Help at the right time: How long should I wait to see a fertility doctor?
If you’re trying to conceive, or even just experiencing weird symptoms related to your menstrual cycle or reproductive organs, you might be asking yourself, how long should I wait to see a fertility doctor? The answer to this question can depend on many factors. Our San Antonio fertility experts are always here for you when you need us, but there are certain situations when it’s important to see a reproductive endocrinologist sooner than later.
Who needs to see a fertility specialist?
People who want to have a baby – especially those who are trying to conceive (TTC) without success – may need a little help from a fertility pro. This is especially true in certain scenarios.
- If the female partner is younger than 35 and you have been TTC for a year or longer
- If the female partner is 35 or older and you have been TTC for six months or longer
- If the male partner is 45 or older
- If you experience more than one miscarriage while trying to conceive
- If you wish to choose the sex of your child, are affected by a known genetic disorder, know that you are a carrier of a genetic condition, or are aware of a genetic condition that runs in either partner’s family
- If either partner has issues with sexual dysfunction
- If you know that either partner is at high risk for infertility due to medications or a medical diagnosis
- If you are an LGBTQIA+ individual, or single woman or man, who wants to conceive a biological child
How long should I wait to see a fertility doctor? In many cases, the longer you try to conceive and wait to get help, the harder it is to finally get pregnant. That’s because, especially for women, increasing age is directly related to declining fertility.
Around the age of 35, it’s normal for women’s fertility to begin to drop dramatically, due to the effects of aging on egg quantity and quality. However, women younger than 35 can also have fertility problems and not realize it until they are TTC.
Reasons to see a fertility specialist when you’re not trying to conceive
Even if you’re not trying to conceive, you may still be asking, how long should I wait to see a fertility doctor? Here’s a little-known fact: Our San Antonio fertility experts do a lot more than just help people get pregnant. We also diagnose and treat women experiencing unusual symptoms related to their reproductive systems.
- Irregular periods
- Menstrual cycles that are shorter than 24 days or longer than 38 days
- Missed periods without a pregnancy
- Unusual pain or bleeding
- Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, including weight gain and unusual hair growth
- Symptoms of endometriosis, such as very heavy, painful periods
If you’ve heard about fertility preservation and are wondering if it might be a good option for you, we’re also the go-to experts for that. If you are considering fertility testing for family planning or fertility preservation for any reason, including delaying parenthood, cancer treatment or gender transition, we urge you to make an appointment with our San Antonio fertility experts. As with fertility treatment, the sooner you move forward, the better your outcomes may be.
How long should I wait to see a fertility doctor?
Clearly, the decision to see a fertility specialist is a highly personal one, and there can be a number of reasons you may need our help. If you’re unsure about the answer to the question, how long should I wait to see a fertility doctor?, we encourage you to contact us to learn more.