeking help. Infertility is medically defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex — typically two to three times per week, especially around ovulation.
Although a year might sound like a long time to wait, it falls within the normal range for many healthy couples under 35.
In many cases, remaining patient and allowing the process to unfold naturally is all it takes, even after the one-year mark. Here’s how the chances of conception typically add up over time for healthy women under 35:
Time trying to conceive | Chance of conception |
3 months or less | 20–37% |
12 months | 80% |
24 months | 90% |
Bonus tip: Fertility challenges affect many people — about 13% of American women aged 15 to 49 experience some difficulty conceiving. If your journey doesn’t fit the typical timeline, you’re not alone. There are resources and support available to help you every step of the way.
Source: fernandozhiminaicela
Timing for women 35–40
For couples with the female partner between 35 and 40, experts recommend trying to conceive for six months before consulting a fertility specialist, half the time advised for younger women. This shorter timeline is because both the quality and number of women’s eggs begin to decline rapidly after age 35. This decline also increases the risk of miscarriage and certain birth complications, which only underscores the importance of earlier evaluation and care.
6 reasons to skip the wait
Source: Pavel Danilyuk
In some cases, the typical six- or 12-month timelines don’t apply. Factors like older age, reproductive history, and certain medical conditions warrant earlier evaluation — regardless of how long you’ve been trying to conceive or whether you even started trying. This applies to:
Women over 40
Men over 45
Women with a history of miscarriages
Women with known reproductive issues
Men with known reproductive issues
Couples with chronic medical conditions
1. Women over 40
For women over 40, the general recommendation to try conceiving for six months before discussing when to seek fertility treatment no longer applies. At this age, it’s best to consult a fertility specialist right away — even if you haven’t started trying for a baby yet. Female fertility declines significantly after 40, while the risk for miscarriage and pregnancy complications increases.
Many women over 40 have healthy pregnancies, but early medical support is crucial for understanding your fertility status, exploring potential treatment options, and maximizing your chances of success.
2. Men over 45
While age affects female fertility more often, male fertility also declines over time, particularly after 45. Older age in men is linked to lower sperm quality, reduced testosterone levels, and increased risk of genetic and developmental issues in offspring, such as:
Autism spectrum disorders
Schizophrenia and other psychiatric conditions
Childhood cancers
Craniosynostosis syndromes (e.g., Crouzon syndrome and Pfeiffer syndrome)
Because of these factors, men over 45 who are trying to have a baby should consider a fertility evaluation early in the process. Even if there are no obvious signs of a problem, checking in with a specialist can help identify any underlying issues and support a healthier path to parenthood.
3. Women with a history of miscarriage
If you have a history of miscarriage, it’s important to seek early evaluation from a fertility specialist. Recurrent miscarriage is typically defined as two or more pregnancy losses after a clinical pregnancy has been confirmed through ultrasound or lab testing.
While miscarriage is tragically common — occurring in 10–20% of all known pregnancies — recurrent losses may signal an underlying health issue. These could include:
Genetic abnormalities
Hormonal imbalances
Uterine or cervical problems
Early evaluation can help identify these medical conditions and ensure you get the tailored care you need.
Support tip: Don’t lose hope — recurrent miscarriage doesn’t mean you won’t have a healthy baby. Nearly two-thirds of women who’ve had recurrent pregnancy losses eventually carry a full-term pregnancy, many without special treatment.
Source: Gustavo Fring
4. Women with known reproductive issues
Certain reproductive health conditions are known to impact fertility or increase the difficulty of achieving or maintaining a pregnancy. The table below lists the most common among them:
Condition/symptom | What it is | Why it’s concerning |
|---|---|---|
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) | A hormonal disorder causing irregular or absent ovulation | Makes it harder to conceive without treatment |
Endometriosis | Uterine lining tissue growing outside the uterus | Can affect the ovaries and fallopian tubes, interfering with fertility |
Uterine fibroids or polyps | Noncancerous growths in the uterus | Might impact implantation or cause pregnancy loss |
Irregular or absent periods | Often a sign of ovulation problems or hormonal imbalances | Reduces the chances of pregnancy |
Fallopian tube issues | Blockages from ectopic pregnancy or tubal surgery | Prevents egg passage, complicating conception |
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) | Ovaries stop functioning before age 40 | Significantly lowers natural conception chances |
If you suspect you might have any of these conditions, you shouldn’t waste time. Early consultation with a fertility specialist can make a meaningful difference in your chances of conceiving.
5. Men with known reproductive issues
Men with known or suspected reproductive issues should be proactive. If you or your partner have experienced any of the issues listed below, you should consult a specialist in male fertility:
Erectile dysfunction or problems with ejaculation
Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum that can affect sperm production)
History of undescended testicles, whether corrected or not
Prior vasectomy
Past trauma to the testicles
6. Couples with chronic medical conditions
Source: Pavel Danilyuk
Reproductive health isn’t the only factor that can affect your ability to conceive or carry a healthy pregnancy. Chronic medical conditions — even those unrelated to the reproductive system — can interfere with fertility, increase pregnancy risks, or impact the health of your baby.
Conditions that may warrant early fertility evaluation include:
Diabetes: Poorly managed blood sugar can affect hormone levels, ovulation, and sperm quality. It’s also linked to pregnancy complications.
Thyroid disorders: Both overactive and underactive thyroid function can disrupt menstrual cycles, ovulation, and overall fertility in women and affect sperm health in men.
High blood pressure: Hypertension may complicate pregnancy and impact reproductive organ health.
Kidney disease: This condition can alter hormone levels and make it harder to maintain a pregnancy.
History of cancer or cancer treatment: Chemotherapy and radiation can impair egg or sperm production, even if treatment occurred years ago.
Genetic conditions: Genetic disorders can lead to difficulty conceiving, recurrent miscarriages, pregnancy complications, and inherited health problems in the child.
Given how significantly genetic disorders can affect every stage of your parenthood journey — from conception to the child’s long-term health — it may be worth talking to your partner about genetic testing while waiting for your fertility specialist consultation. You can even get genetic testing for couples done at home with revolutionary testing platforms like Nucleus.
Nucleus offers clinical-grade whole-genome sequencing that screens nearly 100% of your DNA. You and your partner can get a complete picture of your combined risk of passing on inherited conditions or facing fertility challenges. Order a Nucleus Family kit today and learn what’s in your DNA before you even start trying for a baby.
Bonus read: Learn more about carrier screening and the benefits of completing it before starting a family.
When to go to a fertility doctor: Immediate reasons to seek help
Some fertility-related symptoms require immediate action. If you or your partner experience any of the issues listed below, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly, as these could signal underlying conditions that may impact your ability to conceive:
Severe menstrual cramps
Pain during intercourse
Persistent pelvic pain
Abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding
Also, if you or your partner have a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), immediate fertility evaluation is recommended. These conditions can cause scarring or blockages in the fallopian tubes for women and harm sperm quality in men, making conception more challenging.
What doctor should I see for fertility?
The table below presents the main types of fertility specialists, what they do, and when you might need to see them.
Specialist type | Focus area and role | When to see them |
OB/GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist) |
| Basic fertility concerns and routine reproductive care |
Reproductive endocrinologist (RE) |
| Infertility issues and complex hormonal problems |
Andrologist |
| Male fertility concerns or low sperm count |
Reproductive surgeon |
| Surgical intervention needed to improve fertility |
Reproductive immunologist |
| Unexplained infertility linked to immune system problems |
Genetic counselor |
|
If you’re unsure what’s causing your fertility issues or have general concerns, an OB/GYN can be a good starting point.
In case you’re facing urgent symptoms or have known reproductive challenges, going directly to an RE may save valuable time.
What to expect at your first fertility appointment
Source: Accuray
Every fertility clinic operates a little differently, so your experience during your first appointment may vary depending on the provider.
Still, most specialists follow a similar process to help uncover the root of your fertility challenges and design a personalized plan to address them. Here’s what typically happens step by step:
Comprehensive review of your and your partner’s medical history
Discussion on lifestyle factors that may influence fertility (e.g., diet, stress, sexual activity)
Clarification of your reproductive goals (e.g., natural conception, egg/sperm preservation, IVF)
Physical examination and initial lab work (e.g., hormone panels and STI screening)
Diagnostic testing (e.g., transvaginal ultrasound and semen analysis)
Optional genetic testing to identify inherited risks or carrier genetic status
Overview of potential treatments (e.g., ovulation induction, IUI, IVF, surgery)
Treatment planning and execution
This visit is your chance to voice any concerns and better understand the options available to you before, during, and after pregnancy.
Next steps: Why Nucleus should be part of your fertility journey
Fertility challenges are usually emotionally draining and physically complex. After navigating all the uncertainty, you’ll want to do everything in your power to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child. If your fertility specialist recommends IVF, it’s worth considering starting your journey with Nucleus IVF+.
Nucleus IVF+ is the first IVF option built for genetic optimization with a human-centric approach, guiding you at every step so you can focus on becoming a parent, not decoding logistics and lab reports.
With Nucleus, you can:
Match with a pre-vetted clinic and donors that fit your needs
Get a complete view of your own health and genetic risks through carrier screening
Access Nucleus Embryo for advanced embryo insights that go beyond viability to show each embryo’s long-term health potential and well-being markers — This allows you to make reproductive decisions that align with your child’s future well-being
Rely on expert support 24/7, so you always know what each choice means for your family’s future
Nucleus insights are based on peer-reviewed research and obtained in a certified clinical lab, then presented in a clear, easy-to-understand format — no previous medical knowledge required. If you still find yourself unsure about what the results mean, Nucleus also provides access to genetic counselors who can help you interpret the data and assist with next steps.
If you are looking for quality PGT-P testing options, you can explore providers like LifeView Embryo Screening.
If you’re still in the family planning stage, get a Nucleus Family DNA test done to test for conditions that may make conception difficult for you, like endometriosis or PCOS. This is only a part of the individual genetic insights Nucleus offers. Others include:
Health insights beyond IVF viability (e.g., heart disease, cancer risk, ADHD, depression, and over [NUM_CONDITIONS_SCREENED] hereditary disorders)
Well-being and mental health indicators (e.g., potential markers for mental health, sleep patterns, and nutritional conditions)
How to get started with Nucleus IVF+
With Nucleus IVF+, you get the benefits of IVF with genetic testing, along with the support to understand every decision you need to make. This approach allows you to take an active role in choosing the healthiest embryo, giving your future child the best possible start in life.
Book a consultation to find out how Nucleus can help you have your best baby.
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Featured image source: Nataliya Vaitkevich
