How Long Is Considered Infertility? What You Need to Know

What Is Infertility?

Honestly, infertility can be one of the most frustrating and emotionally draining experiences for anyone trying to conceive. But before we dive deep into how long infertility is considered, let's take a step back and define what it actually is. Infertility refers to the inability to get pregnant after one year of regular, unprotected sex. If you're under 35, that's the guideline typically followed by doctors.

Well, the first thing that might come to mind is: "Why one year?" It’s a question I’ve asked myself, especially after hearing so many stories of couples who had trouble conceiving in the first few months. But, the general consensus in the medical community is that if you’ve been trying for over a year (or six months if you're over 35), then it’s time to start thinking about infertility treatment or consultation.

Factors That Influence Infertility

Age and its Impact on Fertility

Actually, the first thing I learned when I started reading more about infertility is how much age plays a role. After 30, women’s fertility naturally starts to decline, and by the time they hit 40, the chances of conceiving naturally can drop significantly. It’s something that’s not always talked about enough, but it’s really important to be aware of.

I had a conversation with a close friend recently who’s been trying for a baby, and after a year, she was starting to worry. She’s 36, and she’s been feeling the pressure of those statistics weighing on her. Of course, everyone’s body is different, but age is definitely a factor.

Male Infertility – It’s Not Just a Women’s Issue

Honestly, when we talk about infertility, we often think of the woman’s fertility. But male infertility is just as common. In fact, about 40% of infertility cases are due to male factors. So if you’ve been trying for over a year, don’t forget to include both partners in the conversation.

I remember a couple I know had been struggling to conceive for two years before they decided to check in with a specialist. Turns out, the male partner had low sperm count, and after some medical intervention, they finally succeeded. Sometimes it’s just a small piece of the puzzle that needs to be addressed.

How Long Is Too Long? When to Seek Help

The One-Year Rule for Women Under 35

So, when does infertility become a real concern? Well, if you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year with no success, it’s generally considered time to seek professional help. A year can feel like an eternity when you’re trying to conceive, and that pressure can cause stress, but this timeline is important for a reason.

That said, if you’re experiencing irregular periods, painful cycles, or any other signs that something might be off, it’s okay to seek help sooner. I know several people who sought help after just a few months, and it made a huge difference.

If You’re Over 35: Six Months

Now, here’s where things get a little tricky. If you’re over 35, the general guideline is to seek help after six months of trying without success. Why? Simply put, fertility declines faster as you get older. Waiting a full year can waste precious time. I remember when I turned 36, I found myself wondering whether I was running out of time, and it was both a scary and motivating thought.

Beyond Age: Other Signs That It Might Be Time to Seek Help

Okay, so what if you're not even sure if you should wait a year or six months? There are other signs that could indicate you should seek help earlier. For instance, if you or your partner have a history of reproductive health issues (like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, or a history of cancer treatments), it's probably a good idea to consult a doctor even before hitting the one-year mark.

If you’ve had multiple miscarriages or notice that one of you has unexplained medical conditions affecting fertility, don’t wait. I’ve heard so many people share how frustrating it was to keep waiting only to find out that some early intervention could have saved them time and heartache.

What Are the Next Steps After Trying for a Year (or Six Months)?

Seeing a Fertility Specialist

Once you hit that milestone of trying for a year or six months, it’s time to meet a fertility specialist. I have friends who thought they could handle everything themselves, but trust me, getting a professional’s opinion can be a game-changer. They’ll typically start with some basic tests for both partners, like sperm analysis for the male and ultrasound and hormone tests for the female.

It might feel intimidating at first, but these specialists are used to helping couples navigate these emotions. Don’t feel bad about seeking help, it's literally their job to make this process as smooth as possible for you.

Fertility Treatments

If infertility is confirmed, there are a variety of treatment options available, from medications to help regulate ovulation to in vitro fertilization (IVF). The decision will depend on your diagnosis and your personal situation. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, no doubt about it, but there’s a lot of support out there for couples going through it.

Conclusion: Infertility Doesn’t Define You

Honestly, knowing when infertility is a concern and when to seek help is an important first step. It can feel overwhelming, especially when you see so many around you conceiving without any issues, but you’re not alone in this journey. Infertility doesn’t define you, and there’s a world of support, guidance, and treatment options available. Take things one step at a time, and remember to be kind to yourself through the process.

Whether it’s after six months or a year, the most important thing is to have a plan and seek help when you need it. It’s not about the time it takes, it’s about finding the right path forward.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.