Making a baby can take a little more time than we might expect, so when do we know when it's time to seek help from a specialist? Obstetrician/Gynecologist Mark Kan explains.

Your question
How long should you try to conceive before seeking help from a fertility specialist?

Ob/Gyn Mark Kan, MD, answers
The classic definition of infertility is unprotected intercourse without conception over a 12-month period. This may apply to some patients but it does not apply to all. Because there is an age-related decline in fertility, women in their late 30s or older should seek counseling and treatment in a shorter time frame.

In addition, women with known risk factors of infertility (i.e., pelvic inflammatory disease, ovulation disorders, etc.) should seek treatment as soon as possible. A reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) specialist is an Ob/Gyn physician who has completed additional training in infertility treatment and endocrinology. REI physicians can help you make the best decisions regarding your fertility options.

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About the author: Mark Kan, M.D., www.NewportFertility.com , is a specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He served as a Clinical Instructor at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York and as the Director of IVF at the University of Washington. Dr. Kan is the Medical Director of Newport Fertility Center in Newport Beach California. He can be reached at (949) 222-1290.