NIAW 2025: 5 Reasons It Might Be Time to See a Fertility Specialist
It’s National Infertility Awareness Week® (NIAW), and if you’re trying to grow your family, now is a great time to assess your reproductive health. It can be difficult to know when it's the right time to consult a fertility specialist. You don't want to seek help too early, but you also don't want to wait too long. There are five key reasons that may indicate it's time to see a fertility specialist to enhance your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.
1. One Year Without Success
It's recommended to see a fertility specialist if you've been trying to conceive for more than a year, if you're under 35 years old, or for six months if you're over 35 years old. They can help pinpoint the cause of your infertility and recommend suitable treatments.
2. Irregular Menstrual Cycle
If your menstrual cycle is irregular, it may indicate issues with ovulation or other problems that can affect fertility. Common medical conditions that impact the menstrual cycle include:
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder characterized by irregular ovulation, is a common cause of infertility in women. Treatment for PCOS often includes oral or injectable medications that help induce ovulation. Additionally, women with PCOS may benefit from fertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination {IUI} and in vitro fertilization {IVF}.
- Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows in other areas, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other parts of the pelvic region. Treatment may involve surgery.
- Hormonal imbalance: Hormonal imbalances are a leading cause of infertility in women, but are often treatable with lifestyle changes and medications.
3. Recurrent Miscarriages
If you've experienced a miscarriage, you aren't alone. It's a common complication of pregnancy in the U.S., occurring in 15–20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. It's generally not recommended to see a fertility specialist until you have experienced two or more miscarriages. Multiple miscarriages may suggest a fertility issue that needs testing and treatment.
4. Advanced Maternal Age
Women are born with a set number of eggs, and both the quality and quantity of these eggs decrease with age. As a result, the risk of miscarriage increases for women aged 35 and older. If you’re in your late 30s or early 40s and want to grow your family, it can be helpful to consult with a fertility specialist about your reproductive health.
5. Cancer Diagnosis
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can have a negative impact on fertility. If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer, a fertility specialist can assist you in preserving your fertility for after treatment. If you have already completed your treatment, a fertility specialist can evaluate your current reproductive health.
Schedule an Appointment With a Fertility Specialist Today
There are several reasons to consult a fertility specialist. If you're experiencing difficulties in conceiving, they can evaluate your reproductive health and develop a personalized fertility treatment plan. At Washington Fertility Center, we’re happy to answer all your fertility-related questions and help you grow your family. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.