We've Been Trying to Conceive. What Should We Do Now?
Month after month of hoping and then not, quietly, is its own kind of tiring — even when everything else in life looks fine from the outside. If you're here, you've probably already done the waiting part. This page is about the next part.
You're Not the Only One Asking This
This is one of the most common reasons a couple first sits down for a fertility consultation at Shree, and almost everyone arrives with the same mix of hope and worry. Wanting to check whether something needs attention doesn't mean something is necessarily wrong — it means you'd rather know than wonder.
Where Do You Fit?
- Under 35, trying for less than a year — you likely have time, but a conversation now can still be useful.
- Under 35, trying for over a year — this is generally the point worth a proper evaluation.
- 35 or older, trying for over six months — the timeline for "when to check" is shorter at this age, and that's medically normal, not alarming.
- Irregular or absent periods alongside trying — this is worth looking into sooner rather than waiting out a timeline.
- A previous pregnancy that didn't go to term — whenever you feel ready to talk about trying again.
- You simply want to know if anything needs checking — that's a complete reason on its own.
What This Could Mean
Trying to conceive is one of the few areas of health where time genuinely is a factor — which is why timelines get mentioned here at all. That's not meant to create pressure; it's meant to replace vague worry with an honest, specific answer.
A common misunderstanding is: "if we're not pregnant yet, something must be wrong." In fact, the majority of couples trying do conceive within a year of regular, unprotected attempts. Time is the first thing to look at — it is not, on its own, the full picture.
When It's Worth Seeing Dr. Madhupriya
- Under 35: after about 12 months of trying without success.
- 35 and above: after about 6 months, since fertility naturally changes with age — this is a timeline, not a verdict.
- At any age, if periods are irregular, very infrequent, or absent — there's no reason to wait out the standard timeline in this case.
- At any age, if you already know of a condition like PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid issues, or a prior pelvic surgery.
- After a previous miscarriage, whenever you feel ready — there is no fixed waiting period required.
What Happens at Your First Consultation
- A joint conversation with both partners, where possible — fertility is rarely a one-person picture.
- A detailed but unhurried review of your cycle history and any relevant past health events.
- A short, clearly explained list of initial checks — not the entire fertility workup pushed through on day one.
- Each test is explained in plain terms before it's ordered, including what it's actually looking for.
- A realistic plan with a timeline, so the next step is always clear, even if more than one visit is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is testing needed for both partners?
Generally yes — roughly equal numbers of fertility concerns trace to each partner, so a full picture needs both. Your first consultation will clarify what's relevant for you.
Will I need surgery or injections on the first visit?
No. The first visit is an evaluation and conversation. Any treatment is a separate, later decision, made only after there's a clear picture of what's going on.
What if my periods are irregular — does that change things?
It usually means there's a clearer, more specific starting point, which can actually make the first steps more direct, not more complicated.
Can we start with just a consultation, with no tests yet?
Yes. The first visit is about understanding your situation. Tests are only ordered where they're genuinely useful, and always explained first.
If something is found, how soon can treatment begin?
That depends entirely on what's found and your own preferences and pace — this will be discussed with you directly, with no assumption that you want to move quickly.
