The basics · 3 min read
One of the questions we hear most often is, 'How long should we keep trying before seeing someone?' Here is what current UK guidance says — and the practical signs it's worth booking a conversation sooner.
NICE — the UK body that sets clinical guidelines — recommends that couples seek a fertility assessment after 12 months of regular unprotected sex without conceiving. If the woman is aged 36 or over, or there is a known cause for concern, that timeline is reduced to 6 months.
Earlier assessment is sensible if any of the following apply: irregular or absent periods; a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis; previous pelvic surgery or infection; a history of cancer treatment; undescended testes or previous testicular surgery; or two or more pregnancy losses. The NHS lists similar factors for early referral.
Female fertility declines gradually from the late twenties and more steeply after 35, so timing matters. An early assessment doesn't commit you to anything — it simply gives you accurate information about where you stand, so any decisions you make are informed rather than rushed.
At a first consultation we'd usually talk through your medical history, your cycle, and your wider health, then suggest the right initial tests for both partners. You can read more about what those look like in our guide to fertility testing, or see our transparent pricing for consultations and investigations.
