When should you start worrying and seek medical advice?

By Dr. Aniruddha MalpaniIf you have been having sexual intercourse two or three times a week at about the time of ovulation without any form of birth control for a year or more and are not pregnant you meet the definition of being infertile. In this articleWhat is the right time?A note of cautionWhat is the right time? If you have been having sexual intercourse two or three times a week at about the time of ovulation, without any form of birth control for a year or more and are not pregnant, you meet the definition of being infertile. Pregnancy may still occur spontaneously, but from a statistical point of view, the chances are decreasing and you may now want to start thinking about seeking medical help. There is no "right" time to do so - and if it is causing you anxiety and worry, then you should consult a doctor. Even though you may be embarrassed and feel that you are the only ones in the world with the problem, you are not alone. Many couples experience infertility and many can be helped. A note of caution There are certain conditions that warrant seeing a doctor sooner: Periods at three-week (or less) intervals. No period for longer than three months. Irregular periods A history of pelvic infection. Two or more miscarriages. Women over the age of 35 - time is now at a premium! Men who have had prostate infections. Men whose testes are not felt in the scrotum

If you have been having sexual intercourse two or three times a week at about the time of ovulation without any form of birth control for a year or more and are not pregnant you meet the definition of being infertile.

What is the right time?

If you have been having sexual intercourse two or three times a week at about the time of ovulation, without any form of birth control for a year or more and are not pregnant, you meet the definition of being infertile. Pregnancy may still occur spontaneously, but from a statistical point of view, the chances are decreasing and you may now want to start thinking about seeking medical help.

There is no "right" time to do so - and if it is causing you anxiety and worry, then you should consult a doctor. Even though you may be embarrassed and feel that you are the only ones in the world with the problem, you are not alone. Many couples experience infertility and many can be helped.

A note of caution

There are certain conditions that warrant seeing a doctor sooner:

• Periods at three-week (or less) intervals.
• No period for longer than three months.
• Irregular periods
• A history of pelvic infection.
• Two or more miscarriages.
• Women over the age of 35 - time is now at a premium!
• Men who have had prostate infections.
• Men whose testes are not felt in the scrotum