Trying to Conceive for Over a Year? Signs It’s Time to Visit a Fertility Specialist

ByHemali Ramchandani
Updated: 19 Aug 2025, 12:30 pm
Medical Reviewed by Dr. Sahana K P

If you’ve been trying for a baby for over 12 months without success, it might be more than bad timing. Factors like irregular cycles, thyroid issues, or sperm quality may be quietly hindering. Knowing when to stop waiting and start investigating can save time, stress, and emotional energy.

Pregatips.com
Even though the most optimistic couples can find themselves counting calendar days, peeing on ovulation sticks, and timing intimacy to the hour, only to be let down once again. You may have started casually, thinking it would happen when it’s meant to. But now, months have turned into a year, and nothing’s changing.

In this article:


It’s not your fault. And it’s not necessarily a sign that something’s wrong. But it could be a sign to investigate. Because when conception isn’t happening naturally, there’s often a deeper reason, and identifying it early can make all the difference.


How Long Is Too Long to Try?

Trying to conceive is considered normal for up to one year of unprotected sex in women under 35, and up to six months in those 35 or older. Beyond this, it qualifies as “infertility”, a clinical term, but not a verdict.

Here’s what fertility specialists look for:
  • 12 months of trying with no pregnancy if you’re under 35
  • 6 months if you’re 35 or older
  • Immediate evaluation if you have known conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, or if your partner has known sperm issues.
Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples globally, and the numbers are rising in India due to delayed childbearing, lifestyle changes, and hormonal imbalances.


Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

There’s no need to wait a full year if you’re already seeing signs that may not be right. These aren’t just red flags. They’re signals that your body might need support.

  • Irregular or absent periods: This could point to ovulation problems, polycystic ovary syndrome, or thyroid dysfunction.
  • Very painful periods or sex: Often associated with endometriosis or pelvic adhesions.
  • Repeated early pregnancy losses: Implantation issues, uterine abnormalities, or hormonal problems may be involved.
  • Partner has known or suspected concerns: Low sperm motility, abnormal morphology, or poor sperm count can significantly affect your chances.
  • You’ve had pelvic infections, surgery, or ectopic pregnancy: These can cause fallopian tube damage, which often goes undetected.


What Happens at a Fertility Appointment?

If you do decide to visit a fertility specialist, here’s what to expect:
  • Cycle tracking or ultrasound: To confirm if and when you ovulate
  • Hormonal blood tests: AMH, FSH, LH, thyroid, prolactin, and others
  • Semen analysis: Quick and non-invasive
  • Tubal patency test: Checks for blocked fallopian tubes
  • Pelvic ultrasound: To check ovarian reserve, fibroids, cysts, and endometrial lining
You may also be advised to repeat certain tests across different cycle days for accuracy.


Fertility Treatments Aren’t Always Drastic

Seeing a specialist doesn’t mean jumping straight to IVF. In fact, most couples start with far simpler interventions.
  • Timed intercourse and ovulation induction: Medications like letrozole or clomiphene trigger ovulation
  • IUI (Intrauterine insemination): Washed sperm is placed directly in the uterus during ovulation.
  • Lifestyle changes: Weight stabilisation, stress reduction, and dietary adjustments can restore ovulation.
  • Supplements: Based on deficiencies (e.g., vitamin D, folate, myo-inositol, etc.)
Only if basic options fail or if there are serious concerns does IVF or ICSI become the next step.

Always work with a registered family specialist or reproductive endocrinologist, not just a gynaecologist, when undergoing advanced fertility treatments.

Emotional and Practical Support When TTC Gets Hard
Waiting each month for a missed period can be emotionally draining. Add in unhelpful comments from family, constant advice from friends, and the isolation of silent hope, and the process can feel vulnerable.

Here’s what can help:
  • See a therapist who understands fertility grief: Especially if you’ve had losses, failed cycles, or feel overwhelmed
  • Limit unsolicited advice: You don’t owe anyone an explanation.
  • Use fertility apps mindfully: Don’t let tracking turn into obsessing
  • Budget realistically: Treatments like IVF or IUI can cost a lot. Look into insurance options or EMI-based payment plans.
Most importantly, know this: deciding to seek help is not giving up, it’s choosing clarity over confusion.

If it’s been over a year and you haven’t conceived, it’s time to stop wondering and start investigating. Early intervention often means better outcomes, fewer regrets, and more informed choices.


FAQs on Trying to Conceive for Over a Year? Signs It’s Time to Visit a Fertility Specialist

  1. What tests should I ask for first if I’m under 35 and haven’t conceived in a year?
    Start with a hormone panel (AMH, TSH, FSH, LH), pelvic scan, and semen analysis. If irregular cycles are present, ovulation tracking is key.
  2. How long should we try naturally before IVF becomes necessary?
    IVF is actually considered only after 6-12 months of basic treatments like ovulation induction or IUI, unless there’s a major issue like blocked tubes or poor sperm.
  3. Is infertility always due to the woman?
    No. Male factor is involved in nearly 40% of the cases. Both partners should be evaluated early.
How we reviewed this article
Our team continuously monitors the health and wellness space to create relevant content for you. Every article is reviewed by medical experts to ensure accuracy.