What the Term “Infertility” Really Means — and When You Should See a Specialist

By Madison
November 5, 2025

Reading Time: 2 minutes

What the Term “Infertility” Really Means — and When You Should See a Specialist

Key Takeaways:

Infertility is more common than you might think — affecting about 1 in 6 couples.
It’s defined by timing and consistency of trying, not by age alone.
Both partners can contribute equally to infertility challenges.
Seeing a fertility specialist early can improve your chances of success.
At RPSD, we take a personalized, compassionate approach to help you find answers and hope.

Understanding the Word “Infertility”

When people hear the word infertility, they often think it means they’ll never be able to have children — but that’s not true.
In medical terms, infertility simply means difficulty getting pregnant after a certain period of regular, unprotected intercourse.

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM):

For women under 35, infertility is defined as not conceiving after 12 months of trying.
For women 35 and older, it’s 6 months of trying without success.

If you’ve been trying for longer than those timeframes, it’s time to see a fertility specialist to uncover potential causes and discuss your options.

Infertility Is Common — and Treatable

You’re not alone. Around 15% of couples experience infertility at some point.
And in about 40% of cases, the cause involves the female partner; another 40% involve the male partner; and the remaining 20% are due to a combination of factors or remain unexplained.

At RPSD, we see infertility as a medical condition with many possible causes — not a reflection of your worth, your health, or your future family potential.

When to Seek Fertility Help

You should consider scheduling a consultation with a fertility specialist if:

You’ve been trying for 12 months (under 35) or 6 months (35 and older)
You’ve had irregular or absent periods
You’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, endometriosis, or thyroid conditions
You’ve had pelvic infections, surgery, or tubal issues
You’ve experienced multiple miscarriages
Your partner has had abnormal semen results or urological conditions

Even if you’re not ready to start treatment, an early consultation helps you understand your fertility health and options for the future.

Fertility Evaluation: What to Expect

During your first visit to Reproductive Partners San Diego, our team will guide you through a comprehensive evaluation that may include:

Bloodwork to check hormones and ovarian reserve
Ultrasound imaging to assess the uterus and ovaries
Semen analysis for your partner
Review of your medical history and lifestyle factors

The goal is to find answers — and then create a personalized plan to help you achieve pregnancy in the safest, most effective way possible.

Whether you’re just starting to try or have been on this journey for a while, understanding infertility is the first step toward empowerment.
At RPSD, we believe every family’s path to parenthood is unique. Our specialists combine advanced science, holistic wellness, and compassionate care to support you every step of the way.

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to talk to a fertility expert, we’re here for you. Schedule a discovery call today to take control of your reproductive health.