Pre-Conception & Fertility • Clinical Guide
Understanding Infertility: When Should You Seek Help?
By Dr. Chaitra SR (MBBS, MS - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine) • Fertility & Women's Health Specialist at Aaraike Women's Care, Electronic City, Bengaluru.
Quick Medical Answer: Infertility is clinically defined by the WHO as the inability to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected intercourse. Seek evaluation after 12 months if under 35, after 6 months if aged 35–39, and immediately if 40+. Infertility is never solely a woman's issue; both partners should be evaluated simultaneously starting with a simple semen analysis. For the majority of couples, stepwise medical treatments (ovulation tracking, gentle induction) result in successful conception.
When Should You Seek a Clinical Evaluation?
Guidelines recommend seeking evaluation based on female age:
- Under 35: After 12 months of trying
- Aged 35 to 39: After 6 months of trying
- Aged 40 and older: Seek immediate assessment upon deciding to conceive
- Any age: If you have irregular periods, known PCOS, suspected endometriosis, or a history of pelvic infections, don't wait 12 months.
It Is Never Solely a Woman’s Issue
Infertility can stem from female factors (~35%), male factors (~35%), combined factors (~20%), or unexplained factors (~10%). Both partners must be evaluated together from the very first visit. Semen analysis is an essential starting point.
Consultation at Aaraike Women's Care
Receive compassionate, unrushed fertility evaluation with Fellowship-trained reproductive specialist Dr. Chaitra SR at Aaraike Women's Care in Electronic City, Bengaluru.
Address: Ground Floor, Madhava Building, Shree, 4th Cross, Ananth Nagar, Phase 2, Electronic City, Hebbagodi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560100
Phone: +91 95917 31655