Everyone’s experience of having a baby is different, and knowing when to seek help can be confusing.
If you’re considering starting a family in the near future, understanding your own unique fertility is the best thing you can do.
How long should I wait?
As fertility declines with age, your biological clock is the most important factor to consider.
The graph below shows the recommended time frames for trying to conceive naturally before seeking help. For example, if you are 39 years old you should consider seeking help after 5 months, and should definitely be seeking advice after 1 year.
You can check where you sit on the graph and your specific timeframes using the biological clock.
For more information about fertility and the biological clock, visit our ‘How age affects fertility’ page.
When to seek advice early
- If you have polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, or have been through a cancer diagnosis: we recommend you get in touch quickly so we can talk you through all your options and give you the greatest possible chance of success.
- If you’re a single woman considering motherhood: it’s best to approach us early, as there can be a waiting time for sperm donors.
If you have any concerns at all around your fertility, we recommend you talk to one of our expert fertility doctors for more information and to get a better idea of the options available. We’re here to offer you advice, assistance, and your best chance of having a baby.
