When Infertility Strikes
In general, the first specialist to consult is a gynecologist with expertise in infertility -- medically defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after one year without using artificial controls. For men, a urologist with an interest in male infertility should be contacted.
In some situations, you should seek help early, Halvorson says. A woman's ability to get pregnant decreases as she ages, so any woman over 35 should consider evaluation after six months of attempting to get pregnant.
An early visit to the physician would also be considered if a woman has irregular menstrual cycles, or has had a pelvic infection, ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, pelvic surgery, radiation to the pelvis or chemotherapy. Warning signs in males include infection, surgery, dilated veins in the scrotum, chemotherapy and/or radiation in the genital region.
"The good news is that the majority of the time, it's possible for a couple to have a happy, healthy baby. The question is when and how," Halvorson says.
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