INTRODUCTION
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after
one year of unprotected intercourse. If you have been trying to conceive
for a year or more, you should consider an infertility evaluation. However,
if you are 35 years or older, you should begin the infertility evaluation after
about six months of unprotected intercourse rather than a year, so as not
to delay potentially needed treatment. If you have a reason to suspect an
underlying problem, you should seek care earlier. For instance, if you have
very irregular menstrual cycles (suggesting that you are not ovulating or
releasing an egg), or if you or your partner has a known fertility problem,
you probably should not wait an entire year before seeking treatment. If
you and your partner have been unable to have a baby, you’re not alone. At
least one out of seven couples has trouble conceiving. During this time, it
is normal to experience feelings of frustration, jealousy, anger and stress.
However, once you begin to explore your medical options, you’ll find
that fertility treatments offer more hope for a successful pregnancy than
ever before. The vast majority of patients who seek care from a fertility
specialist reach their goal of becoming pregnant.