7 Signs: When to See a Fertility Specialist
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive without success, or you have health factors that may affect fertility, knowing when to see a fertility specialist can save time and preserve options. Below are seven common signs that warrant specialist assessment, what to expect at your first appointment, and practical next steps.
Why early specialist assessment matters
Knowing when to see a fertility specialist helps you access the right tests and treatments sooner. Age, medical history, prior surgery, and male-factor issues all affect fertility. Early evaluation clarifies causes, shortens time to diagnosis, and opens options from lifestyle changes to assisted reproductive techniques like IUI or IVF. If you need specialist care in London, consider contacting a reputable clinic such as fertility specialist London. For GP-level support and initial testing, your local practice such as MyDoctors can help start the process.
The 7 signs that indicate when to see a fertility specialist
1) You’ve tried to conceive for 12 months (or 6 months if 35+)
If you are under 35, standard guidance is to seek specialist assessment after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. If you are 35 or older, start an evaluation after 6 months because ovarian reserve and egg quality decline with age. This is the most common trigger for couples asking when to see a fertility specialist.
2) Irregular, infrequent, or absent periods
Irregular cycles, very infrequent periods (oligomenorrhoea), or amenorrhoea often point to ovulation problems such as PCOS or hypothalamic dysfunction. A fertility specialist will investigate ovulatory function with hormone tests and may offer treatments to restore regular ovulation.
3) History of pelvic disease, endometriosis, or pelvic surgery
A past diagnosis of endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, or pelvic surgery increases the risk of tubal damage or adhesions. These issues can impair egg pickup or implantation—conditions best evaluated by a specialist with imaging and diagnostic tests.
4) Recurrent miscarriage or repeated implantation failure
Two or more pregnancy losses or repeated failure to maintain a pregnancy warrant specialist investigation. Causes can include uterine abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, genetic factors or clotting disorders. A fertility clinic can coordinate the appropriate testing and management.
5) Abnormal semen analysis or known male‑factor concerns
Male-factor infertility (low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology) is a common cause. If semen analysis is abnormal, a specialist will work with andrology services to recommend treatments ranging from lifestyle modification and medical therapy to assisted techniques like ICSI.
6) Known medical conditions that affect fertility
Conditions such as PCOS, large uterine fibroids, diminished ovarian reserve (low AMH), or prior chemotherapy/radiotherapy can reduce fertility. If you have any of these diagnoses, consult early about options, including fertility preservation where appropriate.
7) You’re considering assisted reproduction or fertility preservation
If you want to discuss IVF, egg/sperm freezing, donor gametes or pre-implantation genetic testing, see a specialist to review suitability, timing, expected outcomes and costs. Early counselling helps plan realistically, especially if you intend to delay pregnancy.
What to expect at your first appointment
- A detailed medical and reproductive history for both partners.
- Physical exam and baseline tests: semen analysis, hormone panel (FSH, LH, estradiol; AMH), pelvic ultrasound, and infection screening if indicated.
- Discussion of lifestyle factors (smoking, weight, alcohol, exercise) and emotional support options.
- A personalised plan outlining next tests and treatment options (ovulation induction, IUI, IVF).
Common tests and their purpose
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- Semen analysis — detects male-factor infertility.
- AMH and day 2–5 FSH/LH/estradiol — estimate ovarian reserve.
- Pelvic ultrasound/antral follicle count — assesses ovarian and uterine anatomy.
- Tubal patency testing (HSG or sonohysterogram) — checks for blocked fallopian tubes.
- Infection and targeted hormonal screens as clinically needed.
How to choose the right fertility clinic
- Check clinic accreditation and transparent success rates.
- Prefer centres with a multi-disciplinary team (reproductive endocrinologists, andrologists, counsellors).
- Ask about costs, waiting times, patient support, and location. For London-based specialist care, consider fertility specialist London. For GP-led referral and initial tests, consult MyDoctors.
Practical steps you can take now
- Track menstrual cycles and ovulation timing (apps or paper charts).
- Both partners should adopt healthy habits: stop smoking, limit alcohol, achieve a healthy BMI and manage chronic conditions.
- Arrange parallel testing for both partners to speed up diagnosis.
- Prepare questions for your consultation: likely tests, timelines, costs, success rates and emotional support options.
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FAQs: when to see a fertility specialist
Q: How long should we try before seeing a fertility specialist?
A: If you’re under 35, try for 12 months. If you’re 35 or older, seek referral after 6 months — sooner if you have risk factors.
Q: Will my GP refer me to a fertility clinic?
A: Yes. Most couples start with their GP who can arrange baseline tests and provide a referral when indicated.
Q: Is fertility testing invasive?
A: Most baseline tests are blood tests, semen analysis and ultrasound. Tubal testing (HSG) can cause discomfort but is usually brief and well-tolerated.
Q: What if male-factor infertility is the cause?
A: Male-factor infertility is common and treatable. Fertility clinics coordinate with andrology specialists to recommend appropriate medical or assisted treatments.