When should visit a fertility clinic

A question often asked by couples trying to conceive is when should I visit a doctor for guidance to conceive. Infertility or subfertility is the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months of regular and unprotected intercourse. It is estimated that 85% percent of couples will conceive within 1 year of trying. A few may take upto 2 years to achieve conception.Infertility is estimated to affect between 8 and 12% of couples worldwide.

If you are younger than 35, you can try for a year before being evaluated.  But if you are 35 or older, then you should seek evaluation with only six months of trying as the egg quality and number tends to decline after that.

Once you visit a clinic your doctor may recommend basic tests which may include semen analysis of the partner, hormonal evaluation, cervical smear testing, ultrasound of the pelvis. Based on your history you may be asked for an infection screening and tubal evaluation. In case any issues are found then you may be further advised testing to look for any particular causes of infertility which may be needed to formulate your treatment protocol.