So, You’ve decided that now is the right time to start a family. Everything’s lined up, and you’re ready to start trying—only to realize you can’t get pregnant. It’s normal to wonder, ‘What’s going on? How long should I keep trying? Should I see a doctor?’ Here, we address all these questions.
Getting Pregnant Isn’t as Simple as You Might Think
First things first: conceiving isn’t always as quick or straightforward as many believe. Even with ideal fertility conditions, the chances of getting pregnant in a single menstrual cycle are only about 25%. That means there’s still a 75% chance of not conceiving, even for those with optimal reproductive health.
Now, if you consider that many people of reproductive age have one or more health conditions that affect fertility, it’s not surprising that pregnancy might take longer than expected.
So, you can’t get pregnant, when to see a doctor?
Here are some internationally accepted guidelines that can help you know when to reach out for support:
- Women under 35 can try for up to a year before seeking help.
- Women over 35 are encouraged to try for six months before consulting a specialist.
At Nascere, we recommend not waiting—schedule a check-up to either confirm that everything is in order or to start receiving guidance without further delays.
Should I See a Gynecologist or a Fertility Specialist?
If your goal is to conceive, it’s best to see a Fertility Specialist. Their evaluation focuses specifically on your ability to conceive and the steps that will help you succeed. While all Fertility Specialists are Gynecologists, not all Gynecologists specialize in fertility.
We know this because, at Nascere, we frequently see patients who initially spent a lot of time with general gynecologists and were given treatments that fell short of addressing their specific needs. This delayed their journey toward successful conception.
Think of it like this: if you were choosing someone to design your garden, would you pick a botanist or a landscape designer? While a botanist understands plant biology, a landscape designer combines that knowledge with the aesthetic skills to create the atmosphere you want.
A clear diagnosis will help you understand what’s been happening
During your first fertility appointment, we’ll ask many questions about your medical history to understand any potential issues with ovulation, the endometrium, the fallopian tubes, uterine structure, hormone levels, and more.
If you’re trying to conceive with a male partner, it’s also important for him to have a fertility check-up, as sperm quality can be a factor in the difficulty of conceiving.
Some exams we might conduct include:
- Ultrasound
- Blood tests
- Hysterosalpingography
- Semen analysis (for male partners)
Is There a Solution?
Absolutely. Years ago, a diagnosis of infertility might have meant accepting that parenthood wasn’t possible, but today there are many ways we can help, even in the most challenging cases. Options range from medication for milder cases to Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and even genetic testing for embryos. At Nascere, we’re confident that we can provide the support you need.
If you’d like to learn more about female fertility, check out our related post, “Female Fertility: What Every Woman Should Know” where we discuss common reproductive conditions in women. Or, if you’re ready to take action, book an appointment with our team today!