When to See a Fertility Doctor: A Complete Guide

When to see a fertility doctor is something that many couples think about when they are trying to have a baby but it’s taking longer than expected. It can be hard to know the right time to ask for help. There are some people who wait too long and there are others who worry too early. That’s why it’s good to understand the signs that may mean it’s time to see a specialist.

At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist) has helped many couples who were facing issues to get pregnant. In this blog, we will explain when you should see a fertility specialist, what signs to look for, and more.

What is a Fertility Specialist?

A fertility specialist is a doctor who helps people who are having issues to get pregnant. These doctors are trained in areas like gynecology, obstetrics, and reproductive medicine. This means that they understand women’s and men’s reproductive health.

A fertility specialist helps to check for any issue if someone is not able to get pregnant after trying for several months or years. They do tests, give advice, and offer treatments. It includes medications, IUI, or IVF to improve the chances of pregnancy. So, if you’re searching for the best fertility specialist near me than you can consult Dr. Rita Bakshi (infertility specialist) at RISAA IVF.

When to See a Fertility Doctor?

It’s important to know when to see a fertility doctor if you’re trying to get pregnant and not seeing any results. There are a few situations when it’s a good idea to get expert help. Below, we’ve shared the common reasons when you should consider seeing a specialist.

You should see a fertility specialist if you:

• Have irregular or missed periods
• Have had multiple miscarriages
• You or your partner have known health problems like PCOS, thyroid issues, or low sperm count
• Had past infections, surgeries, or conditions that are affecting your reproductive organs
• You have tried basic fertility treatments without success

Signs You Should See a Fertility Specialist

If you’re also trying to have a baby and cannot be able to get pregnant then there might be some signs that your body is giving you. These signs can help you to understand when to see a fertility doctor for expert advice and the right support. A fertility specialist can guide you and suggest the best steps to take. Here are some common signs that you should not ignore:

• You’ve been trying to conceive for over a year (or 6 months if you’re over 35).
• Your periods are very irregular or don’t come at all.
• You’ve had more than one miscarriage.
• You have health issues like PCOS, thyroid problems, or endometriosis.
• You or your partner have a history of fertility issues.
• You’ve gone through cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.
• You experience very painful periods or pelvic pain.
• You’re over 35 and want to start a family soon.
• You’ve had failed IUI or IVF attempts in the past.

How Long Should You Try Before Seeing a Doctor?

If you’re trying to get pregnant and it’s not happening then it’s natural to wonder when you should ask a doctor for help. In most cases, if you’re under 35 years old and have been trying for 12 months (1 year) without success then it’s a good idea to talk to a fertility specialist. But if you’re 35 or older then you should see a doctor after 6 months of trying.

This is because fertility can decrease with age and getting help sooner can improve your chances of a successful pregnancy. Also, if you have any known health issues like irregular periods, PCOS, thyroid issues, or a history of miscarriages then it’s better to speak to a doctor earlier even if it hasn’t been 6 or 12 months yet.

Signs of Fertility Problems in Women

There are some signs that may suggest that getting pregnant can be difficult for a woman. When to see a fertility doctor? if you notice any of these then it’s a good idea to see a doctor:

• Irregular or missed periods
• Very painful or heavy periods
• Very short or long cycles
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Extra facial hair or hair loss
• Pain during sex
• More than one miscarriage

Signs of Fertility Problems in Men

Fertility issues are not just in women but men can also face problems. Here are some common signs that may show that there’s fertility issues in men also:

• Trouble getting a partner pregnant after a year of trying
• Low sex drive or changes in sexual desire
• Problems with erections or ejaculation
• Pain or swelling in the testicles
• Small or firm testicles
• Less facial or body hair than usual
• Past surgeries, injuries, or infections in the groin area

Tests You May Need to Check Fertility

Your doctor may suggest some tests to find out the reason if you’re having issues to get pregnant. These tests help to check how your body is working and if there are any issues that are affecting your chances of conceiving.

Here are some common fertility tests:

For Women:

• Blood Tests – This helps to check the hormone levels like AMH, FSH, and LH that control your menstrual cycle and ovulation.
• Ultrasound Scan – This helps to look at your ovaries, uterus, and check if eggs are growing properly.
• Ovulation Test – This helps to see if and when you’re ovulating (releasing an egg).
• HSG (Hysterosalpingography) – An X-ray test to check if your fallopian tubes are open.
• Pelvic Exam – This helps to check the health of your reproductive organs.

For Men:

• Semen Analysis – This helps to check the number, shape, and movement of sperm.
• Blood Tests – This helps to check hormone levels like testosterone.
• Scrotal Ultrasound – This helps to look for the problems like varicoceles or blockages.

Fertility Treatments the Doctor May Suggest

A doctor may recommend an infertility treatment based on your health, age, and test results. There are some treatments which are simple and there are others that may involve medical procedures.

Here are some common infertility treatments:

• Fertility medicines – These help women to ovulate (release eggs). These are often used if you’re not ovulating regularly.
• IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) – In this process, healthy sperm is placed directly into the uterus during the time of ovulation. This helps the fertilization to happen more easily.
• IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) – This treatment involves taking eggs from the woman and sperm from the man and then combining them in a lab. If an embryo forms then it is placed into the woman’s uterus to try for IVF pregnancy.
• ICSI – A single healthy sperm is injected directly into an egg to help with fertilization. This is usually used in cases of male infertility.
• Donor eggs or sperm – If needed, the doctor may suggest using donated eggs or sperm if there are major issues with your own.
• Surgery – Sometimes, surgery is needed to treat conditions like blocked fallopian tubes, fibroids, or endometriosis that may affect fertility.

Final Thoughts

It’s very important to know when to see a fertility doctor to get the right help. In this blog, we’ve shared important signs, possible fertility problems in men and women, how long to try before seeing a doctor, and what tests or treatments may be suggested. These points can help you to feel more confident and take the right steps to become parents with proper infertility consultation and care.

At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist) has helped many couples by offering the right guidance and personalized support. If you have any concerns or need expert advice, call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email [email protected] to book your infertility consultation.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• Is it normal to see a fertility specialist before trying for a baby?

Yes, some people visit a specialist even before trying, especially if they have irregular periods, a known health issue, or want to plan better.

• Do both partners need to visit the fertility specialist?

Yes, it’s helpful if both partners attend the first appointment. This way, the doctor can understand both sides and suggest the best plan.

• Is seeing a fertility specialist expensive?

It depends on where you go and what tests or treatments you need. Some clinics, including RISAA IVF offer affordable consultation options.

• What are common tests done for fertility?

Common tests include hormone blood tests, ultrasound scans, semen analysis (for men), and ovulation tracking.