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My Fertility

When Should I See a Fertility Specialist?

If you’re more than ready to begin your family, some fertility facts may help you and your partner decide whether it’s time to see a fertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist.

Up to 65% of couples seeking fertility treatment succeed in having children after being treated with fertility medication or surgical repair of reproductive organs.19

In fact, more than 97% of infertile couples in treatment do not require more invasive and expensive in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology.20

  • If you have not conceived after a year of unprotected intercourse, or after six months if age 35 or older, so as not to delay potentially needed treatment.
  • Irregular or absent periods
  • Two or more miscarriages
  • Prior use of an intrauterine device (IUD)
  • Endometriosis/painful menstruation
  • Breast discharge
  • Excessive acne or hirsutism (body hair)
  • Prior use of contraceptive and no subsequent menstruation
  • History of sexually transmitted disease
  • History of pelvic/genital infection
  • Previous abdominal surgery
  • Reversal of surgical sterilization
  • Chronic medical condition (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure)
  • History of chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • History of sexually transmitted disease
  • History of pelvic/genital infection
  • Previous abdominal surgery
  • Reversal of surgical sterilization
  • Chronic medical condition (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure)
  • History of chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • Mumps after puberty
  • Previous urologic surgery
  • Prostate infection

You and your partner can see a fertility specialist if you have questions or concerns about your fertility. If any of the above apply to you ― don't wait. The sooner you take action, the sooner your fertility problem may be diagnosed and treated.

 

 

19. William M. Mercer (1997) Infertility as a Covered Benefit

20. ASRM_Frequently_Asked_Questions_About_Infertility_2013/p 1/para 9