When to Consult an Infertility Specialist?

The ability to conceive a baby when they are ready is something many people take for granted. After years or even decades of carefully planning until the time was right, getting pregnant seems as if it should be "the most natural thing in the world". However, when things don't happen on a schedule it can a shock.

The question of whether and when to seek a medical opinion on your fertility can be stressful.

When a string of negative pregnancy tests and natural variation occurs in the body, it is something to be checked by a fertility expert.

How long have you been trying to conceive?

The most basic way to decide to see a doctor is based on the woman's age and the amount of time they have been actively trying to get pregnant.

Normally, 90% of couples are able to become pregnant in the first year of trying. While trying another year approximately 80% couples are successful attaining pregnancy.
Meanwhile, those 10-20% couples will still not be pregnant and are considered to have a fertility problem.
Infertility, is a problem defined as the in ability to get pregnant after 12 months of unprotected sex.
It is very important to understand that most couples though facing infertility issue will eventually conceive and have children either on their own or with medical assistance.

Not to forget that there are number of reasons and conditions that occur and cause infertility, instead of worrying it is time to identify the problem.

Medical History?

This time- based guidelines predict that you are in good health, with no history of reproductive issues. However, if you have reason to suspect that might be a problem, it's good idea to come in as early as possible. There are a number of reasons that might seek early attention:

Absence or Irregularity in Periods: If you are not getting periods, chances are you are not ovulating, either.
Irregular periods can indicate a problem with your ovaries such as PCOS (polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).
Extremely painful long, frequent or irregular periods can be sign of Endometriosis, a condition where tissue from uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. Endometriosis can cause fertility problems in many ways, such as creating a blockage in the fallopian tubes.

History of Abdominal or Pelvic Surgery
Have had STI or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
History of Miscarriages
Thyroid Problems

Secondary Infertility: Have already has one child but having trouble conceiving again. Since, last baby. However, age related infertility or a new condition may have developed.

Male Partner's Health?

Male- Factor infertility is very common these days. Men don't tend to have as many obvious signs and symptoms of reproductive problem as women.
However, there are a few conditions which warrant getting into see a specialist:

Issues with erectile dysfunction or ejaculation
A lump or swelling in the testicles
History of STI
History of infections such as mumps
History of injury or surgery to the groin or genitals

Moreover, other than that there are also many lifestyle and health related factors that are responsible for the couple to cause infertility such as:

Age - both female and male fertility decline with Age
Weight- Overweight / Underweight
History of Chemotherapy or Radiation
Exposure to environmental toxins, like lead or pesticides
Excessive drugs or alcohol use
Tobacco use
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Injury to Scrotum and / Or Testicle