We always recommend doing some early investigation if you want concrete answers. Be your own advocate and speak to your doctor about ordering a full fertility assessment.
Now, keep in mind: your family doctor may not send you for lab testing right away, especially if you don’t have any underlying health conditions. If you are 35 or younger, you have to have been trying to conceive for at least one year before you are eligible for a fertility work-up. If you are older than 35, the timeline is a bit shorter: 6 months.
You should, on the other hand, seek medical advice even sooner if you:
- have severe pain during your periods (menstruation) or while you are having sex (these may be signs of endometriosis)
- have used Accutane in the past for acne
- have no periods or have irregular periods (this may point to problems with ovulation)
- had surgery in your abdomen or womb (uterus) in the past
- had more than one miscarriage
- have a history of a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- had cancer treatment in the past
- have a family history of early menopause (before age 40)