--- title: "When to See a Fertility Doctor" date: 2026-06-12 author: "HSFC Kenya" featured_image: "https://hsfckenya.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/When-to-See-a-Fertility-Doctor.png.webp" categories: - name: "Male and Female Infertility" url: "/resource-library/articles/category/male-and-female-infertility.md" - name: "Treatments and Services" url: "/resource-library/articles/category/treatments-and-services.md" --- # When to See a Fertility Doctor Infertility is not solely a female issue. While female fertility tends to decline more significantly with age, male-factor infertility contributes to approximately 40% of diagnosed infertility cases, either as the primary cause or as a contributing factor. Therefore, when infertility is suspected, both partners should undergo appropriate evaluation rather than focusing exclusively on the female partner. **Key Factors That Influence When to Seek Help** Several considerations determine how long a couple should try to conceive before consulting a fertility specialist. These include the woman’s age, existing reproductive or medical conditions in either partner, personal and family medical history, and known fertility-related disorders in either partner. **Recommendations By** [**Age**](https://hsfckenya.com/resource-library/articles/male-and-female-infertility/age-and-fertility-whats-the-impact-on-your-fertility/) - Women Under 35 Years of Age: For women younger than 35 who have no known reproductive health problems, the recommendation is to seek a fertility evaluation after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse without achieving pregnancy. About 80% of women under 35 will conceive naturally within the first year of trying. If pregnancy has not occurred after that period, further investigation is advised. - Women Aged 35 and Older: Because fertility begins to decline in the early 30s and decreases more rapidly in the mid-to-late 30s, women aged 35 and older should seek fertility assistance after six months of unsuccessful attempts to conceive. This recommendation is based on age-related reductions in [egg quality](https://hsfckenya.com/resource-library/articles/treatments-and-services/measurement-and-improvement-of-egg-quality/) and increased risks of miscarriage and chromosomal abnormalities. - Women Over 40: Women over 40 who wish to become pregnant are recommended to consult a fertility specialist immediately rather than waiting several months. Due to the significant decline in fertility at this age, early evaluation can help identify appropriate treatment options sooner. **CONDITIONS THAT MAY REQUIRE EARLIER REFERRAL** **In females** Women with certain reproductive disorders should consult their obstetrician-gynaecologist (OB-GYN) before attempting pregnancy or soon after deciding to conceive. These conditions include: - Endometriosis - Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ([PCOS](https://hsfckenya.com/resource-library/articles/female-infertility/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-and-ferility/)) - Uterine [fibroids](https://hsfckenya.com/resource-library/articles/female-infertility/fibroids-and-infertility/), [polyps](https://hsfckenya.com/resource-library/articles/treatments-and-services/uterine-polyps-and-infertility/), and other structural abnormalities - Diminished ovarian reserve - Chronic pelvic pain - [Irregular menstrual cycles](https://hsfckenya.com/resource-library/articles/female-fertility/what-causes-irregular-periods/) or failure to ovulate (anovulation) These disorders may affect fertility directly or complicate conception and pregnancy. Depending on the condition and its severity, referral to a fertility specialist may occur immediately. Early specialist involvement can improve success rates. **In males** Many [men](https://hsfckenya.com/resource-library/articles/treatments-and-services/male-infertility/) experience no obvious symptoms when their fertility is not optimal. However, men with certain known conditions should consider fertility evaluation. These include: - Erectile dysfunction - [Varicoceles](https://hsfckenya.com/resource-library/articles/treatments-and-services/varicoceles-and-male-infertility/) (enlarged veins within the scrotum) - History of undescended testicles - Obesity - Previous testicular injury Men with these risk factors may benefit from [semen analysis](https://hsfckenya.com/resource-library/articles/treatments-and-services/what-to-expect-from-semen-analysis/) and other fertility assessments as part of a comprehensive evaluation. Both men and women can develop scar tissue due to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The scaring may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and inflammation of the reproductive tract in men. Autoimmune disorders, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and some medications that treat chronic conditions also interfere with men’s and women’s fertility. If you suspect an underlying condition may be at the root of your infertility or inability to conceive, it’s time to consult a specialist. **Body Weight and Fertility** Both overweight and underweight partners may experience difficulties conceiving. Weight influences reproductive [hormone](https://hsfckenya.com/resource-library/articles/treatments-and-services/do-men-suffer-from-hormonal-disorders/) balance and can disrupt ovulation in women and sperm production in men. Approximately 12% of infertility cases may be related to abnormal body weight. Those whose body mass index (BMI) falls significantly outside the normal range are encouraged to seek medical advice. A fertility specialist can help determine whether weight is contributing to infertility and recommend lifestyle modifications. In many cases, fertility may improve once a healthy weight is achieved. **Recurrent Miscarriage** Women who have experienced two or more miscarriages are advised to seek evaluation by a fertility specialist. While miscarriage is relatively common, occurring in approximately 15 to 20% of pregnancies, recurrent miscarriage is less common and may indicate an underlying medical, genetic, hormonal, or anatomical issue that requires investigation. **Main Takeaway** The central message is that timing matters in fertility care. Younger women without known fertility issues can generally try for one year before seeking specialist assistance, while women over 35 should seek help after six months, and women over 40 should seek evaluation immediately. Individuals with known reproductive disorders, recurrent miscarriages, significant weight issues, or male fertility risk factors should consider earlier consultation. Infertility should be viewed as a couple’s issue; evaluating both partners is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. This [article](https://fertility.womenandinfants.org/services/see-fertility-specialist) by Women and Infants delves more into the recommendations on when to see a fertility specialist.