Anyone who has tried for months or even years to get pregnant knows the heartache and frustration you experience month after month as you find out you have not gotten pregnant. During this time you often get unsolicited and unhelpful advice. When is it time to get a professional opinion? When should you seek help from a fertility clinic?
The answer to this actually varies from clinic to clinic as well as from couple to couple. Most clinics agree that if you have been actively trying to get pregnant for six months to a year without success, it is time to get a consultation and some basic testing done by our OB/GYN or by a fertility doctor. Some couples feel as though this is not enough time and they want to keep trying whereas other couples might be ready earlier because of family history or a medical condition.
One thing that you can do during the time that you are trying to decide whether or not to go to a fertility clinic is to chart your cycle. Many clinics will actually ask that you do this for at least three months to establish a pattern anyway, so if you have already done this you are a step ahead. You can download charts online to help you chart your basal body temperature and you can find a BBT thermometer at any drug store. For some people this simple act of charting your cycle can give a doctor a good idea of what the route of the problem is.
If you feel that you are ready to consult a fertility doctor, ask around and do research. There are some good, reputable doctors who are there to help you and other not so reputable doctors who are just in it for the money and the statistics. If you have a local fertility support group or adoption agency in your area, they might be able to point you in the right direction. If you feel unsure about a diagnosis, get a second one from a different fertility clinic. This is your body, your family and your future and you should feel comfortable before proceeding with any fertility procedures.
