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Initial Infertility Testing

© Debbi Carter

Sometimes the reason for not conceiving is as simple as poor timing; unfortunately, there are many other reasons that are not as easy to fix. But how do you find out what the reason is in your case? The first thing you should do, if you have been trying for less than 12 months (for those women under 35) is to keep trying. About 90% of healthy couples conceive after 12 months of trying, so the odds are in your favor.

If it has been longer than 12 months, or 6 months for women over 35, it is time to pick up the telephone and call your doctor. If you have more than one doctor, for example both a family/general doctor and an OB/GYN (Obstetrician/Gynecologist), you should make the appointment with your OB/GYN. If you only have a family/general doctor, then you can ask your doctor if s/he has done fertility testing or if you should contact an OB/GYN. If you have gone through infertility treatment in the past, then you should contact your reproductive endocrinologist as soon as you decide to start trying to conceive again.

A family/general doctor is a doctor that has general knowledge and training in many areas. They do not usually have specific training in reproductive health or infertility. An OB/GYN is a doctor that received specialized training in reproductive and maternal health; some doctors also receive additional infertility training. A reproductive endocrinologist is an infertility specialist; their training has been specialized for this particular area of medicine.

It is best to schedule your appointment for the second or third day of your next cycle, so that testing can begin immediately. If you do not know when your next cycle will begin, make the appointment for any time, as the doctor will be able to help your next period start and order the blood tests in advance. Also, be sure to have your partner go with you to the appointment, so that they can be present to answer medical questions that you may not have information about.

You should take to the appointment any current fertility charts you have, a list of all medications you or your partner are currently taking including pain and cold medications. Take some time a few days before your appointment to write down questions you have. If you write them down and take the list with you, you will be less likely to forget anything important that you want to ask your doctor.

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