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The Next Step

When Is it Time to See an Infertility Specialist?

By Michele St. Martin

Dr. Erickson agrees with the advice that women who are older than 35 and have been trying to conceive for six months should see an RE. She also suggests that if a woman who has an obvious abnormality, especially one that requires surgery, it might be wise to make the switch sooner.

Brenda Price learned on her own, from charting her menstrual cycle, that she had a very short luteal phase (less than 14 days between ovulation and menstruation, commonly referred to as a luteal phase defect), which is a common infertility indicator. "Women should trust their instincts and switch to an RE at the earliest opportunity," says Brenda. "When dealing with infertility, time is definitely not on your side. I think women (and men) have to be active participants in their fertility treatments. Don't be afraid to ask questions and demand answers. Inform yourself, and encourage your husband/partner to do the same."

If you decide, either on your own or with the aid of a doctor who has been treating you, that it's in your best interest to see an RE, how do you find the right doctor for you? A good place to start is with REs who belong to SART (the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies). Go to their Web site for REs in your area who are SART members.