Pregnancy Awareness Month: Why Seeking Help Is Proactive If It’s Been Over a Year

For millions of couples and individuals, the path to parenthood isn’t always immediate. Pregnancy Awareness Month is more than a national observance—it’s a reminder that fertility challenges are common and treatable. If you’ve been trying to conceive for over a year without success, seeking a fertility evaluation isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a proactive, empowering step toward clarity and hope.

“Fertility is a time-sensitive issue,” says Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh, founder and medical director of the Fertility Institute of San Diego. “Getting evaluated will dramatically improve your chances of conception and help uncover underlying issues before they progress.”

When Is It Time to Seek Help?

While some people conceive within a few months of trying, others experience delayed conception due to a range of medical, genetic, and lifestyle factors.

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine:

• If you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success, it’s time for a fertility evaluation.
• If you’re over 35, experts recommend seeking help after 6 months.
• For those over 40 or with known reproductive health concerns, an evaluation may be recommended immediately.

This timeline exists because female infertility and male fertility testing both hinge on factors that are often time-sensitive, including ovarian reserve, sperm quality, and overall reproductive health.

Signs It’s Time to Consider Fertility Testing

While every trying to conceive journey is unique, certain red flags may indicate the need for an earlier fertility clinic consultation:

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
• History of miscarriage
• Known conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, or thyroid dysfunction
• Prior pelvic surgery or a history of a sexually transmitted disease
• Trouble maintaining erections or ejaculation (in males)
• Genetic or hereditary disorders
• Current or prior cancer diagnosis requiring chemotherapy or radiation
• Same-sex couples or single parents by choice

“Infertility doesn’t always come with obvious symptoms,” Dr. Hosseinzadeh explains. “Many patients we meet are surprised to learn how a seemingly small issue, like mild hormonal imbalance, can affect their ability to conceive.”

Causes and Risk Factors

The causes of infertility are often multifactorial, requiring a comprehensive and personalized approach. Common causes include:

• Female infertility factors (ovulatory dysfunction, uterine abnormalities, diminished ovarian reserve)
• Male factor infertility (low sperm count, motility issues, structural problems)
• Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities
• Lifestyle factors (age, stress, poor diet, environmental toxins)
• Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions

Each patient’s profile is unique, which is why a targeted fertility evaluation can help develop a customized plan of action.

The Value of Early Fertility Assessment

Delaying care may reduce the effectiveness of available treatments. An early fertility assessment offers several advantages:

• Establishes a baseline for hormone levels, ovarian reserve, and semen quality
• Identifies correctable issues before they worsen
• Empowers informed decision-making around pregnancy planning
• Opens the door to options like timed intercourse, ovulation induction, IUI, IVF, or egg preservation

“Waiting too long to seek help can inadvertently limit your reproductive options,” says Dr. Hosseinzadeh. “There’s no harm in asking questions—and everything to gain from having answers.”

What to Expect During a Fertility Evaluation

At Fertility Institute of San Diego, patients benefit from a highly personalized experience. Here’s what a typical fertility evaluation may include:

For Female Patients:

• Comprehensive health history
• Transvaginal ultrasound for ovarian and uterine evaluation
• Ovarian reserve testing (AMH, FSH levels)
• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to check for blocked fallopian tubes
• Thyroid and hormone testing

For Male Patients:

• Male fertility testing including semen analysis
• Hormone panel
• Testicular ultrasound (if needed)

Results from these assessments can identify whether mild lifestyle adjustments, medication, or advanced interventions are necessary to move forward.

Emotional and Mental Wellness During the Journey to Conceive

The journey to conceive can bring a mix of hope, stress, and frustration. It’s important to acknowledge the emotional toll of trying to conceive, especially when timelines extend longer than expected. Couples may feel isolated, while individuals may internalize the delay as a personal failing.

This is why proactive support matters. Seeking professional help is not only a medical step—it’s an emotional investment in your future.

“You’re not alone in this. One in eight couples experiences infertility. Asking for help early doesn’t mean giving up—it means showing up for yourself,” Dr. Hosseinzadeh emphasizes.

Lifestyle and Fertility: What You Can Control

While not all causes of infertility are preventable, certain lifestyle shifts may support reproductive health:

• Maintain a balanced, antioxidant-rich diet
• Exercise regularly, but avoid over exercise
• Limit alcohol and avoid smoking or recreational drugs
• Minimize exposure to endocrine disruptors (e.g., BPA)
• Manage stress through mindfulness or therapy

These changes are not cures but may enhance outcomes during treatment and support your overall health.

FAQs: When Trying to Conceive Takes Longer Than Expected