Fertility Library

When should you seek fertility advice? Age, timing and other reasons

General guidance on when to arrange a fertility conversation and when earlier assessment may be sensible.

Common timeframes

Many guidelines suggest seeking assessment after around 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse without conception; earlier assessment, often after six months, is generally recommended when the female partner is aged 35 or older.

Reasons not to wait

Irregular or absent periods, known tubal or pelvic conditions, previous cancer treatment, significant male-factor concerns or other recognised risks may justify earlier advice.

What to bring

Record relevant dates, menstrual history if applicable, previous pregnancies, medications, test reports and any known conditions. Both partners' histories may be important.

What assessment means

A fertility consultation is not a verdict. It is an opportunity to understand possible contributing factors, agree which tests are appropriate and discuss next steps.

Explore a clearer next step

Fertility Barrier Finder can help organise your history and highlight possible areas and investigations to discuss with a qualified healthcare professional. It cannot diagnose a fertility condition, confirm a barrier or predict pregnancy.

More fertility guides

What does an AMH test tell you about fertility? · Fertility hormone blood tests: FSH, LH, oestradiol, prolactin and thyroid · Irregular periods and ovulation: what might be worth checking? · Male fertility tests: when might more than a semen analysis be needed? · When should you seek fertility advice? Age, timing and other reasons · A fertility investigation checklist for couples: where to begin · Unexplained infertility: what does it mean and what happens next?

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