Trying to conceive and not getting the results you hoped for can bring up a lot of emotions. Uncertainty. Frustration. The quiet worry that something might be wrong. And for many people, one of their biggest questions is when to seek out help.
Most people have heard the advice to keep trying and give it time. But sometimes, what feels like patience is actually time that could be spent getting real answers.
Here is a look at the signs that it may be time to schedule a consultation, what to expect when you get there, and what the process looks like at Key Wellness.
What Is Infertility?
Infertility is generally defined as the inability to conceive after 6-12 months of trying. The timeline that applies to you depends on your age, your health history, and any known factors that may affect your fertility. Infertility is far more common than most people realize, and it affects both men and women. In many cases there are identifiable factors that, once found, can be addressed.
Signs It Might Be Time to See a Fertility Specialist
You’ve Been Trying for 6-12 Months Without Success
This is the standard starting point, and if you’ve reached the 6-12 month marker of trying to conceive and have not been successful, you are not alone. Fertility is complex, and there are so many factors, often many outside of your control, that can be impacting you without you knowing. A consultation is the first step toward understanding what those factors are and what the right next steps could look like for you.
You Have a Condition That May Affect Fertility
Certain conditions are known to impact the ability to conceive, and if you have been diagnosed with any of them, it is worth having a conversation with a fertility provider sooner rather than waiting through the full 6-12 month window. These include:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids or polyps
- A history of pelvic inflammatory disease
- Prior cancer treatment including chemotherapy or radiation
Your Cycles Are Irregular or Have Stopped
A regular cycle is a signal that ovulation is occurring consistently, and ovulation is essential for conception. Cycles that are unpredictable, very long, very short, or that have stopped altogether can indicate that ovulation is not happening reliably. This is one of the more common and treatable contributors to difficulty conceiving, and there are effective options for regulating ovulation when that is the underlying issue.
You Are Over 35 and Planning to Conceive
Egg quantity and quality naturally decline with age, and that process accelerates after 35. This does not mean conception is not possible, but it does mean that time is a factor, and moving sooner rather than later gives you the most options. For women in this age range, earlier evaluation provides a clearer picture of where things stand and allows for a more proactive approach.
You or Your Partner Have a History That May Be Relevant
Infertility is not solely a women’s health issue. Male factor concerns, including low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology, account for a significant portion of fertility challenges. If there is any reason to suspect a male factor, a semen analysis is a straightforward first step that provides important information and helps ensure the right treatment path is pursued from the start.
|
When to See a Fertility Specialist: Quick Reference ✓ Trying to conceive for 6-12 months without success ✓ Known condition such as PCOS, endometriosis, or fibroids ✓ Irregular, very short, or absent cycles ✓ Over 35 and planning to conceive ✓ Prior reproductive surgery or relevant health history ✓ Male factor concerns ✓ History of cancer treatment affecting reproductive health |
What Happens at a Fertility Consultation?
A fertility consultation is a conversation, not a commitment to any particular path. It is a chance to share what you have been experiencing, ask the questions that have been sitting in the back of your mind, and get a clearer picture of what is actually going on.
At Key Wellness, our providers will review your medical history, discuss your timeline and symptoms, and recommend the most relevant next steps for your situation. Testing may include hormone evaluation to assess reproductive hormone levels, ultrasound to assess the uterus and ovaries, semen analysis, and other assessments based on what your history suggests. Your provider will walk you through what the findings mean and what options may make sense from there.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
The right path forward depends entirely on what is found during the consultation. At Key Wellness, our fertility services include:
Lifestyle Support
A good starting point often involves looking at the full picture of your health. Factors like nutrition, stress, weight, and cycle health all play a meaningful role in your ability to conceive, and your provider will help you identify what lifestyle adjustments may support your fertility. There are often simple, practical lifestyle adjustments both you and your partner can take to support egg and sperm quality.
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
IUI is a minimally invasive procedure that places washed sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, giving sperm the best possible chance of reaching an egg. It is a good fit for couples with mild fertility concerns, unexplained infertility, or those using donor sperm. The procedure is quick, generally well-tolerated, and is a low-intervention option that fits well into the early stages of fertility treatment for many couples.
IVF Referrals
When IVF is the recommended next step, we help connect patients with trusted reproductive specialists and provide support throughout the transition.
IVF Monitoring
For patients who are pursuing IVF with a reproductive specialist, we offer local IVF monitoring services. This allows patients in the Brainerd Lakes area to complete many of their monitoring appointments close to home rather than making the drive to a larger clinic for every visit.
Fertility Care in the Brainerd Lakes Area
At Key Wellness & Aesthetics in Crosslake, MN, we offer fertility consultations and treatment for individuals and couples throughout the Brainerd Lakes region.
Our providers Kelly VanVickle and Kelly Thompson have spent their careers focused on women’s health and infertility and have helped thousands of couples achieve their dream of parenthood. Together they have built a practice that has been recognized by the Brainerd Lakes community for the quality of care they provide.
We take a whole-person approach to care, and our goal is to give you real answers, a clear plan, and the support you need to move forward.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit our website or call us at (218) 692-5397.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a fertility doctor?
There is no wrong time to ask questions. The general starting point is when you have been trying to conceive for 6-12 months, but if you have a known condition, irregular cycles, or any reason to suspect a fertility concern, earlier is almost always better than later.
Can unexplained infertility be treated?
Yes, unexplained infertility does not mean treatment is unavailable. IUI, ovulation support, and IVF have all shown meaningful success for patients with unexplained infertility. Your provider will work with you to determine what approach makes the most sense based on your age, history, and personal situation.
Does infertility affect men too?
Yes, and it is more common than most people realize. Male factor concerns, including sperm count, motility, or morphology, contribute to a significant portion of fertility challenges. A semen analysis is a standard part of a thorough fertility evaluation and helps ensure the right treatment approach is taken from the start.
What is the difference between IUI and IVF?
IUI places sperm directly into the uterus to support natural fertilization and is typically the first assisted reproduction option explored. IVF involves retrieving eggs, fertilizing them outside the body, and transferring an embryo into the uterus. IVF is generally recommended when IUI has not been successful or when specific factors make it the better starting point.
Do I need a referral to schedule a fertility consultation at Key Wellness?
No referral is needed. You can call us or book a consultation online to get started.
