If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than twelve months without success, despite having a regular cycle and intercourse on your fertile days, you are perhaps at the point where you need to explore other options. Women over the age of 35 may reach this point after six months without success.

Couples experiencing difficulties having a child generally turn to their general practitioner for advice as a first step. He or she may possibly refer them to a gynaecologist. This may or may not be the doctor who finally diagnoses and treats your condition. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor about his or her expertise in fertility matters, given that some doctors have greater experience in this field than others. You have to be confident that you are getting accurate information and the best possible care.

It is very important that as a couple you embark on this fertility journey together. Regardless of which partner is the cause, reduced fertility is a shared problem and both partners have to work together to resolve it. This means that the two of you have to be up to the next step on this path if you are to realise your desire to have children.

Take a look at The right doctor for advice on what to consider when choosing a specialist.