When to See a Fertility Specialist

If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, it’s natural to wonder when it might be time to seek help. While some couples become pregnant quickly, for others, the process can take longer, and knowing when to involve a fertility specialist can make all the difference.

This guide explains how infertility is defined, the common causes in both women and men, and when it’s recommended to consult a reproductive endocrinologist. Whether you’re just beginning to ask questions or have been trying for some time, understanding your options is the first step toward getting the support you need.

What is infertility?

Determining whether you're experiencing infertility or simply taking longer to conceive can be challenging. The following infertility definitions can help you decide when to seek help:

Infertility is defined as the inability to become pregnant within 12 months of regular, unprotected sex by couples in which the woman is younger than 35 years of age and has no major medical problems.
For couples in which the woman is over 35 years of age, infertility is defined as the inability to become pregnant after six months of regular unprotected sex.

It is also advised that couples see a fertility specialist if:

Either partner has a history of STDs (specifically chlamydia or gonorrhea)
A woman has irregular or no menstruation
A woman has a history of pelvic infections or previous abdominal surgeries
A woman has severe pain during menstruation (this may be a symptom of endometriosis)
A woman has a history of three or more miscarriages
A man has sexual problems, including difficulty with erection or ejaculation
A man has had an abnormal semen analysis

Causes of infertility

One or both partners may have conditions contributing to fertility issues. As such, fertility specialists typically begin the process of diagnosis and treatment with an initial examination and consultation with both partners. The couple is evaluated even when a specific medical condition is found in one of the partners, as the female or male partner may have coexisting conditions contributing to their infertility.

Causes of Female Infertility

Advancing age
Health and lifestyle influences such as smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, and level of physical activity
Ovulation and fallopian tube disorders
Uterine abnormalities
Conditions such as uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis
Endocrine disorders (thyroid disorders, etc.)
Sexually transmitted infections
History of pelvic surgery or surgery for gynecologic cancers

Causes of Male Infertility

Age & lifestyle factors
Issues with sperm quality or quantity
Ejaculatory disorders
Genetic abnormalities
Cancer treatment

How to choose the right fertility specialist

Once a couple decides to consult with a fertility specialist, they need to find a reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) specialist to assess their specific needs. While OB/GYN doctors can help identify fertility issues in women and urologists can help discover the cause of infertility in men, the most qualified specialist to address infertility is a physician who is fellowship-trained and board-certified as a reproductive endocrinologist.

Reproductive endocrinologists specialize in performing the most advanced infertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). They are also trained in both male and female infertility, which is essential for the complete evaluation of a couple trying to conceive.

Asking the following questions during a consultation should help couples confidently select the best doctor and practice for their situation:

What is the doctor’s philosophy and treatment approach for patients?
How much does treatment cost (and how much of it will insurance cover)?
What are the clinics’ pregnancy and live birth success rates?
Which procedures does the clinic offer?
Does the clinic have an age limit for treatment?
How long has the clinic been in existence?

Start Your Fertility Journey in New Jersey Today

If you’re ready to explore fertility care, take the first step and connect with the Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our fertility clinics in Eatontown, Toms River, or Lawrenceville.

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