Medically Reviewed By
MBBS (Col), MD (Col) ยท SLMC No. 27329
Consultant Physician ยท Sineth Hospitals, Boralasgamuwa
Trying for pregnancy can be stressful when it takes longer than expected. This tool checks basic factors such as age, duration of trying, cycle regularity and known fertility-related conditions to suggest whether routine trying may still be reasonable or whether fertility assessment should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Answer each question as accurately as you can. This tool takes approximately 2 minutes to complete and provides educational guidance only.
Answer each question as accurately as you can. The tool considers your age, how long you have been trying, whether your cycles are regular, and specific medical history items. If you are unsure about a medical history question, select "Not sure" โ this generates a caution note rather than a direct recommendation, as the presence or absence of that condition cannot be confirmed without medical evaluation. The tool takes approximately 2 minutes to complete and provides an educational result only.
Standard clinical guidance suggests that fertility evaluation is generally considered after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse for those under 35, and after 6 months for those aged 35 or over. However, earlier assessment is often appropriate when certain risk factors are present โ such as a known diagnosis of PCOS or endometriosis, previous pelvic infection, history of pelvic or tubal surgery, or a known or suspected male-factor concern.
Recurrent miscarriage (two or more pregnancy losses) is also a reason to seek earlier evaluation, regardless of how long pregnancy has been attempted. A healthcare professional can advise based on individual circumstances.
Fertility declines with age, with more noticeable changes beginning in the mid-thirties. Ovarian reserve and egg quality reduce over time, which can lower the probability of conceiving per cycle and increase the time it takes to conceive. This is why clinical guidelines recommend shorter waiting periods before evaluation as age increases.
For those aged 40 or over, prompt discussion with a healthcare professional is generally recommended rather than waiting 6 or 12 months. Earlier investigation gives more time to identify and address any contributing factors.
Menstrual cycle regularity can indicate whether ovulation is occurring consistently. Irregular cycles โ where the time between periods varies significantly from month to month โ can make it more difficult to predict fertile days and may sometimes be associated with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid dysfunction.
This does not mean irregular cycles always indicate a fertility problem, but they are a factor that a healthcare professional may want to investigate if pregnancy has not occurred within an expected timeframe.
Common fertility risk factors include conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, previous pelvic infection (including infections affecting the fallopian tubes), ectopic pregnancy, and pelvic or tubal surgery. Male-factor issues โ including abnormal sperm count, motility, or morphology โ account for a significant proportion of fertility difficulties, which is why this tool asks about male-factor concerns.
Recurrent miscarriage and previous unsuccessful fertility treatment are also relevant. Awareness of these factors helps a healthcare professional determine the appropriate direction for evaluation and, if needed, treatment.