How can you know if you are infertile?

Time: Infertility is failure to conceive after 1 year of intercourse and attempted conception. If the female partner is over the age of 35, then 6 months duration is used instead.

Consult an MD: Basic testing can be performed by your obgyn, more advanced testing/treatment is usually done by a reproductive endocrinologist. If there is male factor, usually urologists will work-up the male.

Your history: One should seek help after 1 yr of trying. If the woman has regular cycles and is unable to conceive after 2-3 years, either her husband has very poor sperm count or motility or she has serious problems such as tubal disease, pelvic adhesions, or endometriosis. Most couple with 3 yrs of infertility will eventually need ivf. Women whose cycles are > 32 days will need medications to ovulate better.

Infertility Doctor: If you having been trying to become pregnant for 6-12 months, then a proper evaluation is appropriate. The term infertile is really a bad name because it implies you cannot become pregnant. That is rarely the case, but there may be certain factors that make it more difficult. A fertility specialist can help go through those with you.

Fertility evaluation: Infertility evaluation involves confirmation of ovulation, patency of fallopian tubes, and assessment of sperm characteristics. Abnormalities in any one of these may make it more difficult to conceive, even with history of previous live birth(s). This evaluation can be started by seeing your ob/gyn or an infertility specialist.

Not pregnant...: If you do not become pregnant after 1 year of unprotected sex with a fertile partner, you are considered infertile. Most women, however, would not wait that long before having an evaluation.

Definition: In your age group, 1 year of unprotected intercourse without pregnancy. Also if you have cycles that range longer than 30 days, you are at much higher risk of infertility and higher risk of miscarriage and should seek help now as opposed to waiting a year. Best of luck.

Infertile: If you are concerned regarding fertility, quite simply, see a Board Certified Gynecologist. The workup will involve Semen Analysis, Blood Hormone profiles, an ultrasound, an XRAY to view the uterine cavity and to see if your tubes are open. In addition, a full history and physical exam will be performed including a pap smear and screening for sexually transmitted infections.