According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, if you are over 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for over 6 months, or if you are under 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for over 12 months, then yes, you should see a specialist. (PS. The Glow Fertility Program can help you pick the best doctor at a top clinic and potentially save you thousands of dollars too.) 

But some people shouldn’t even wait that long. Irregular cycles or heavy, painful periods, mean you should get to a doctor sooner rather than later. Same goes for people with a history of STIs, miscarriages, or low sperm count. Here’s why:

IRREGULAR CYCLES

Irregular periods, especially ones where your cycles last longer than 35+ days, could be a sign of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Commonly known as PCOS, the condition wreaks havoc on millions. As many as one in ten women have PCOS—and most are not even aware that they have it. Your doctor can help you diagnose this condition, treat its symptoms, and give you information about the best shot you have at pregnancy without resorting to expensive fertility treatments. 

HEAVY BLEEDING, PAINFUL CRAMPS

Killer cramps are NOT normal. In fact, they’re one of the central symptoms of endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) is found outside the uterus on other parts of the body.  It can prevent pregnancy and cause miscarriages, and it’s far more pervasive than most people realize. One in ten American females of reproductive age and an estimated 176 million women worldwide suffer from the condition.

If you suspect that you may have endometriosis, head straight to a specialist. A number of actions can be taken to make endometriosis less likely to affect your fertility--and usually, lab surgery to clear endometriosis is covered by insurance.

MISCARRIAGES

Most pregnancy losses result from chromosomal, or genetic, abnormalities, and are random events. The abnormality may come from the egg, the sperm, or the early embryo. But if you’ve had two or more miscarriages, it might be beneficial to see a specialist to identify exactly where in the process your body is breaking down and what can be done about it. 

LOW SPERM COUNT

Sometimes a very low sperm count reflects an inborn abnormality, but more often than not, low levels of high quality sperm don’t have a clearly defined cause. What is certain is that it’s harder to get pregnant naturally when half of the equation is missing or damaged. A fertility specialist, thankfully, only needs one healthy sperm and one healthy egg to make magic happen. So if you know that your partner has a low sperm count, it’s time to head to a specialist. 

HISTORY OF STIs

According to the CDC, chlamydia and gonorrhea are both preventable causes of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Chlamydia can also cause fallopian tube infection without any symptoms, and, left untreated, about 10-15% of women with chlamydia will develop PID. PID and “silent” infection in the upper genital tract may cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues, which can then lead to infertility. So if you think a past STI could be affecting your ability to get pregnant naturally, schedule a time to discuss your health with a fertility specialist. 

There are many cases where waiting can be a virtue….but not when you are trying to conceive. Getting the help you need early will help maximize your chances of pregnancy.