Determining If There Is a Problem
While most women are able to conceive on their own, if you and your partner have been trying for six months with no luck, it's time to see a doctor. Women under age 35 with good medical histories are advised to wait a year, but once you are over 35 and your fertility window is getting smaller, you should not wait any longer than six months. Women over age 40 shouldn't wait more than three months before seeking medical evaluation.
If you're having trouble getting pregnant, don't assume the problem is with your body. Male infertility is a contributing or sole factor in 40 percent of couples experiencing infertility problems, regardless of the age of the man or woman. Because of this, if you see a fertility specialist, it is essential that both of you be checked.
If you have been monitoring ovulation with a home ovulation test and basal body temperature (as described in Chapter 4) and as far as you can tell you are not ovulating, you should not wait six months. See your doctor as soon as possible. If you have irregular or unpredictable periods, you should not wait and should see your doctor. Additionally, if you have ever had pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or an infection with chlamydia or gonorrhea, you should see your doctor. These infections can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes and make conception difficult.
