Yet for one in six couples in the United States, conception does not occur without medical assistance. Many question when it is appropriate to seek medical consultation for infertility. Initial Infertility Visit Women, under age 35 that have been trying to conceive with unprotected relations for one year, or are over 35 and have been trying to conceive for six months or longer may wish to seek medical advice. The initial infertility investigation may be conducted by a gynecologist. Often times more complex findings are referred to a reproductive endocrinologist, a physician who has completed specialized training for evaluating and treating reproductive disorders and infertility.
Infertility can take various forms and the reasons for it can be complex.
It is important to realize that the initial consultation will reveal only a small portion of the information needed to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. A couple should expect a minimum of one month to several months for the initial investigation to be completed and treatment to begin. The overall success rate for fertility therapy is 60 percent. Resolution of infertility must be addressed by the couple as treatment begins. There is no easy answer for the 40 percent that continue to experience infertility.