If you and your partner have been having unprotected sex consistently for 12 months or more, then this is officially considered a fertility problem. Schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist if this is what you and your partner are experiencing.  Trying to conceive means that you aren’t using condoms or any other barrier methods, aren’t taking birth control pills or using patches, or using any other type of withdrawal or timing method to prevent pregnancy. Approximately 15% of couples trying to have a baby are unable to conceive in the first year, so you aren’t alone if you’re experiencing this problem. Many women experience increased fertility problems around their mid-30s because they have fewer quality eggs. If you’re over 35, then see a specialist if you’ve been trying to conceive unsuccessfully for 6 months.  It’s common for couples over 35 to take 1-2 years to successfully conceive, so don’t panic if you’re having trouble. Fertility specialists see this all the time. If the doctor discovers that your eggs are declining in quality, then the doctor can prescribe a drug like myo-inositol to support your egg health. Fertility drops in both men and women after age 40, so conceiving may be harder for you. It’s best to contact a specialist right when you start trying to conceive. This way, you can increase your chances of success and having a healthy pregnancy.  If you’re trying to conceive over 40, the specialist may suggest a variety of methods, like scheduling sex around the woman’s ovulation period, to increase your chances of success.  You might not have any trouble at all conceiving at this age, which is great. But it’s still a good idea to see a specialist at the start because pregnancy can be more difficult for a woman older than 40. Age also increases a woman’s chances of having a miscarriage, so the doctor’s support is important through the whole process.
Visit the doctor if you’re under 35 and haven't conceived after 1 year of trying. See the doctor if you’re over 35 and can’t conceive within 6 months. Contact a specialist if you and your partner are over 40.