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I've always known I would need to see a specialist. I didn't get my first period until 16 and it ended up being my only one. Plus my mom had fertility issues so it was always in the back of my mind, wondering if I would be the same way.

I voted at 6 months but...

I didn't know I needed to see an RE at 6 months but I asked my OB/Gyn at my annual and she recommended it. I was hoping just the thought making the appointment with the RE would be what I needed to get my 'body' ready.

It wasn't until I was at the RE trying for my first IUI is when it really set in that we needed some help.

DH had known since childhood about his varicocele, so we saw a urologist at 3 months and an RE shortly after.

I think that's a great article. I had to see a specialist sooner than most because I only had one cycle on my own after coming off BC. After that they were 50+ days and needed provera. My GYN wouldn't do anything for me except tell me to see an RE, so I did after 2 or 3 provera induced cycles. And I'm really glad I did.

The only thing I would disagree with the article on is how long it advises you to wait. I think no matter how old you are, if you've gone 6 months of trying with no luck, it can't hurt at all to do the preliminary testing that they mention. If you're <35 it might still take a few more months and that's totally normal. But if there is something wrong, better to know sooner rather than waste 18 months when it's not going to happen. And of course if you have irregular periods, there no reason at all to wait - go get it checked out and taken care of immediately.

So interesting and I hope this helps someone. I didn't see an RE after my second m/c, but my OB correctly diagnosed it. Guess I"ll just be grateful she caught it. If i have issues with the next baby(s), i'll keep this in mind.

I did meet with an RE previously for my endo and he told me if I wasn't knocked up in 6 months to come back and see him. Six months! So we always knew it was a possibility.

@purplepumps, hey he could have an issue, too! you never know! Men always think it's the women but it's really 50%!

I voted three months. DH had a varicocele, so we went in for testing early. He turned out fine but then we learned of my problems.

@PurplePumps: Ugh what is with men!? It was like pulling teeth to get my DH to do his SA! It came back normal, but geez! I mean it's way better than getting poked with a whole bunch of needles and needing to hold you pee until you feel like bursting for an ultrasound!

I knew I probably would need help getting pregnant around age 25 when I was told I wasn't ovulating. When we began TTC at age 28 I gave it three months and went to my OBGYN. It was confirmed that I still wasn't ovulating and that my DH had issues as well so we were off to the RE.

@LindsayInNY: I was where you are about a year ago. I was ready for some testing, but not ready for an RE. I talked to my OB and asked about acupuncture, she agreed it was a good idea. She also ran the standard cd3 tests which didn't show much of anything. Eventually (as you know) I moved on to a nauturopath almost accidentally, but it has been a good middle step for me before heading to an RE.

I think 6 months of good timing with no luck is definitely cause for looking into what is going on, but you have to feel ready, because it could lead to a TON of testing and appointments.

@LindsayInNY: Yep, its all a big unknown. Statistics are in your favor, but it depends on how long you're willing to wait before having some answers. Have you talked to your DH and set a gameplan that you're both happy with? We've set timelines a few times and it has helped.

We tried for about 3 years when my hubby finally agreed to get tested. Turns out, they never found a problem.