How long can you rely on things working out on their own? And at what point does it make sense to seek medical advice and, if necessary, treatment? Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to these questions, but there are medical indicators you can use as a guide. It is neither premature to seek medical advice at an early stage, nor is it wrong to choose the natural route initially and give it time. The key factor is what feels right for you.
Why it is so difficult to judge the right moment
At the start, the hope is usually for a natural pregnancy. But the longer it takes, the more pressing the question becomes: should we wait a little longer, or is it better to take action? Many couples feel uncertain at this stage because they fear they might choose the wrong moment – acting too soon or too late. This is precisely where we would like to support you by providing medically sound guidance.
Professional support does not mean the end of hope for a natural pregnancy
Many couples immediately associate the idea of fertility treatment with a complex medical procedure. Yet an initial assessment serves only one purpose: to gain clarity. The aim is to identify possible causes at an early stage, not to start treatment straight away. In many cases, the diagnostic tests show that everything is within the normal range, and couples can continue to try to conceive naturally with greater confidence. In other cases, the reasons for the lack of pregnancy can be identified and treated specifically. Both outcomes are beneficial.
When a medical assessment is recommended
For women under the age of 35, the following applies: after around 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse without becoming pregnant, it is time to seek an initial medical assessment. As fertility declines with age, this timeframe is reduced to around six months from the age of 35. Known health factors such as irregular periods, endometriosis, previous abdominal surgery or recurring pain also suggest that it is advisable to seek medical advice sooner.
As the inability to conceive always affects both partners, we at the Dr Loimer Fertility Clinic also recommend a sperm analysis to assess sperm quality. This is particularly advisable if there are known pre-existing medical conditions or if the man is over 40 years of age.
What is assessed during an initial assessment
An initial fertility assessment usually involves several steps:
- Blood test to determine relevant values
- Hormone analysis to assess the menstrual cycle
- Ultrasound scan to assess the ovaries and uterus
- Fertility assessment for both partners
These tests provide a sound basis and reveal whether any abnormalities are present. We will, of course, discuss with you in advance which of these are necessary in your specific case.
Benefits of early assessment
An early assessment can give you peace of mind on several levels, both medically and personally:
- Medical clarity: Even simple basic tests, such as hormone tests or a semen analysis, can reveal whether the causes are hormonal or organic.
- Peace of mind: Uncertainty is often more stressful than any medical examination. It can sometimes even affect your relationship or your day-to-day life. A clear medical treatment plan takes the pressure off the situation and gives you back the feeling that you can take action.
- Better chances of conceiving naturally: Often, even small measures – such as careful follicle monitoring to determine ovulation – are enough to significantly increase the chances of a natural pregnancy.
- A better starting point for further steps: Should further treatment, such as artificial insemination, become necessary, early diagnosis significantly shortens the path to it. By the way: in Austria, the IVF Fund covers up to 70 per cent of the costs of IVF treatment under certain conditions.
Support at the Dr Loimer Fertility Clinic
Unfortunately, when you’re trying for a baby, there’s no one-size-fits-all ‘right time’ for medical assessment or treatment. If you’re unsure whether now is the right time, you’re not alone. At the Dr Loimer Fertility Clinic in Linz, we’ll help you find the right time for you. During a personal consultation, we’ll look at your individual situation and discuss which tests and next steps make sense for you. Please get in touch. Together, we’ll work out which path is right for you.
July 2026