When to Stop Googling and See a Fertility Doctor

Trying to start a family is one of life’s most exciting chapters, but if months go by without success, it’s easy to fall into the habit of late-night Google searches. I meet many patients who come in after hours of reading online, feeling overwhelmed and more confused than when they started. While online resources can provide some background information, nothing compares to sitting down with a fertility specialist who can give you answers specific to your situation.

Signs It’s Time for a Fertility Consultation

Every couple’s journey is unique, but there are a few clear indicators that I and my colleagues encourage people to watch for.

1. You’ve been trying for a year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most healthy couples conceive within 12 months of unprotected sex. As Dr. Mark Denker often explains, “If you’re under 35 and haven’t conceived after a year, that’s the right time to consider fertility testing.”
2. You’re over 35 and have been trying for six months. Fertility declines with age, especially after 35. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends seeking a fertility consultation sooner if you are over 35 and haven’t conceived after six months of trying.
3. You have known risk factors. Conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), pelvic infections, or previous reproductive surgeries can affect fertility. Men with low sperm counts, undescended testicles, or certain health issues may also benefit from an early evaluation.
4. You’ve experienced multiple miscarriages. Recurrent pregnancy loss can be emotionally draining and may point to underlying issues that require professional fertility testing and treatment.

What to Expect at Your First Fertility Checkup

I know the first visit can feel intimidating. My goal and the goal of our entire team is to make that appointment reassuring rather than stressful. Here’s what usually happens:

• Medical History Review. We’ll talk through your cycles, medical history, and lifestyle factors.
• Physical Exams and Lab Work. Blood tests may be ordered to evaluate hormone levels and overall health.
• Fertility Testing. This can include ovarian reserve testing, semen analysis, or ultrasounds, depending on your needs.
• Discussion of Options. Based on your results, we’ll go over potential next steps, whether that’s simple lifestyle adjustments or advanced treatments like IVF.

As Dr. Kreiner often tells patients, “The goal of this first visit isn’t to overwhelm you. It’s to give you clarity and a plan.”

Common Myths About Infertility

One of the biggest reasons I urge patients to come in rather than keep Googling is because misinformation spreads quickly online. Here are some myths I address often:

• Myth: Infertility Is Always the Woman’s Fault.

In reality, male factors contribute to about one-third of infertility cases.

• Myth: Relaxing Will Solve the Problem.

While stress can affect overall health, infertility is almost always linked to medical factors that require evaluation.

• Myth: IVF Is the Only Option.

Most couples conceive with less complex treatments before ever needing IVF.

Sorting fact from fiction is one of the biggest reasons to step away from Google and seek a professional fertility consultation.

Emotional Benefits of Seeing a Fertility Specialist

Infertility is not only a physical challenge but also an emotional one. Constant online searching can create stress, self-blame, and uncertainty. Meeting with a fertility doctor provides:

• Peace of Mind. Clear answers replace speculation and guessing.
• Support. A specialist validates your concerns and guides you through the next steps.
• Hope. Knowing you have a path forward can make the process feel less isolating.

Acknowledging the emotional side of infertility is an important step toward making informed decisions with confidence.

Why Seeing a Local Fertility Doctor Matters

Fertility treatment can feel challenging, and traveling long distances only adds to the stress. Working with a nearby clinic means less time on the road and more time focusing on your well-being. Local specialists also provide consistency, so you’ll see the same team throughout your journey, which helps build trust and comfort. I’ve seen how much comfort it brings families in South Florida to know they have a trusted clinic close to home, where they can build relationships with the same doctors and nurses throughout their journey.

How Palm Beach Fertility Center Can Help

At Palm Beach Fertility Center, we guide clients through every stage of their fertility journey with compassion and advanced medical care. During your first fertility checkup, our specialists provide thorough evaluations, clear explanations, and a personalized plan tailored to your needs. We offer a wide range of services, from in vitro fertilization (IVF) and fertility preservation to egg donation and genetic testing, so you have access to the latest treatment options.

Our mission is to help you move beyond uncertainty and take confident steps toward building your family.

Schedule your fertility checkup in Palm Beach today. Call us at (888) 819-5177 or request an appointment online to meet with our experienced fertility specialists.