When To See the Infertility Specialist

If you find you have been trying to conceive for many months with no success you may want to consider obtaining a referral to see an infertility specialist. There are several reasons a specialist might be needed if you have had difficulty becoming pregnant.

Infertility specialists are sometimes called Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialists, or RE. 

If you have not seen any of the first symptoms of pregnancy after consistently trying for one year (six months if you are over 35)  or you have specific fertility problems you will need to see an infertility specialist. 

Some of the more common reasons a woman may seek out an infertility specialist are if she does not ovulate or has irregular menstrual period, she has a blockage of one or both of the fallopian tubes or if she has endometriosis or other tubal problems.  Both of these require expertise that a typical gynecologist may not have.  Additional conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, can also require the intervention of a specialist if conventional treatments have been unsuccessful. 

Other reasons for consulting with an infertility specialist are if the man has fertility problems such as low motility or below average sperm concentration.