We understand that there can be anxiety about waiting to conceive and that during this time, the temptation to seek a professional medical opinion right away is present. Knowing whether or not you need to see a fertility specialist can seem confusing, and many couples are unsure about whether they’ve tried long enough to conceive without medical consultation, or perhaps they’ve waited too long and now need to schedule an appointment ASAP.

For prospective fertility patients, Fertility Solutions has prepared a helpful guide for how to know whether and when you need to see a fertility specialist.

Are you under the age of 35?
If you’re 34 or younger, then you can try to conceive naturally for a year before seeking a fertility consultation.

Are you 35 or older?
If you’re 35 or older, then you can try to conceive naturally for up to six months before seeking a fertility consultation. If you’re 40 or older, then most fertility specialists suggest seeking a consultation soon after you begin trying to conceive.

Of course, the above wait time range by age does not apply if you and your partner are already aware of a specific fertility issue or concern and know that treatment is needed. In these cases, a consult should be scheduled when the decision to grow your family is made. This way, you can have any necessary screenings, medications, procedures, surgeries, etc.

Are there other reasons why I would need to see a fertility specialist?
Apart from age, there are other reasons why fertility care could be needed. We’ve provided a list of some potential reasons below:

• There is a known reproduction issue (for example, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, premature menopause, etc.).
• You have a thyroid condition.
• You have a body mass index out of the normal range (high or low).
• You have an irregular period (too heavy, spotting, abnormally short or long cycles) or severe PMS.

How do I schedule a fertility consultation?
You can schedule a consult with Fertility Solutions by calling 781-326-2451 during normal business hours or by completing an online contact form, found here.