When to ask for a fertility evaluation

What the evidence says

Professional guidance sets a threshold for starting an evaluation: twelve months of trying under 35, six months at 35 or over, and immediately where a known cause is present, which includes irregular cycles.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine's practice committee opinions on the infertility workup and on optimising natural fertility set evaluation after 12 months under 35, and after 6 months at 35 or over. They say testing should begin immediately where a known cause of infertility is present, and name irregular menses and oligo-anovulation among those causes.

What this does not show

This is a threshold for starting an evaluation. It is not a prognosis, not a statement about your chances of conceiving, and not a diagnosis of infertility. It is US professional-body guidance; other bodies set different thresholds, and your own clinician's practice may differ. Whether your cycles count as irregular is a clinical judgement you make with your doctor from your history, not something this app determines. And Neta holds the substance and the issuing body, not a verified full reference.

Sources, as Neta holds them

1. Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Fertility evaluation of infertile women: a committee opinion. Fertil Steril. 2021;116(5):1255-65. AND Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in collaboration with the Society of Reproductive Biologists and Technologists. Optimizing natural fertility: a committee opinion. Fertil Steril. 2022;117(1):53-63 (doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.10.007). doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.08.038

   Guideline synthesis