When to See a Fertility Doctor: Signs, Timelines, and What to Expect
Knowing when to see a fertility doctor can help you take control of your family-building plans with confidence. For some, it’s after months of trying without success; for others, it’s due to changes in their cycle, existing health conditions, or wanting to plan ahead. This guide explains the signs, timelines, and factors to consider, so you can decide the right moment to seek specialist advice — whether that’s through the NHS or a private fertility clinic.
Author
Tassia O’Callaghan
Reviewed by
Kayleigh Hartigan
14 min read
Treatment Spotlight:
- Many people see a fertility doctor after 12 months of trying (6 months if aged 36 or over), but there are reasons to seek advice sooner. [1,2]
- Changes to your menstrual cycle, recurrent miscarriage, or a history of reproductive health conditions can be signs to book an appointment. [1,2]
- A GP can carry out initial checks and refer you for specialist testing if needed. [2]
- Early fertility checks can give you more time to make informed decisions and explore all your options.
- Both NHS-funded and private clinics have advantages — knowing how each works can help you choose the right route for you.
Who might need (or want) to see a fertility doctor?
Seeing a fertility specialist isn’t only for people who’ve been trying for a long time — sometimes it’s the best first step to get clarity, explore your options, or make a plan for the future. Whether you’re actively trying to conceive or simply want to understand your fertility health, here are some situations where booking an appointment could be helpful. [1,2]
You might want to see a fertility doctor if you:
- Have been trying to conceive for a while without success — more than 12 months if you’re 35 or under, or more than 6 months if you’re 36 or older.
- Have irregular or absent periods or any changes to your cycle that make ovulation less predictable.
- Know you have a reproductive health condition such as PCOS, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, fibroids, or a history of pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Have had previous fertility treatment and want to explore next steps or alternative approaches.
- Have experienced recurrent miscarriage — two or more consecutive pregnancy losses.
- Are taking medication that may affect fertility or pregnancy — for example, certain cancer treatments or long-term prescriptions.
- Need donor sperm, donor eggs, or a surrogate — whether you’re a single parent by choice, in a same-sex relationship, or your own eggs or sperm aren’t an option.
- Have had surgery, injury, or medical treatment affecting your reproductive system, such as testicular surgery, ovarian surgery, or chemotherapy.
- Have a history of STIs or untreated infections, which can sometimes impact fertility.
- Are trans or non-binary and starting gender-affirming treatment and want to preserve fertility before surgery or hormone therapy.
- Are planning ahead — for example, you’re considering egg or sperm freezing, or want a fertility check before trying.
When should I get my fertility checked?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — the right timing depends on your personal circumstances, health history, and plans for the future. For some, testing is about investigating why pregnancy hasn’t happened yet; for others, it’s about understanding fertility health before trying.
Fertility testing can often be most useful when it’s timed to give you answers early enough to act on them. The ideal time depends on your age, how long you’ve been trying, and whether there are any factors that could shorten your window for conception. [2]
- Under 36: If you’ve been trying to conceive for around 12 months without success, it’s a good point to arrange checks.
- 36 and over: Book a fertility assessment after around 6 months of trying, as age-related changes can happen more quickly in your mid-to-late 30s.
- 40 and over: Seek advice as soon as you start trying, so you have the full range of options available.
- Before trying: If you know you may want children in the future, a baseline check can help you plan — especially if you have a shorter timeframe to work with.
Why timing matters
When it comes to fertility, time plays a bigger role than many people realise. This isn’t just about age — although egg and sperm quality do naturally change over the years — it’s also about giving yourself enough space to understand your options, make decisions, and act while you have the widest range of possibilities. [3,4,5,6]
Fertility testing and treatment can take weeks or months, especially if you need multiple appointments, partner assessments, or follow-up investigations. Starting that process early means you’re less likely to feel rushed into choices or miss out on options that work best when pursued sooner.
If treatment is recommended, earlier intervention can improve the likelihood of success — not only because of biological factors, but because you’ll have more time to try different approaches if needed. Even if you’re not ready to start treatment straight away, having a clear picture of your fertility health now allows you to plan ahead with confidence. [7]
Ultimately, timing matters because it gives you room to make informed, considered decisions — and to take action in a way that supports both your current circumstances and your future plans.
Fertility Glossary
Trying to conceive can feel like learning a new language. Here’s your translator.
What are the early signs of fertility problems?
Fertility challenges can look different for everyone — and sometimes there are no obvious signs at all until you start trying to conceive. That’s why paying attention to changes in your reproductive health, and seeking advice when something doesn’t feel right, can make a difference.
While these signs don’t always mean there’s a serious problem, they’re worth discussing with your GP or a fertility specialist if you notice them:
- Changes to your menstrual cycle — periods becoming irregular, much lighter or heavier than usual, or stopping altogether.
- Very painful periods or pelvic pain, which can be linked to conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Difficulty predicting or confirming ovulation — cycles that vary widely in length or symptoms of ovulation that suddenly change.
- Recurrent miscarriage — two or more pregnancy losses in a row.
- A history of reproductive health conditions, such as PCOS, fibroids, thyroid disorders, or blocked fallopian tubes.
- Previous pelvic or testicular surgery, injury, or infection, which can sometimes affect egg or sperm health.
- Past or current STIs, particularly if untreated, as these can cause scarring or blockages.
- Signs of possible male factor issues, such as a history of mumps after puberty, undescended testicles, or chemotherapy.
It’s also possible to experience fertility problems without any symptoms — which is why timelines can matter. If you’ve been trying to conceive for more than a year (or six months if you’re 36 or older), it’s recommended to seek medical advice even if you feel healthy. [4,8,9]
Can my GP check my fertility?
Yes — your GP can start the process of investigating your fertility. They can’t do every test a specialist might, but they can carry out an initial assessment, arrange key checks, and refer you for further investigation if needed.
At your appointment, your GP may:
- Discuss your medical and reproductive history, including previous pregnancies, menstrual cycle patterns, and any known conditions or treatments that could affect fertility.
- Ask about your lifestyle and overall health, such as smoking, alcohol use, weight, or high-stress levels, which can sometimes play a role.
- Suggest initial tests — these might include blood tests to look at hormone levels, a semen analysis, screening for infections like chlamydia, or an ultrasound scan.
- Do a basic physical examination, checking for signs of underlying conditions that could affect your chances of conceiving.
- Explain next steps — whether that’s continuing to try for a little longer, making lifestyle adjustments, or referring you to a fertility clinic for more in-depth testing.
For many people, a GP appointment is the most practical first step. It’s a chance to raise any concerns, get a clearer picture of your reproductive health, and — if needed — move towards specialist care without unnecessary delays.
Your NHS Eligibility
Use our NHS IVF Eligibility Calculator to discover if you can access free fertility treatment.
NHS or private fertility clinic: Which should you choose?
Deciding between NHS-funded care and going private can depend on more than just cost. Waiting times, eligibility criteria, clinic choice, and the type of treatment available can all play a role. Understanding how each route works — and what that means for your timeline, options, and experience — can help you decide which path is the best fit for you.
Aspect
NHS fertility care
Private fertility clinic
Eligibility
Based on national and local criteria (age, previous children, BMI, length of time trying). Criteria varies by region.
pen to anyone who can self-refer and cover the cost, regardless of age or medical history (clinic policies still apply).
Cost
Funded for those who meet NHS criteria. Some costs (additional tests or treatments outside guidelines) may not be covered.
Paid for directly by the patient. Costs vary by clinic and treatment type, and can be higher if multiple cycles are needed.
Waiting times
Can be several months from GP referral to first appointment, especially in high-demand areas.
Appointments are often available within days or weeks.
Choice of clinic
Limited to NHS-contracted fertility clinics in your area.
Freedom to choose any licensed clinic in the UK (or abroad) that fits your needs.
Treatment options
Usually follows NICE guidelines, focuses on most clinically appropriate treatments. May have restrictions on add-ons.
Wider range of treatment types, protocols, and optional add-ons (though not all are evidence-based).
Continuity of care
Care is coordinated within the NHS, sometimes across multiple hospital departments.
Typically managed by the same clinic team throughout your treatment.
Support services
Counselling is available, often as part of the treatment package.
Counselling and additional support are usually available but may come at an extra cost.
Funding for further cycles
Limited to the number of NHS-funded cycles you’re eligible for under local criteria.
No set limit — treatment continues as long as you choose and can fund it.
What to expect at your first fertility appointment
Your first fertility appointment is all about building a clear picture of your reproductive health and creating a personalised plan. [10,11,12]
Here’s what typically happens:
Step 1: Review of your medical history
You’ll meet with a doctor or specialist nurse to go through your health background in detail. This includes your general medical history, reproductive health, and any previous pregnancies or treatments. If you have a partner, their history will also be discussed.
Step 2: Initial examinations and scans
Depending on your circumstances, you may have a physical examination and/or an ultrasound scan at this appointment. This helps assess the health of the reproductive organs and identify any obvious issues that might affect conception.
Step 3: Discussion of recommended tests
Your clinician will outline which tests are needed next, and when. For women, this could include hormone profiling or assessments of the ovaries and uterus. For men, this often starts with semen analysis. If you’ve had tests before, bring your results so they can be reviewed and potentially avoid repeating them.
Step 4: Health and lifestyle checks
The team may ask about lifestyle factors such as nutrition, exercise, alcohol, smoking, and stress. These conversations are designed to identify small changes that might support your fertility.
Step 5: Understanding the next steps
Before you leave, your clinician will explain the likely timeline for any further testing, when you’ll get results, and the process for your next appointment. If treatment is recommended, you’ll learn about the available options and have the chance to ask questions.
Step 6: Your questions and preferences
This is your time to clarify anything you’re unsure about — from how the tests work, to costs, to emotional support options. Clinics expect and welcome questions, so bring a list if that helps you feel prepared.
By the end of the appointment, you should have a clear understanding of what will happen next, what you need to do, and how to contact your clinic if you think of more questions later.
Find the right fertility clinic for you
Choosing a fertility clinic is a big decision — and we’ve made it clearer.
Quiz: Is it time to see a fertility doctor?
Not sure if it’s the right moment to see a fertility doctor? You’re not alone — deciding when to take that step can feel like a grey area. This quick quiz is designed to help you work out whether now might be a good time to book an appointment, or if you could wait a little longer.
Please note, this quiz is not a diagnosis, but it can give you a clearer sense of your next move.
- How long have you been trying to conceive?
a. Less than 6 months
b. Around 6–12 months
c. More than 12 months - How old are you?
a. Under 36
b. 36–39
c. 40 or over - Has your menstrual cycle changed recently (for example, becoming irregular, lighter, heavier, or stopping)?
a. No changes
b. A few changes, but nothing major
c. Significant or ongoing changes - Do you have any known reproductive health conditions (e.g. PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, blocked fallopian tubes, thyroid issues)?
a. No
b. Not sure
c. Yes - Have you experienced two or more consecutive pregnancy losses?
a. No
b. Unsure
c. Yes - Have you had any surgery, injury, or medical treatment that could affect your reproductive system (e.g. pelvic surgery, chemotherapy, testicular surgery)?
a. No
b. Not sure
c. Yes - Do you need donor eggs, donor sperm, or a surrogate to build your family?
a. No
b. Possibly in future
c. Yes, now - Are you trans or non-binary and planning gender-affirming treatment?
a. No
b. Considering it in the future
c. Yes, and I want to explore fertility preservation - Are you thinking about freezing eggs or sperm to use later?
a. No
b. Maybe
c. Yes
Your results:
- Mostly A’s – You may not need to see a fertility specialist right now, but you can still talk to your GP if you’d like reassurance or a basic fertility check.
- Mostly B’s – You might benefit from an initial consultation, especially if you want more clarity or to plan ahead.
- Mostly C’s – It’s worth arranging a fertility appointment soon so you can explore your options without delay.
Summary
Knowing when to see a fertility doctor can give you the clarity and options you need to move forward with confidence. For some, it’s after months of trying without success; for others, it’s due to existing health conditions, changes in their cycle, or wanting to plan ahead. Age, medical history, and how long you’ve been trying all play a role in timing — but so does peace of mind.
Whether you start with your GP or go straight to a fertility clinic, an early conversation can help identify potential issues, outline your options, and give you more time to act. Even if you’re not ready to begin treatment, understanding your fertility health now means you can make informed, well-timed decisions for your future.
If you’re ready to explore private fertility testing or treatment, our Clinic Match tool can connect you with licensed fertility clinics that suit your needs, budget, and location. If you want to check whether you might qualify for NHS-funded care, our NHS Eligibility Calculator can help you understand what’s available in your area.
Sources
1. https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/fertility/when-go-to-gp/
2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/diagnosis/
3. https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/planning-a-pregnancy/fertility-and-causes-of-infertility/how-age-affects-fertility
4. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/
5. https://mft.nhs.uk/app/uploads/sites/4/2020/06/Age-and-Fertility.pdf
6. https://www2.hse.ie/pregnancy-birth/trying-for-a-baby/your-fertility/age/
7. https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/news-and-press-releases/2024/fertility-patients-are-starting-treatment-when-chances-of-having-a-baby-fall-says-hfea/
8. https://www.britishfertilitysociety.org.uk/fei/what-are-the-signs-and-symptoms-of-infertility/
9. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/causes/
10. https://www.hfea.gov.uk/choose-a-clinic/preparing-for-your-clinic-appointment/
11. https://www.uhcw.nhs.uk/ivf/treatments/what-to-expect/
12. https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/services/fertility/journey/