Difficulty Getting Pregnant — When to Seek Help
Also described as infertility, not able to conceive, trouble getting pregnant.
Seek assessment after twelve months of trying without success, or after six months if the woman is over 35. Roughly a third of causes are female, a third male and a third shared or unexplained, so both partners are evaluated together from the outset.
🚨 Get emergency care if you have
- •Age over 35 with six months of trying
- •Absent or very irregular periods
- •Known endometriosis, fibroids or previous pelvic surgery
- •Previous chemotherapy, radiotherapy or mumps orchitis
- •Two or more miscarriages
What causes difficulty conceiving?
PCOS
Irregular ovulation, one of the commonest and most treatable causes.
Male factor
Low count or motility, present in around a third of couples. Assessed with a semen analysis.
Tubal blockage
Often after pelvic infection or surgery, assessed with an HSG.
Endometriosis
Associated with pelvic pain, painful periods and reduced fertility.
Thyroid or prolactin disorder
Both disrupt ovulation and are corrected with medication.
How it is investigated
- ✓Semen analysis — early, since it is simple and informative
- ✓Ovulation tracking, AMH and antral follicle count
- ✓Thyroid function and prolactin
- ✓HSG or hysteroscopy to assess tubes and uterine cavity
Not every patient needs every test. The consultation decides which of these apply to you.
Frequently asked questions
When should we see a fertility specialist?▼
After twelve months of regular unprotected intercourse without conception, or after six months if the woman is over 35. Come sooner if periods are absent or very irregular, if there is known endometriosis or pelvic surgery, or if there have been repeated miscarriages.
Does the male partner need testing too?▼
Yes, from the start. Male factors contribute in around a third of couples, and a semen analysis is quick, inexpensive and non-invasive. Testing only the woman first delays the diagnosis in a substantial proportion of cases.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a consultation. Symptoms overlap between harmless and serious conditions, and only an examination can tell them apart. If you are worried, see a doctor.
Plan your first visit
Not sure which specialist to see? Tell our care team the reason for your visit and we will help you choose.
- Bring previous prescriptions, relevant test reports or scan images, a medication list and photo ID.
- If you plan to use insurance, bring your policy details. OPD, tests and admission benefits depend on your individual plan and approval.
- Your first consultation determines which tests or treatments are needed; not everyone needs every test listed on this page.
Appointments are requests until confirmed. In a medical emergency, call 044 2025 2025 or go to the nearest emergency department.