Illustration: Nica Patricio
It?s estimated that one in eight Canadian couples deals with infertility, so if you?ve been trying to conceive without success, you aren?t alone. But when should you seek help" And what might fertility treatments entail" Here is a primer on fertility treatments.
When do I need to start worrying about infertility"

If you have been having unprotected intercourse for one year and haven?t conceived, you meet the clinical definition of infertility. At this point, it?s recommended that you see a fertility specialist. However, according to Ellen Greenblatt, the clinical director of Mount Sinai Fertility in Toronto, if you?re over the age of 35, you should see a specialist after six months of trying to get pregnant because your window for successfully conceiving is getting smaller. What will happen when I see a fertility doctor"

A fertility specialist will gather all the information she needs to figure out what might be preventing you from conceiving. Keep in mind that it could be something to do with the female partner, the male partner or a combination of both.
The doctor will start by asking you questions about your medical history, focusing on your menstrual cycle, reproductive history, underlying conditions (such as thyroid dysfunction) and previous illnesses or surgeries that might affect your fertility, as well as symptoms that may indicate endometriosis. ?We?re looking for any red flags that point to where the problem mi...